Paihia Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Paihia showing a bay or harbour, tranquil scenes and a sunset
Paihia
Paihia which includes a river or creek
Paihia
Paihia which includes a sunset, a church or cathedral and heritage architecture

Excellent bars and restaurants, picturesque walking trails and sandy beaches mean this popular tourist town offers plenty to do.

Visit Paihia to swim, sea kayak, big game fish and hike. This coastal town is known for its proximity to some of New Zealand’s beautiful natural areas, including a winding river, a horseshoe-shaped waterfall and a mature mangrove forest. Book an afternoon cruise to explore the remarkable Bay of IslandsOpens in a new window.

The town contains bars and cafés with stunning oceanfront views. Head down to the waterfront and the Paihia WharfOpens in a new window and find restaurants serving fresh, locally caught seafood. Bars along the waterfront showcase some of New Zealand’s best wines and craft beers. Dolphin-watching cruises and big game fishing charter companies also operate near the wharf.

Paihia Town BeachOpens in a new window is a good swimming and sunbathing spot, featuring golden sand and pristine waters. To the north of town is Te Tii Bay, a beautiful sandy stretch with a popular children’s playground. Rent a sea kayak to explore Te Tii Bay’s calm waters. Browse nearby gift stores for souvenirs and locally made handicrafts.

Venture inland and find Haruru FallsOpens in a new window about 5 kilometres (3 miles) from Paihia. The spectacular waterfall is the historic site of a Māori trading village and an early European settlement. From the site, follow a walking path leading to Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Admire pretty mangroves from a raised boardwalk section of the scenic 6-kilometre (4-mile) trail and look for native flora and water birds, including heron.

At the end of the path, arrive at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, a site of national historical importance situated about 2 kilometres (1 mile) from Paihia. The Treaty of Waitangi was signed in the grounds in the mid-19th century. Known as New Zealand’s founding document, the treaty signifies an agreement between Māori “rangatira” (chiefs) and the British. Browse the educational displays in the Treaty House.

Paihia is located in New Zealand’s Bay of Islands, about 230 kilometres (140 miles) from AucklandOpens in a new window. Choose from many different accommodations, including luxurious oceanfront hotels with spa facilities and affordable modern apartments.

With picturesque natural areas, fine restaurants and outdoor activities, Paihia is a great place to stay when visiting the Bay of Islands.

Kingsgate Hotel Autolodge Paihia
Kingsgate Hotel Autolodge Paihia
3.5 out of 5
104 Marsden Road, Paihia
The price is NZ$171 per night from 12 July to 13 July
NZ$171
12 July - 13 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star eco-certified hotel in Paihia. Enjoy free parking, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (999 reviews)
"It was really good place to stay for holiday"

Reviewed on 28 Jun. 2025

Kingsgate Hotel Autolodge Paihia
Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands
Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands
4 out of 5
58 Seaview Road, Paihia
The price is NZ$160 per night from 1 Aug to 2 Aug
NZ$160
1 Aug - 2 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star luxury hotel in Paihia. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Paihia Beach and St Paul’s Church are ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (966 reviews)
"Lots of space in the Rooms and were really warm. We did include the breakfast in hotel stay. Lots of variety in buffet breakfast and it was really yum and staff was really good too. Highly recommended"

Reviewed on 22 Jun. 2025

Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands
Edgewater Palms Apartments
Edgewater Palms Apartments
4 out of 5
8 - 10 Marsden Road, Paihia
The price is NZ$315 per night from 4 July to 5 July
NZ$315
4 July - 5 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star luxury aparthotel in Paihia. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Paihia Beach and St Paul’s Church are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (255 reviews)
"car park and drive way very nerrow"

Reviewed on 7 Jun. 2025

Edgewater Palms Apartments
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Edgewater Palms Apartments
Edgewater Palms Apartments
4 out of 5
8 - 10 Marsden Road, Paihia
Stay at this 4-star luxury aparthotel in Paihia. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Paihia Beach and St Paul’s Church are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (255 reviews)
"car park and drive way very nerrow"

Reviewed on 7 Jun. 2025

Edgewater Palms Apartments
Sea Spray Suites
Sea Spray Suites
4 out of 5
138 Marsden Road, Bay of Islands, Paihia
Stay at this 4-star beach aparthotel in Paihia. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Te Ti Bay and Paihia Wharf are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (691 reviews)
"Very good apartment lots of room wonderful views. Would come back again."

Reviewed on 12 Jun. 2025

Sea Spray Suites
Blue Pacific Quality Apartments
Blue Pacific Quality Apartments
4 out of 5
166 Marsden Road, Paihia, Bay Of Islands, Paihia
Stay at this 4-star beach aparthotel in Paihia. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Popular attractions Te Ti Bay and Action World are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (200 reviews)
"Amazing place to stay. Everything you could want is supplied at this accommodation. Perfect views of the area"

Reviewed on 29 Jun. 2025

Blue Pacific Quality Apartments
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Reviews of Paihia

4.6
Top destination
5 - Excellent
268
5 - Excellent 67%
4 - Good
126
4 - Good 31%
3 - Okay
5
3 - Okay 1%
2 - Disappointing
2
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
1
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Great location to unwind and relax. Trip to Waitangi Treaty Grounds is a must. Recommend to go to Russell via ferry too.

5/5 - Excellent

anthony

Service in town was friendly and good. Parking was easy and a lovely beach!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

I love the atmosphere in Paihia; a real holiday vibe and such a beautiful scenic town. This was my second visit and i will visit again.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

A great place to stay with the added bonus of being a good starting place for much of NZ's earlier history combined with tourist sports for young and not so young people. Give the sand dune sliding a go.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Love it nice peaceful and quiet

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Would go back tomorrow

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