Paihia

Travel Guide
Paihia which includes signage
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 Islands.

The town contains bars and cafés with stunning oceanfront views. Head down to the waterfront and the Paihia Wharf 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 Beach 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 Falls 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 Auckland. 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.

Dolphin Motel
Dolphin Motel
4 out of 5
69 Williams Road, Paihia
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥12,614 per night from Apr 11 to Apr 12
¥12,614
per night
Apr 11 - Apr 12
Stay at this 4-star motel in Paihia. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (617 reviews)
"We booked 3 rooms and none of them had a decent hot water system. The hot water ran cold after 2 minutes in all of them The rooms are getting very dated. However the staff were very friendly and helpful Location was good"

Reviewed on Mar 20, 2024

Dolphin Motel
Kingsgate Hotel Autolodge Paihia
Kingsgate Hotel Autolodge Paihia
3.5 out of 5
104 Marsden Road, Paihia
The price is ¥14,901 per night from Apr 21 to Apr 22
¥14,901
per night
Apr 21 - Apr 22
Stay at this 3.5-star family-friendly hotel in Paihia. Enjoy free parking, breakfast, and WiFi. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (993 reviews)
"This was by far the most comfortable bed we slept in during our time in New Zealand. Our room was large and cozy. I liked that the sink, toilet, and shower were all in separate spaces - making it easy for us to share the space. The hotel is in a great location - the pier being a 4 min walk from our ..."

Reviewed on Mar 25, 2024

Kingsgate Hotel Autolodge Paihia
Paihia Pacific Resort Hotel
Paihia Pacific Resort Hotel
3.5 out of 5
27 Kings Road, Paihia
The price is ¥13,245 per night from Apr 9 to Apr 10
¥13,245
per night
Apr 9 - Apr 10
Stay at this 3.5-star eco-certified hotel in Paihia. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (459 reviews)
"I like the location and also the size of the room where we stay is large"

Reviewed on Mar 25, 2024

Paihia Pacific Resort Hotel
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.
Sea Spray Suites - Heritage Collection
Sea Spray Suites - Heritage Collection
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! (649 reviews)
"Great view!!"

Reviewed on Mar 4, 2024

Sea Spray Suites - Heritage Collection
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 nearby. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (179 reviews)
"Great location with amazing view of bay!"

Reviewed on Mar 21, 2024

Blue Pacific Quality Apartments
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 terrace. Popular attractions Paihia Beach and St Paul’s Church are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (219 reviews)
"The Palms are really well appointed and convenient. On site parking and great staff support. Amazing views and the Bay of Islands to swim in across the road, 20m from the front door!"

Reviewed on Feb 25, 2024

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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Paihia

4.6
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
33
" "5 - Excellent 67.34693877551021%
4 - Good
14
" "4 - Good 28.571428571428573%
3 - Okay
0
" "3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
1
" "2 - Disappointing 2.0408163265306123%
1 - Terrible
1
" "1 - Terrible 2.0408163265306123%

5/5 - Excellent

Denya
Mar 11, 2020

A fun place to visit & explore the various sites 

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Feb 18, 2020

Beautiful place for future family destination for possible camping and fishing :)

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Jan 9, 2020

Nice sea town with a shopping area and walking distance to attractions and transportation

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Jan 8, 2020

Decent restaurant and grocery options - parking a challenge in midday.

5/5 - Excellent

Zina
Oct 30, 2019

Greens restaurant is the best restaurant in the area...thai and indian food. The thai food is fantastic.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Aug 31, 2019

Absolutely gorgeous, friendly and knowledgable people, great food options, heaps of choice of attractions and sightseeing. Historic, and engaging.