Paihia
©
Paihia

Paihia

Bay of Islands base town, where Northland boat trips leave for dolphins, kayaking, and island coves.

Paihia is the main tourist base for the Bay of Islands, a stretch of 144 islands off Northland's east coast that is one of New Zealand's most popular summer destinations. The town itself is small — a single main street of tour operators, cafes, and backpacker lodges — but the water is the point.

From the wharf you can book dolphin-watching cruises, sea kayaking trips, and the classic Hole in the Rock boat tour through the Motukokako sea arch at Cape Brett. Swimmers regularly encounter bottlenose dolphins in the wild. The beaches in and around town are sheltered and warm by New Zealand standards, and watersports from diving to parasailing are all on offer.

Paihia is also the jumping-off point for the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where New Zealand's founding document was signed in 1840 — it is a short walk north along the coast. A passenger ferry crosses to the charming historic town of Russell in about fifteen minutes.

Guide

Eating Out

Paihia's dining scene is modest but functional — this is a small tourist town, not a food destination. The main street has cafes and casual restaurants that get very busy in summer. Fresh seafood is the obvious thing to eat: local snapper, crayfish, green-lipped mussels, and scallops are all available, though prices reflect the tourist location. The best option on a tight budget is to grab fish and chips from one of the takeaways on the waterfront and eat by the water.

Guide

Getting There

By bus: InterCity and other coach companies run daily services from Auckland to Paihia, a journey of approximately 3–3.5 hours. This is the standard option for travellers without a car and the most convenient way to arrive from Auckland Airport.

By car: Paihia is about 240km north of Auckland, roughly 3 hours on State Highway 1 and then SH11. The drive through Northland is pleasant. Parking in Paihia can be tight in peak summer season.

Northland Explorer bus: A hop-on/hop-off bus service connects the Bay of Islands with Whangarei and Auckland, useful for multi-stop itineraries through Northland.

By air: Kerikeri Airport, about 25km from Paihia, has daily connections to Auckland (about 35 minutes). Air New Zealand and some smaller carriers operate the route. Transfer to Paihia requires a taxi or shuttle.

Guide

Things to Do

Paihia is a small town, but the Bay of Islands around it is one of New Zealand's great natural playgrounds. The main activities are all water-based: boat tours, dolphin-watching, sea kayaking, diving, and the famous Hole in the Rock cruise. On land, the Waitangi Treaty Grounds are within walking distance and are the most historically significant site in New Zealand.

Guide

When to Go

Paihia and the Bay of Islands has a warm, subtropical climate — one of the warmest and sunniest in New Zealand. It is a year-round destination, but the seasons make a significant difference.

Summer (December–February) is peak season: long days, warm water (around 22°C), and full tour operator programmes. Accommodation prices are highest and availability tightest; book well in advance. The bay can feel crowded with domestic tourists from Auckland.

Autumn and spring (March–May, September–November) are arguably the best times to visit: crowds thinner, prices lower, and weather still good. Dolphin activity in the bay is strong throughout these months.

Winter (June–August) is quieter and cooler. Some operators reduce their schedules. The bay is beautiful in winter light and far less crowded, but not all island tours run in rough weather. Water temperatures drop to around 16°C.

Waitangi Day (6 February) is New Zealand's national day and is celebrated at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds with ceremonies, cultural performances, and large crowds. Worth seeing but plan accommodation very far in advance.