By Liam Naden
New Zealand Travel Expert, about.com
About Paihia:
The small village of Paihia is often called "The
Gateway to the Bay of Islands". It is the main base for all of the tours
operating in this most popular spot in Northland.
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Paihia has an
important history in the development of New Zealand as a nation. It is
only a kilometer from the Treaty Grounds at Waitangi. The earliest
European settlers here were missionaries and the first church in New
Zealand was built here in 1823. Although it remains relatively small
today, it is a bustling tourist center of retail shops and
accommodation. The wharf area is the focus for the water-based
activities for which the Bay of Islands is renowned.
Paihia Location and Getting There
Paihia is the Bay of Islands in the center of Northland in the North Island. It is 60 kilometers (37 miles) north of Whangarei and 23 kilometers (14 miles) from Kerikeri.
There
are two roads leading to Paihia. From the south, take the main highway
north from Whangarei and continue on at the Kawakawa turnoff.
The other road is from Kerikeri, which is the route
to take if traveling from the north. There is also a car ferry between
Russell and Opua.
When to Visit Paihia
Paihia is most
popular in the summer/autumn months, between January and April. It is
hugely popular over New Year; if you want to be there at that time be
sure to book accommodation well in advance.
During the rest of the
year Paihia is fairly quiet. Although the best time to enjoy the water
activities in Paihia is over the summer, it can be very pleasant at any
time of the year. The winters are cool but frosts are rare. Prices are
lower in the winter months as well.
With a subtropical climate, Paihia can often be quite wet, especially in the winter months.
What to See and Do in Paihia
Paihia is a great base from which to explore the whole of the Bay of Islands, and even up to Cape Reinga at the top of the North Island. Some of the best things to see and do in Paihia are:
[post_ads]Beaches:
There are a couple of nice beaches at Paihia. One is to the right of
the wharf area of 'downtown'. The other is to the north, around a small
headland. Both are within easy walking distance. As well as swimming and
sunbathing, you can hire a kayak, hobie cat or windsurfer directly from
the beach.
Trips on the water: There is a wide
variety of boat trips leaving daily from Paihia. These include cruises
of the Bay of Islands (including a visit to the "Hole in the Rock"),
dolphin watching (and even swimming), sailing, fishing and diving. Some
sort of boat trip is a must; it is really the only way to appreciate the
true beauty of the Bay of Islands.
Trip to Ninety Mile Beach and Cape Reinga:
A bus tour to Cape Reinga along Ninety Mile Beach is a great way to
spend a day. Drive along New Zealand's longest "official" beach road to
the northern tip of the North Island.
Walks:
There are some nice walks around Paihia. In addition to strolling
around the town itself, the walk to Waitangi is not far (less than one
kilometer), from where you can explore the Waitangi Treaty Grounds where
the treaty was originally signed.
There is also a good walk to a
lookout over the Bay behind the town. Go the the end of School Road
(from the waterfront) and walk for about 20 minutes through native bush
to the lookout point. If wanting something longer, take the coastal walk
to Opua. This follows the shoreline for most of the way and takes
around 3 hours one way.
Paihia Cafes, Restaurants and Dining
Paihia
has a good range of dining options. The wharf area has several
restaurants and it makes a great place to sit and enjoy the scenery,
both on land and on water.
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Where to Stay in Paihia
Paihia has lots to choose from when it comes to accommodation. There is everything from backpacker hostels to luxury apartments.
For more information on Paihia accommodation
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