Welcome to the Bay of Islands if you have arrived in Paihia on your New Zealand Trip. A small town in the North Island, Paihia is known for its sandy beaches, exuberant natural beauty, pretty coral reefs, and most importantly, the birth site of New Zealand. There are a plethora of things to do in Paihia that will leave you enthralled on your trip to this part of New Zealand. Whether it is enjoying adventurous water activities, hiking, or hopping on day tours, Paihia will give you inexhaustible memories on your holiday.
Things To Do In Paihia New Zealand
Here is a list of all the exciting things to do in Paihia Bay of Islands that should definitely make to your to-do list while you are here. So make sure you don’t miss out on any!
- Parasailing
- Sandboarding
- Dolphin Cruise
- Swimming
- Opua Forest Walk
- Paihia Dive
- Russell Tour
- Waitangi Treaty Grounds
- Cape Reinga Day Tour
- Kayaking
1. Parasailing
Discover the enthralling beauty of Bay of Islands from hanging in the air. How? By parasailing. Soaring to a height of 1200 feet on the blue ocean water is definitely some experience. It is here in Paihia that you will get to experience one of the highest and longest flights in New Zealand. If you love water sports, then this should be one of the top things to do in Paihia on your list. This is definitely an experience you should not miss at any cost.
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2. Sandboarding
Do you know what is one of the fun things to do in Paihia? It’s sandboarding. If you have never tried sandboarding, then you wouldn’t realize how much thrilling it is. You lie flat on a surfboard before someone pushes you and you go sliding down the sand dune. It seems childish but it is promisingly exciting. Hokianga sand dunes in Paihia provide an excellent opportunity for sandboarding. It is a great chance for you to do something fun.
3. Dolphin Cruise
One of the most romantic things to do in Paihia is going on a dolphin cruise. Hop on a cruise boat, drive to the middle of nowhere in the ocean where it is just you, your partner (a few more people on the cruise maybe), and dolphins swimming around your boat. Even if do not get to see dolphins, you can enjoy each other’s company out in the ocean. If you are not too fond of dolphins, then you can plan a sunset cruise for you and your partner.
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4. Swimming
Are you wondering what all things to do in Paihia for free there are? It is swimming. You are on one of the most beautiful islands of New Zealand, surrounded by azure blue waters. Thankfully, there are quite a number of sandy beaches too. Why not take advantage of it and go for a quick swim in the cool waters? We bet you won’t be able to resist the tempting waters of the beach. You can do this any time or all the time during your stay in Paihia and you still won’t get enough of it. Don’t go out on the beach if the weather is not favorable.
5. Opua Forest Walk
If you enjoy nature walks, then you should definitely head out on Opua Forest Trail. One of the things New Zealand is abundant in is nature. For those who enjoy hiking, this is one of the top things to do in Paihia. There is even a surprise waiting for you at the end of this gentle 1-hour walk which is the view of a very large Kuai Tree, largest you will ever see in your life, and also the exuberant views of Waitangi. Carry enough water with you.
Address: 0200, 74 School Rd, Paihia 0200, New Zealand
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6. Paihia Dive
One of the best things to do in Paihia when it is raining is scuba diving. You are going to get anyway. Then, why not explore the gems underwater and make a great use f your time rather than sitting indoors and watch the rain falling on the windowpane. Bay of Islands is an excellent place for scuba diving since it is blessed with an abundance of natural beauty. Explore reefs, sea urchins, kelp forests, wrecks of Canterbury and even sea caves as you dive deeper. New Zealand is anyway famous for watersports and while you are in Paihia, you should definitely put it on your list.
Address: 7 Williams Rd, Paihia 0247, New Zealand
Opening Hours: 8:30 am to 5:00 pm (Monday to Friday); 8:30 am to 1:00 pm (Saturday); Closed on Sundays
7. Russell Tour
While you are in Paihia, why not take a quick detour to Russel, another beautiful place in the Bay of Islands? It is just a ferry ride away from Paihia. Once you reach there, you would have plenty of things to do and places to explore on the island. Just like Paihia, it is no less than a New Zealand wonder. You can have ice cream, explore around the town by bus, or go to beaches. It is one of the best things to do in Paihia Bay of Islands. So, if you’re wondering what to do in Paihia for a happening and unusual traveling experience, plan a tour to the town of Russell.
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8. Waitangi Treaty Grounds
Visit the historical Grounds of Waitangi where New Zealand’s founding document was signed. Waitangi grounds is basically the birthplace of New Zealand. There are a number of historical buildings and museums near the ground which you can visit to connect deeply with the historical roots of this place. This place holds great significance in the history of New Zealand. You can even watch the cultural performance happening in the carved meeting house. One of the best things to do in Paihia, visiting this place should definitely make it to your sightseeing tour.
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Address: Tau Henare Dr, Waitangi 0293, New Zealand
Opening Hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
9. Cape Reinga Day Tour
Get to the very top of New Zealand at Cape Reinga and lay your eyes on the most breathtaking views that lie in front of you. This is also where the two oceans collide into each other. So, the site here is heavenly. You will also find a medieval lighthouse on the tip of the place. Take a walk to the beach nearby and even try sandboarding on the dunes nearby.
10. Kayaking
The best part of this particular activity is that a hostel that you’re a guest to can lend you a kayak. Indulging in this adventurous activity will make your whole travel experience memorable. Kayaking in azure water under the bright sun might as well considered to be one of the best cheap things to do in Paihia and will be both thrilling and soothing.
Further Read: New Zealand With Kids: To Pamper The Little Ones With The Best Things To Do!
The list of things to do in Paihia is inexhaustive. We are sure you can add more things to the list once you explore the charming beach town on your holiday in New Zealand. You should definitely consider visiting Paihia if you want to know the roots of New Zealand and experience nature at its best.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Things To Do In Paihia
Is there a car ferry from Paihia to Russell?
Yes, there’s a vehicle ferry service that is functional between Okiato and Opua in order to provide a hassle-fee access to the vehicles in the town of Russell. Even the vehicles like campervans, buses, and trucks can be transferred from one place to another.
How much does it cost to get to Russell Island from Paihia?
The cost for fast jet ferry is around INR 415 along with a go card the both ways while that of the car ferry is INR 8,145.
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If some people enjoy window-shopping, Dhaarna takes pleasure in day-dreaming about solo trips when she’s not working. A gypsy at heart, she likes to spend her money on vacations, plants, and all things boho.
