Location: Paihia
Top Things to do in Paihia
The 6 Best Free Things to do in Paihia, North Island
If you long to explore New Zealand’s beautiful Bay of Islands, Paihia makes a wonderful base. Known as “the Jewel of the Bay Islands,” this seaside town has golden beaches, lovely coastal walking trails and waterfalls, and a colorful population of local birds. Paihia also holds an important role in the country’s history. It was here, after a century of conflict between indigenous Maori tribes and Western settlers, that peace was finally made and the groundbreaking Treaty of Waitangi was signed.
Restaurants in Paihia
1. Paihia Harbour
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,218 reviews
Reviewed By johncherylh2016 - Hawera, New Zealand
Easy to walk around and take in all that happens around this little harbour. Rather busy, but still a relaxed place with lots of boats coming and going.Sometimes you can see the cruise ship's anchored of shore.
2. The Cabbage Tree Shop
3. Bay of Islands i-SITE Visitor Information Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 296 reviews
Reviewed By nickfreke - Worthing, United Kingdom
Went in to see about at a boat trip to take, and was helped by a very nice lady who gave me great advice after I told her what I wanted. She even recommended eateries in Paihia so we could take food with us on the trip!
4. Opua Forest Lookout Track
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 52 reviews
Reviewed By moatiq - Whangarei, New Zealand
There are 2 walks in this area and you can easily get confused reading the reviews. The one I went for is the Paihia School Road track which is a shorter one. It takes about an hour and a bit from Paihia township up to the lookout and back, going at a steady medium pace. Access is from School Road and you can get to School road through the carpark behind Countdown on Williams Road. With kids and slow leisurely walks, it would be close to hour and half or so. The hike is reasonably easy with well looked after gravel type paths, stairs and walkways. A little way up the hike, the second walk veers off to the left and its the longer one to Opua. View from the lookout area is nice but not as impressive, with vegetation covering off most of it. Take water if its a hot day and good walking shoes. A pleasant way to spend an hour in Paihia during the day.
5. St Paul's Anglican Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 33 reviews
Reviewed By Scotsgirl7911 - Auckland, New Zealand
Beautiful historical church with lovely kept grounds. The beach is directly opposite and JFC restaurant right next door.
6. Pipi Patch Bar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 35 reviews
Reviewed By Roo_0311 - London, United Kingdom
I stayed for 2 nights in mid December and really enjoyed it. The staff are very friendly, fun and helpful. The dorm rooms are spacious and clean, and it is a smaller hostel so a lot easier to get to know each other. They put on a bbq everything evening which you can opt to pay for if you do not feel like cooking. There is happy hour in the bar (no BYO drinks) and every evening they have some sort of game or entertainment which is a great way to meet people and also win some awesome prizes. Definitely recommend it for your stay in Paihia.
