New Zealand

Paihia is the most central town in the famous New Zealand's region called "Bay of Islands", a place less than 3 hours by road North of Auckland. The area comprehend 144 Islands, which are a paradise for boats of all sizes and shapes but also with plenty of other attractions and things to do. In 1769 Capitan James Cook passed with his boat, the Endeavour, by Paihia, but he didn't go to land due a bad reception by the cannibal Maoris of that time. So, he decided not to became the dinner and went somewhere else with his boat. The same luck didn't have the French explorer Marion du Fresne, which trusting in the power of his crew, decided to face the Maoris on land, and all of them end up in the dinner table. This happened in 1772 and it was the first contact from the Europeans with the Maoris in that part of New Zealand. 

Paihia today is a very progressive town, and the most important tourist centre of the entire Bay of Islands region. It is bigger, with better infra structure than the neighbour towns such as  Wangarei, Waitangi, Russell and Kerikeri, but at the same time, they are in easy reach from Paihia with no more than 60 Km to the furthest one. Paihia also has the biggest tourist information centre of the region (photo) and there you'll be able to book one of the hundred tours available for the entire region.Tip: Do not miss a visit to the village of Waitangi -  The house where the Treat of Waitangi was celebrated in 1840 putting one end in the war between the English and the Maori,  establishing the bases for a prosperous New Zealand. The place is as in the same conditions as it was back them. Read about the treat here.

As said before, there are 144 islands in the region and the option of things to see and do are endless, in special activities related to the sea. From Paihia you will be able to engage in a tour to swim with the Dolphins, or take a Kayak or boat tour to visit caves that is possible to cross through (photo) and these are just a couple of examples of great things to do from Paihia. On land, Paihia and surrounding areas offer sensational trekking and walks. From visiting gorgeous waterfalls to walk up fantastic lookouts where the pristine panorama of the islands and bay can be appreciated from above. There are track that pass inside ancient forests of Kauri trees, some more than 1000 years old.  The amount of different species of birds are also sensational and great for those who enjoy to photograph them. On the cultural side, not far from Paihia you will be able to immerse in the Maori Culture. There are much more to do in Paihia than sea adventures and cultural activities, because the town boosts excellent restaurants, pubs, and cafes all with top international quality. For example; do not miss the Passion fruit ice cream, which in the opinion of who is writing, is the best in the world. Also, being Paihia a fishing town, the seafood dishes are the pic. They are always fresh and with a taste difficult to find. The lamb is another top, and if you order a rack of lamb, you'll understand why I use to say that is something to die for. It doesn't matter if with a beer or wine, the food in Paihia is superb.

Visit Waterfalls	Swim with the Dolphins
Fish a Marlin	144 islands to explore

Accommodation in Paihia is not a problem either. Because the town basically lives on the tourism, there are all kind of accommodation for all sizes of pockets. From Luxury to Backpacker Hostels, all are of excellent standards and the prices are not in the moon as some prices in Auckland. During the end of the year vacations and some other breaks such as Easter, we strongly recommend to book in advance, but for the rest of the year the place doesn't get that full and in many places  you can just show up.

How to get to Paihia: There are buses from Auckland to Paihia every day, as well as tour buses that also cover the area.. One way ticket in a normal bus costs one way about NZ$ 55.

Distances by Road:

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