Paihia and Waitangi - North Island, New Zealand

Paihia is the nerve centre of the Bay of Islands and is where much of the action takes place. It is a two kilometre stretch of waterside motels, restaurants and holiday houses always in demand because of Paihia's prime location. Paihia is located on three flat bays looking out towards Russell and the Bay of Islands with a gorgeous backdrop of forested hills.

Paihia offers endless opportunities to pursue exciting water activities, great restaurants, fun bars plus accommodation to suit all budgets; it is no wonder it attracts the majority of the tourists to its fold. The town was named Paihia in 1823 by Maori scholar, Rev. Henry Williams when he was looking for a location to establish the Church Missionary Society's third mission.

At this time, the Maoris were besieged by the European influx. They petitioned the British Crown to protect their land and King James IV sent James Busby as the official British representative. Busby built his house across the Waitangi River where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed by the Maori in 1840.

The Bay of Islands Visitor Centre is on Marsden Rd in Paihia, close to the waterfront. Buses from Auckland stop outside. The adjoining Maritime Building houses booking services for all the major tour and cruise operators and is open till 9 pm during peak season from November to March.

The Bay of Islands airport is about 22 kilometres northwest, close to Kerikeri. Planes from Auckland land here. There is a shuttle bus operating from the airport.

Paihia is a small place and easy to walk around, or you can hire mountain bikes to get around. Hiring a car is also a good way to see the area. There are shuttle services outside the visitor centre which can transport one to six people anywhere around town.

Paihia Accommodation

Paihia offers a fantastic range of accommodation to suit all budgets. The period from Christmas to the second week of the New Year sees a huge increase in motel prices. There are lots of motels, B&Bs (bed and breakfasts), homestays and hostels to choose from, mostly centred around the streets opposite the wharf. Kings Rd is famous for its concentration of backpacker hostels. There are many campsites available.

Paihia Activities

Paihia offers a fabulous base for exploring the Bay of Islands region. It is centrally located and is easily accessible from Kerikeri, Russell, Opua and Waitangi.

Crossing the Waitangi River bridge leads to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, a significant place for both European and Maori as this young nation's struggle for identity began here. There is a guided tour that lasts half a day. In the evenings there is a Sound and Light Show.

It is in this spot that in 1840, Queen Victoria's representative William Hobson and about fifty Maori chiefs signed the Treaty of Waitangi whence the sovereignty of Aotearoa was ceded to the British by the Maori in return for protection. In 1932, this area was gifted by the Governor General back to the people. Restoration activity ensued and the Treaty House was restored to its glory in time for the 1940 centennial celebrations.

You have to pay to enter the Waitangi Visitor Centre and Treaty House and this gives you access to the treaty grounds as well. The Treaty House is flanked by endless manicured lawns; to the northern side of the lawn is the Maori meeting house built between 1931 and 1940 and the interior carvings represent all the tribes or iwi.

The special shelter in the Treaty House grounds is the abode of the world's largest war canoe. It is an impressive boat built by 5 northern tribes and measures over 35 metres in length. It is launched every year on Waitangi Day, rowed by 80 warriors.

The Waitangi Treaty Grounds extend westwards towards the scenic lookout on Mt Bledisloe. Two kms beyond that from the main road, the Haruru Falls is formed where the Waitangi River drops over a basalt lava flow. Its base offers great swimming. Accommodation in Waitangi is best served by Paihia which abounds in a range of accommodation choices,

Paihia has the best range of eating choices in the Bay of Islands region. The restaurants turn into drinking places as the day wears on. There are some great bars along Kings Rd.

There are several options available where you can combine a meal with a cruise or a Maori cultural experience. The entertainment scene is highlighted by two 3-day festivals during winter. The Country Rock festival and the Jazz and Blues festival lend a lot of colour and liveliness to the area.

LooknbookNZ can take care of your Paihia accommodation and Paihia activities bookings and also your Waitangi accommodation and Waitangi activities bookings and allow you and your family/friends to enjoy the delights that Paihia has to offer as a town and as an excellent base from which to explore the exciting Bay of Islands.