Paihia is the main tourist town in the Bay of Islands. For tourists, this town is a perfect starting point to discover the Bay of Islands. It is a popular tourist destination with its restaurants, bars, various shopping centers and beautiful sandy beaches.
You can see the Hole in the Rock, swim with dolphins and discover many islands by joining the boat tours organized to the bay from the port. In Paihia, you can experience one of the best wreck diving of the world at Rainbow Warrior or Canterbury. You can see the famous Kiwi Kauri Tree with a trip to the rain forests surrounding the town. These huge trees have been standing for more than 2000 years.
You can have a relaxing time by watching the beautiful view of the Rainbow Waterfall, which is located just 20 minutes away from Paihia. You can also visit the Haruru Waterfall and dive into the lake. You should definitely see the historical Treaty House, which was home to the Treaty of Waitangi signed in 1840 between the Maori chiefs and Europeans. The treaty is considered to be the beginning of New Zealand. The Stone Store and Mission House are among the oldest historical buildings of New Zealand which should be visited by history enthusiasts.
In Paihia, where you can find the local tastes as well as the dishes from the world cuisines, you must give a chance to the fresh seafood. Fish and chips which you can easily find on the beaches of the town are among the budget-friendly alternatives.
The best time to visit Paihia is February, March and April months. In February, the town is visited by many tourists. Therefore, if you want to have a calmer holiday, you can visit the town in April.