Paihia
Situated in the North Island of New Zealand, Pahia is the beating heart of the Bay of Islands just over 3 hours north of Auckland. There are plenty of great beaches to choose from for safe swimming and good fishing. The shore is lined with pohutakawa trees and the sea is calm. Children enjoy the popular playground at the end of Te tii bay. It is a short walk to the town of Waitangi. At the other end of town you will find Kelly Tarlton’s Shipwreck Museum attached to the wharf. The shipwreck contains all sorts of trinkets and memorabilia from the sea floor. Dolphins frequent the warmer waters of Paihia and there are lots of charters and day trips to take you out to see them. Visit some of the outer islands by tall ship or charter your own boat and go fishing for the day. There are a number of skippered fishing and dive charters with some of them offering an overnight option. The scenic walks from Paihia are relatively easy ranging from the Paihia View Point walk which takes one hour return to the 8 hour trek to Cape Brett. Haruru Falls is a small community close to Paihia with its best feature an undulating waterfall. Set in native bush it is a lovely place for a swim. Maori culture is well represented in the area with the Waitangi Treaty Grounds close by. Take a guided tour to see a Maori cultural performance, maori waka and traditional meeting house. Lunch and dinner cruises to historical Russell depart regularly. For a unique dining experience in Paihia try 35 degrees south, an aquarium restaurant on the water. Watch the parade of local fish in the 60000 litre aquarium swim past your table. Piahia is the ideal base to take a bus tour from. Take a tour up to Cape Reinga along 90 mile beach and try sand tobogganing, or visit the ancient Waipoua Kauri Forest.
There is action a plenty around Piahia. Action World provides hours of fun with rock climbing, trapeze and high wing walks just some of the activities on offer. Other attractions in the area include horse trekking, skydiving, parasailing and helicopter scenic flights. Kayaking is a rewarding experience either out on the sea or in the sheltered waters of Haruru Falls. A large variety of accommodation is available in Paihia. Motels make up a large part of this although there are some delightful lodges and bed and breakfasts here. Pick up a souvenir from one of the arts and crafts boutique shops or indulge in a long lunch along the picturesque waterfront. Relax at the Bay of Islands Swordfish Club, the oldest fishing club in New Zealand overlooking the beautiful waters of Piahia and Russell.