Bay of Islands (Paihia)
Paihia is considered the capital of the Bay of Islands. The town and surrounding area played a key role in shaping the history of New Zealand. Not long after Cook sailed into the bay in 1769, whaling and sealing ships began to arrive in numbers and ignite the inevitable conflict of two cultures. Just across the bay from Paihia you will find Russel, the first capital of New Zealand. These bustling tourist centres teem with cafes and shops and it is here you will find an abundance of activities to keep you occupied.
Things to do in the area range from getting onto the water by boat or kayak to dolphin spot, sail through the Hole in the Rock or even fish. If you'd rather see the place on your feet Waitangi Treaty Grounds gives you an insightful look at New Zealand's history and Russell offers the charm of the early 1800's. For those that wish to travel to the very tip of New Zealand Paihia provides you with a great base for journeying to Cape Reinga Lighthouse the very top of the north island.
Waitangi Treaty Grounds
Waitangi is one of New Zealand's most historic sites where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840 between the local Maori and the British Government. This two day pass allows you access to the Treaty of Waitangi Grounds and includes admission to the Te Kōngahu Museum and Te Rau Aroha Museum and a Maori Cultural performance. During your guided tour, you'll learn about the history of the treaty and discover the stories and events that shaped New Zealand. The cultural performance inside the carved meeting house includes waiata (singing), poi, a display of Maori weaponry and the haka - a war dance New Zealand is well known for.
Cape Reinga & Ninety Mile Beach Full Day Tour with Fuller Bay of Islands - Lunch Included
Journey to the very tip of the North Island and uncover a region of rich Māori tradition along the way on an unforgettable full-day tour. Travel along the sand-swept shore of Ninety Mile Beach in our purpose-built coach and experience sandboarding (weather permitting). In Māori tradition, Cape Reinga or Te Rerenga Wairua is the place where spirits depart on their long journey back to the homeland. Stand at the northernmost point of New Zealand and drink in the panoramic views. As you stand beneath the iconic lighthouse, and watch the Tasman Sea and the mighty Pacific Ocean collide far below, you'll feel the power of this special place. Throughout the day your local driver guide will provide an entertaining and thought-provoking insight into the culture, history and natural wonders of the Far North. Your tour also includes a locally prepared lunch to keep you fuelled throughout the day.
Cape Reinga Scenic Aeroplane Flight and Guided Tour
Today experience the beauty of the North from both air and land. Take a spectacular scenic flight to Cape Reinga over Whangaroa Harbour and the Rangaunu Harbour as well as Coopers Beach, Doubtless Bay and Ninety Mile Beach. The tour also includes a visit to the Cape Reinga lighthouse.
Waitangi Treaty Grounds Guided Tour and Cultural Performance including shuttle
Waitangi is one of New Zealand's most historic sites where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840 between the local Maori and the British Government. This two day pass allows you access to the Treaty of Waitangi Grounds and includes admission to the Te Kōngahu Museum and Te Rau Aroha Museum and a Maori Cultural performance. During your guided tour, you'll learn about the history of the treaty and discover the stories and events that shaped New Zealand. The cultural performance inside the carved meeting house includes waiata (singing), poi, a display of Maori weaponry and the haka - a war dance New Zealand is well known for.
There is a free shuttle service to the grounds, this leaves from the Maritime Building, Pahia Wharf every hour on the half hour. It operates from 9:30 until 15:00.
Paihia Dive NZ - Snorkelling in the Bay of Islands
Board the boat on Paihia wharf for an 8:30am departure. On the way out to the snorkeling site you will cruise through the islands. Look out for dolphins, penguins, seals and marine bird life. It takes approximately 30 minutes on Sentinel to get to Deep Water Cove, and then cruise to a reef area for some snorkeling and lunch. Cruise back though the islands to Paihia, arriving at the wharf around 15:30pm.
Waitangi Golf Club - suggested activity
The Waitangi Course not only provides an exciting and ever changing challenge to the golfer but also the most tremendous panorama of sea and island views over the Bay of Islands and Russell, river and estuary views over Waitangi and Opua and rolling bush and forest views inland over Mount Bledisloe and Puketona.
These views are complemented by well groomed greens and fairways surrounded by areas of flowering native trees which provide sanctuary for many varieties of native birds. As many visiting golfers, particularly those from overseas, claim Waitangi is truly millionaires country for all to enjoy.
In 1932 the then Governor General of New Zealand, Lord Bledisloe and his wife Lady Bledisloe purchased just over one thousand acres of land on the Waitangi Peninsular and donated it to the inhabitants of New Zealand as a place of historic interest and recreational enjoyment for their benefit and use in perpetuity.
This land is known as the Waitangi National Trust and is now administered and managed under the terms of the original gift by the Waitangi National Trust Board. The Waitangi Golf Club leases the land on which the course has been developed from the Trust.
Waitangi Hangi and Concert
Waitangi is just 2km north of Paihia in the Bay of Islands and is arguably one of New Zealand's most historic sites. It was here in 1840 that the Treaty of Waitangi was signed between Maori and the British government. Still on the 400 hectare reserve is the Georgian style home of James Busby, a fully-carved Maori meeting house and Ngatokimatawhaorua, a 37 metre kauri waka (canoe). The latter is one of the largest ever carved and was crafted to mark the centenary of the signing of the treaty in 1940. You will experience Waitangi as part of an intimate Hangi and concert evening. Begin at the Whare Waka Cafe with the unveiling of the Hangi, followed by a themed Cultural Performance in the carved Meeting House. After the show you will be escorted back to the Whare Waka Cafe for your Hangi dinner.
Paihia Dive NZ - Dive The Rainbow Warrior
Dive the Rainbow Warrior, Greenpeace's flagship which was sunk by French saboteurs on July 10, 1985 while it was on its way to protest France's nuclear testing on Mururoa Atoll. She now lies as an artificial reef in the Cavallii Islands at a max depth of 26m and has become a world renowned diving site. The Rainbow Warrior is the 'Jewel of the North'. "When man has destroyed the world through his greed, the Warriors of the Rainbow will arise to save it again."
Bay of Islands Coastal Discovery Scenic Helicopter Flight
Explore a little more of the coastline surrounding the Bay of Islands region on this 30 minute flight. Fly north via the picturesque Kerikeri Inlet, to the Cavalli Islands, before wandering down the coast over Matauri Bay, Takou Bay, Tapuataehi Bay, Purerua Peninsula and over the inner and outer Bay of Islands before landing back on the Paihia waterfront.
Bay of Islands Snorkelling
Discover Northland's magical underwater world. During your memorable snorkelling trip, you will see an abundance of sealife and explore big archways in a well-established marine reserve. The main area for snorkelling is Deep Water Cove on the Cape Brett Peninsula, which is very well known for its clarity of water – even up to 20 metres at times. Many of the local tour boats don’t have the required power or range to explore these waters, but the vessel Pelorus Belle will get you there easily in an enjoyable journey. Take lots of photos, spot some native bird life, or just relax in the sunshine during your comfortable passage through the stunning scenery. Learn about the history and geology of the Islands and with the teams wealth of knowledge of all marine, bird and fish life of the area, you’ll get the best out of your trip.
Hole in the Rock Scenic Helicopter Flight
This 20 minute scenic flight departs from Paihia and flies over Russell, through the spectacular Bay of Islands and out to the famous Hole in the Rock at Cape Brett. The helicopter departs from Salt Airs heli-pad in central Paihia adjacent to the Paihia wharf and maritime area.
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