Paihia instantly puts you into holiday mode. Sitting right on the waterfront to the Bay of Islands, it’s the perfect base for soaking up coastal scenery and learning about Aotearoa’s history.
My friends and I came here for a little weekend getaway in early 2024.
Where to Stay
Paihia has accommodation options to suit pretty much every travel style. We found AirBnB a great choice for our trip. Especially if you want views of the water or somewhere walkable to the small town. For those travelling with a tent or caravan, there are nearby campsites like the Waitangi Holiday Park or Top 10 Paihia. These are ideal if you’re after a more budget-friendly stay with nature right on your doorstep.
Food & Drink
The Blue Door is a local favourite and a solid option for a casual meal or coffee. We came here for brunch by the beachfront.
For a cosy, historic setting, Plough & Feather is a must. Set beside the river in Kerikeri, part of the Mission Station, it’s perfect for a relaxed lunch or evening drink. They do a great wood fired pizza!
We also came across Bad Habits, a steakhouse and bar that was unfortunately closed when we visited. It caught our eye straight away. From the look of it, they stock some seriously cool merch, so it’s worth checking out if it’s open during your stay
Sights & Activities
Paihia Beach
This beach is the heart of the town and a great spot for a morning swim or a lazy afternoon watching boats drift past. Take a look at the gorgeous mural at the end of the bay too!
Across the road, along the beachfront you’ll find many cafes and restaurants with a perfect view of the bay.
Rainbow Falls
One of my favourite outings was Rainbow Falls, an easy walk that takes you through lush greenery to the large waterfall. You can swim in the watering hole at the base of the waterfall but be cautious as it is not a monitored area, and parts of the water get very deep. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also make your way around to get behind the waterfall.
If you take the full, 40 minute trail from the waterfall to end up at the Kerikeri Mission Station it’s well worth the effort and feels like a little escape from the modern town.
Kerikeri Mission Station
The Kerikeri Mission station is an essential stop for understanding New Zealand’s history. This was one of the first places Māori invited visitors to live among them. The Mission House, also known as Kemp House is New Zealand’s oldest standing building.
The grounds of the Mission Station are free to explore but you can purchase a guided tour for around $20 at the Stone Store.
The Stone Store is also one of the country’s oldest surviving buildings, it’s packed with history and makes for a great stop to collect souvenirs.
Thanks for joining me on my journey!
If you’re wanting to explore even more of the Bay of Islands, you can also catch the ferry across to Russell and check out my blog post from a weekend trip there too.
As always, if you want a visual of more things to see around New Zealand, here’s my pinterest board!
