The town could be labeled one of the favored suntraps of New Zealand and today boasts some of the most desired real
estate the
country has to offer. It has not always been like this and in the old days the area was commonly referred to as the hell hole of the Pacific.
The Europeans has established a roaring sealing and whaling trade around the South Pacific area at the time and the common stopover
for all of the sailors was the Bay of Islands. The town harbored a fair number of pubs which were only
equaled in number by the town
brothels.
Quick tips/suggestions
Paihia is a tourists dream. That said, make sure to book your accommodation well ahead in summer or you'll be out of
luck. Same
goes for any tours and activities - the Maritime Building on the waterfront Marsden Road contains booking desks for most of the activities
and cruises out of Paihia.
Best Way to Get Around
Paihia isn't big and thus there is no public transportation system. You should be able to walk everywhere you need to get to,
otherwise catch the Paihia Tuk Tuk, who will pick up and drop off pretty much anywhere in town for $3 per person.
If there's a place you've stayed or something you've done, but we haven't listed, review it for us!
Activities Dolphin Adventures - see them, hear them, swim with them
Dolphin Discoveries - the original but not the best
Excitor - adrenalin pumping adventure out to the hole
Flying Kiwi - experience nz's highest parasail
Paihia Dive - dive the greenpeace rainbow warrior wreck
Island Kayaks - paddle through tranquil waters
Bush n' Bike - absorb the scenery as you ride along the river
Mack Attack - the fastest boat in the bay
R. Tucker Thompson - sail the bay in a two masted schooner
The Rock - an overnight cruise in the bay
PAIHIA
Activities