Most visitors to New Zealand who venture further north than Auckland will swing by coastal Paihia, a gateway to the beautiful Bay of Islands. Although it’s not as culturally rich as nearby Waitangi or Russell, nor as big as Kerikeri, Paihia is a handy base for exploring these other destinations. It’s also a good place to book boat tours or kayaking and hiking trips in the Bay of Islands. With some great restaurants, an abundance of accommodation options, and places to replenish camping or other supplies, Paihia offers plenty of things to do.
Paihia is a tourism hub in the ever-popular Bay of Islands, which is particularly busy in the summer (December–February). The New Zealand school summer vacation (late December–late January) means an influx of domestic visitors, especially Aucklanders, so book your accommodation well in advance if you’re planning to visit then. To enjoy good beach weather without the crowds, late spring (November) and late summer to early autumn (February–March) are preferable times to visit.
Paihia itself is a small town and easily navigable on foot. Although many travelers in New Zealand have a rental vehicle, it’s easy enough to explore this area without one if you arrive by long-distance bus from Auckland or Whangārei. Waitangi is just 1.3 miles (2.2 kilometers) from Paihia, so you can walk or bike between these two towns. You can also reach Russell by ferry from Paihia Wharf.
New Zealand in general has a reputation as a very safe country, and although you’re unlikely to be the victim of a serious crime, theft from cars is a long-standing problem. As a popular tourist destination, the Paihia area particularly suffers from this. There’s no permanently staffed police station here, so it’s important to take responsibility for your own safety and security. Always remove valuables from your car or camper van when you’re leaving it, especially if you’re embarking on a long hike like the Cape Brett Track.
