Iain And Janet’s guidebook
Sightseeing
A few places of interest that will help you enjoy the area.
At the street end of the Wharf you will find the tourist information centre where all manner of travel advise is available.
The booking office there is where you can book boat trips to go and see our beautiful islands.
There are many other water based activities that can be booked at the offices along the wharf.
This is where you get the passenger ferry across to Russell.
There are two excellent restaurants on the wharf where you can eat above the water.
7 locals recommend
Paihia Wharf
At the street end of the Wharf you will find the tourist information centre where all manner of travel advise is available.
The booking office there is where you can book boat trips to go and see our beautiful islands.
There are many other water based activities that can be booked at the offices along the wharf.
This is where you get the passenger ferry across to Russell.
There are two excellent restaurants on the wharf where you can eat above the water.
Waitangi is the birthplace of European settlement in New Zealand. Here you will see historic buildings and have the opportunity to take a tour that will help explain some of the cultural background of New Zealand.
There is an excellent museum, art gallery and cafe in addition to the historic and cultural offerings here.
62 locals recommend
Waitangi Treaty Grounds
Tau Henare DriveWaitangi is the birthplace of European settlement in New Zealand. Here you will see historic buildings and have the opportunity to take a tour that will help explain some of the cultural background of New Zealand.
There is an excellent museum, art gallery and cafe in addition to the historic and cultural offerings here.
Russell can be accessed by either the passenger ferries from the Paihia town wharf or the car ferry at Opua (3km south of Paihia). Russell was once the capital of New Zealand and has an interesting history. Details can be found in the Russell museum.
It is home to NZ's oldest hotel (The Duke of Marlborough) and the oldest printing press can be found at Pompallier house.
If you are staying in Paihia it is well worth a day trip to explore Russell and enjoy the eateries and historic sites as well as some amazing views.
74 locals recommend
Russell
Russell can be accessed by either the passenger ferries from the Paihia town wharf or the car ferry at Opua (3km south of Paihia). Russell was once the capital of New Zealand and has an interesting history. Details can be found in the Russell museum.
It is home to NZ's oldest hotel (The Duke of Marlborough) and the oldest printing press can be found at Pompallier house.
If you are staying in Paihia it is well worth a day trip to explore Russell and enjoy the eateries and historic sites as well as some amazing views.
These falls are just a few kilometers along the road from Waitangi to Kerikeri and well worth a visit.
They can also be accessed via a wooded walk from Waitangi that follows the river upstream.
21 locals recommend
Haruru Falls
80 Haruru Falls RdThese falls are just a few kilometers along the road from Waitangi to Kerikeri and well worth a visit.
They can also be accessed via a wooded walk from Waitangi that follows the river upstream.
This is a great way to see many of our beautiful islands and maybe even get to go through the hole in the rock if it is calm.
Cruise to the Hole in the Rock
This is a great way to see many of our beautiful islands and maybe even get to go through the hole in the rock if it is calm.
Food scene
Paihia has many places to eat from the casual snack to celebratory dinners. All are within an easy walk of the main centre.
This is the beach south of the town wharf. Along here you will find the lovely old Anglican church, other historic sites and numerous places to eat while looking out across the water.
You can also hire kayaks here.
It is a safe place to swim and play on the beach.
7 locals recommend
Paihia Beach
28 Marsden RoadThis is the beach south of the town wharf. Along here you will find the lovely old Anglican church, other historic sites and numerous places to eat while looking out across the water.
You can also hire kayaks here.
It is a safe place to swim and play on the beach.
Neighbourhoods
A selection of short trails through natural forest that take you to some amazing views. There are many native birds to be seen in these forests as you walk along the track.
Access to these tracks is from School Road which runs behind the main car park in Paihia town. A short drive or walk up the hill will get you to this signboard and the start of the walking tracks.
Opua Forest
Access to these tracks is from School Road which runs behind the main car park in Paihia town. A short drive or walk up the hill will get you to this signboard and the start of the walking tracks.
City/town information
You get to sail on this 10m catamaran and see many of the islands in the Bay. Up to 16 passengers at a time can go on these trips. See their web page for more details.
Barefoot Sailing Adventures
Marsden RoadYou get to sail on this 10m catamaran and see many of the islands in the Bay. Up to 16 passengers at a time can go on these trips. See their web page for more details.
TIPSY OYSTER
50 Kings RdGreat food, good vibe, fabulous sea view from the deck.
Jimmy Jack's Rib Shack
9 Williams RdGreat Ribs, good burgers, and a good choice of drinks.
A choice of Indian or Thai food in comfortable surroundings with a view across to Russell. You may even be served by one of the friendly service robots that deliver meals to tables.
16 locals recommend
GREEN'S - Paihia - Indian and Thai Cuisine
78 Marsden RdA choice of Indian or Thai food in comfortable surroundings with a view across to Russell. You may even be served by one of the friendly service robots that deliver meals to tables.