THE 9 BEST THINGS TO DO IN PAIHIA, NEW ZEALAND IN TWO DAYS

Paihia is a coastal resort town on the North Island of New Zealand, about 230 km (142 miles) from Auckland. It’s the ideal home base to explore the Bay of Islands, one of the most beautiful areas on the North Island. Besides, Paihia means “Good here” in the Maori language.

If you’re looking for a mix of beautiful beaches and natural areas, a buzzing smalltown, and want to learn about New Zealand’s history, Paihia is one of the best places to check out in New Zealand.

Examples include taking a boat tour to the amazing Hole in the Rock inside the Bay of Islands, hiking around beautiful Rainbow Falls, exploring Kawiti Glowworm Caves, and visiting the Waitangi Treaty Grounds.

I was in Paihia for two days in May 2025 and had a blast! So without further ado, I’m psyched to share the 9 Best Things to Do in Paihia in Two Days with you! 😀

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Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds

Address: Tau Henare Drive, Waitangi 0293, New Zealand

Known as New Zealand’s most important historic landmark, Waitangi Treaty Grounds is where the nation of New Zealand was born.

The first Europeans arrived in this area in 1815. After years of negotiations between British settlers and Maori peoples, British Government representatives and Maori chiefs met here to sign the Declaration of Independence in 1835.

On February 6, 1840, the parties also signed the Treaty of Waitangi here, which confirmed shared power of Maori peoples and the British Government in New Zealand.

But the wording of the English and Maori language version of the treaty was quite different, which led to wars in parts of New Zealand for several decades. Finally, this conflict was resolved with the Treaty of Waitangi Act in 1975.

Te Kongahu Museum of Waitangi

Today the Te Kongahu Museum of Waitangi is at this historic site, where visitors can learn about the Treaty of Waitangi from different perspectives.

The exhibit also includes more than 500 photos, short movies, touchscreens, and the original treaty in both languages.

Te Whare Runanga

There’s also Te Whare Runanga, a carved meeting house built in 1940 from timber and other natural materials. It reflects traditional stories and Maori carving styles from across the country.

Besides, cultural performances, like haka (war dances) happen at Te Whare Runanga every day.

Te Whare Runanga and a cultural performance by Maori people. Photo #2 is credit of Waitangi Treaty Grounds.

Waitangi Treaty House

Another highlight of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds is Waitangi Treaty House. James Busby, the official representative of the British Government in New Zealand, moved here with his family in 1834, soon after the estate was brought from Australia.

Busby worked as a mediator between the British Crown and Maori leaders during their negotiations in 1835 and 1840. He also created drafts of the Declaration of Independence and Treaty of Waitangi here.

By 1841, Waitangi Treaty House had several family bedrooms, James Busby’s office, kitchen, living room, servants’ room, storeroom, and a central hallway. The estate was sold by Busby’s family in 1882 and then neglected for the next 50 years.

Governor-General Lord Bledisloe and Lady Bledisloe of New Zealand bought the estate and its surroundings in 1932. They gifted the entire estate to the People of New Zealand as a National Memorial site for the Treaty of Waitangi. The estate was restored in 1933 and again in 1989.

Today visitors can look at themed rooms at Treaty House, like James Busby’s bedroom, welcome area (also used as his office), and parlour (living room), where the final touches to the Treaty of Waitangi were added.

I recommend to spend at least three hours at Waitangi Treaty Grounds to get the full experience. It’s open daily (except December 25 and February 6) from 9 am to 5 pm (9 am to 6 pm from December 26 to February 28). Guided or self-guided tours are available.

Admission is NZ$ 74 for international visitors (NZ$ 37 for New Zealand residents with ID) and is valid for two consecutive days. Waitangi Treaty Grounds is a 5-minute drive from Paihia (or 8 minutes by bike or a 30-minute walk). No public buses go there, unfortunately.

Paihia Beach

Address: 28 Marsden Road, Paihia 0200, New Zealand

Known as one of New Zealand’s best beaches, Paihia Beach is the perfect spot to hang out for a bit. The golden sand beach stretches along the town front of Paihia and is famous for its calm and clear waters.

You can go for a swim, sunbathe, or rent a SUP, kayak, and other gear from Moana Kayaks on the beach.

Paihia Beach is really close to cafés, restaurants, and shops, and visitors can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding islands as well.

This area is partially wheelchair accessible, as some access points have ramps. The paved promenade next to Paihia Beach takes you to the town centre.

Visit Rainbow Falls

Nature fans shouldn’t miss breathtaking Rainbow Falls (known as Waianiwaniwa in Maori). This single-drop waterfall is 27 meters (88 ft) tall and is a popular photo spot any time of the year. It cascades into a large swimming hole surrounded by vegetation.

Visitors can look at Rainbow Falls from several viewpoints. If you have time, include scenic Rainbow Falls Walk, which is an easy path to the base of Rainbow Falls. While I didn’t go all the way, walking around the trees and watching out for wildlife was lots of fun!

Rainbow Falls is near the town of Kerikeri, a 30-minute drive from Paihia. There’s a parking lot just a few minutes from the waterfall. Or you can take InterCity bus to Kerikeri, then walk for about an hour (or take a taxi) to Rainbow Falls.

Take a Boat Tour to Hole in the Rock

The iconic Hole in the Rock (known as Motukokako in Maori or Piercy Island) is another must-see on your Paihia trip. It’s at the very northern tip of Cape Brett Peninsula in the Bay of Islands and is one of most naturally beautiful sites in New Zealand.

This area has been in the hands of Maori peoples for many years. In their culture, Motukokako represents someone who stands strong against all issues, just like a rock resists the power of the sea. When Captain James Cook arrived in the 18th century, he named it Piercy Island.

Wind and waves created the 18-meter (59 ft) hole over centuries. When the water is calm, boats are able to fit through the rather tight hole, which is amazing! Tours can be booked through Get Your Guide or Viator, or a local operator like Fullers Bay of Islands. Half day or full day tours are available.

Besides, watch out for dolphins and whales, and various seabirds on your way to the Hole in the Rock! On my boat tour, it was possible to buy drinks and snacks and the crew told us lots of interesting and entertaining stories about the Bay of Islands area.

Explore Urupukapuka Island

Many boat tours from Paihia to the Hole in the Rock stop at Urupukapuka Island for a bit. It covers 520 acres (208 hectares), which makes it the largest of 144 islands inside the Bay of Islands.

Urupukapuka Island has a mix of sandy beaches, walking trails, and farm areas. Besides, visitors are welcome to go swimming, snorkeling, rent a kayak or paddleboard (in peak season), visit ancient Maori Pa Sites, and enjoy scenic 360º views of the bay.

There’s also a good chance to see some sheep on Urupukapuka Island! In fact, same as in Ireland, more sheep than people live in New Zealand.

Urupukapuka Island has been protected as a recreational reserve since 1970 and is the only island in the Bay of Islands that’s open to the public.

Our vessel anchored at Otehei Bay, which offers beautiful views, as well as beachfront Otehei Bay Restaurant and The Providore’s Gallery and Gift Shop.

Take a Helicopter Tour of the Bay of Islands

A special experience in Paihia is booking a Helicopter Tour of the Bay of Islands! You’ll see the turquoise waters of the Bay of Islands and sandy beaches from a bird’s eye perspective, so it’s quite an upgrade from taking a boat tour!

Salt Air offers scenic 20-minute helicopter flights from its beachfront landing pad in Paihia to the Hole in the Rock and back. Besides, visitors can enjoy views of the town of Russell, the main islands of the Bay of Islands, and Cape Brett Peninsula along the way. The cost is NZ$ 325 for the helicopter tour.

Or book their helicopter tour from Paihia to the Hole in the Rock with a stop on the Hole in the Rock (Motukokako)! Salt Air has an exclusive landing pad on top of the island.

Then the pilot or a local Maori guide will tell you about the island’s unique history and its cultural and ecological importance. Of course, there are awesome photo opportunities as well! This tour starts at NZ$ 445 for 35 minutes (15 minutes on the Hole in the Rock).

Wander around Paihia’s Town Centre

As a popular resort town, strolling around Paihia is a great way to spend an hour or two. For example, there are many nice shops and some items are made in New Zealand, like Manuka Honey beauty products, but also artwork, jewelry, clothing, and so much more!

Another awesome spot to hang out is Paihia Wharf, where the boat tours depart from every day. I climbed up to Bay of Islands from Viewpoint to see the wharf from above!

If you keep walking from the wharf, you’ll find yourself at Paihia Central Park, where a cool dolphin sculpture caught my eye!

If you need a break, there are tons of restaurants and nice cafés in Paihia’s town centre, especially on buzzing Williams Road. Besides, if you’re cooking your own meals, there’s a great selection of grocery stores here.

Finally, the Bay of Islands Farmers Market happens at Paihia’s Village Green Park in the town centre on Thursdays from 10 am to 1:30 pm (October to April).

Check out the Kawiti Glowworm Caves

Address: 49 Waiomio Road, Waiomio 0243, New Zealand

Another awesome attraction near Paihia are the Kawiti Glowworm Caves. It’s supposed to be one of best spots to see glowworms in New Zealand.

Kawiti Glowworm Caves are within the Waiomio Valley and thousands of luminous glowworms live on the ceiling and walls of the cavern.

Visitors get around the 200-meter deep caves via a wooden boardwalk. You’ll also learn about the glowing worms’ life cycle, habits, and their home. Besides, visitors can look at stunning rock formations and a lush rainforest area.

Kawiti Glowworm Caves are about 25 minutes outside of Paihia by car or you can book a Guided Tour from downtown Paihia and back with Get Your Guide. Unfortunately, no public buses go to Kawiti Glowworm Caves. Daytime and Twilight guided tours are available.

Visit Russell

Finally, the historic town of Russell is another awesome place to visit near Paihia. Russell is the oldest settlement in New Zealand and features many attractions for people eager to learn about New Zealand’s history.

For example, check out Christ Church, the oldest existing church in New Zealand. Besides, spending time at Russell Museum is great to learn about early Maori history in this area before the Europeans arrived. Their exhibit also displays how life changed after the Europeans started to settle here.

Russell used to be known as “The Hellhole of the Pacific”, because it was a shore leave spot for sailors, whalers, and traders in the 19th century.

Today Russell is a charming and welcoming town with tons of seaside shops, art galleries, cafés, and restaurants. It also features Long Beach, a popular swimming spot and Flagstaff Hill, that offers a breathtaking view of the Bay of Islands.

Russell is just a 15-minute ferry ride from Paihia Wharf. Return tickets are NZ$ 18 and ferries go every hour during the summer season (September to May). This is a passenger only ferry, but car ferries are available from nearby Opua (5 minutes to Russell).

Where to Stay in Paihia

As a popular resort town, Paihia has a great selection of accommodations for any budget and travel style.

I stayed at Palm Tree Apartments & Backpackers, a nice hostel just a few minutes from Paihia’s town centre, Paihia Beach, and the InterCity bus stop. The rooms were clean and cozy, but I loved their terrace with palm trees and lights the most!

There’s also a pool for guests to use. The big kitchen and easy-going staff were just another bonus.

The Best Time to Visit Paihia

Thanks to its many cool things to do, the scenic town of Paihia tends to get very busy with tourists in the summer months (December to February). Also, this is when prices are at their highest.

So the best time to visit Paihia is in the shoulder season (October/November or March/April) instead. Temperatures are pleasant and you’ll be able to check out all of Paihia’s attractions as well.

When I was in Paihia in late May 2025, it was still warm and sunny, and pretty quiet, but the sun went down around 5 pm. So unfortunately, I couldn’t take advantage of all of Paihia’s outdoor activities, but I can’t wait to do those next time! 🙂

Conclusion: The 9 Best Things to Do in Paihia

The pretty town of Paihia is a great spot to spend a few days on your New Zealand trip. Whether you’re into activities in nature, learning about New Zealand’s history, hanging out by a beach, or being on the water, you surely won’t get bored here!

My favourite places were breathtaking Rainbow Falls and the Hole in the Rock. Hiking around Urupukapuka Island and visiting Waitangi Treaty Grounds, New Zealand’s birthplace, was amazing as well.

So I highly recommend that you add Paihia to your New Zealand itinerary! 😀

Traveling around New Zealand for a while? Then check out this post:

How to Spend 36 Hours in Rotorua Without a Car

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