Located in the North Island of New Zealand, Paihia is often the best gateway into the rest of the Bay of Islands. The most popular way to reach the town is via shuttle and tour buses from Auckland, although it’s also possible to rent a car and drive directly to Paihia.
The
Maritime Building is the best place to start the exploration of Paihia, as the Bay of Islands information center and the major tour companies are all located at the same wharf. From there, it’s possible to arrange tours such as the
Fullers Bay of Islands adventure, offering a huge selection of cruises and tours of the region, including a chance to swim with the dolphins or take a full cruise along the Bay of Islands.
Diving enthusiasts will undoubtedly want to dive the Rainbow Warrior wreck which was once a Greenpeace boat that was sunk in the 1980s by French secret service agents. The boat was then refloated to its current location in the Bay of Islands and made into an artificial reef. It’s now a popular diving destination, mainly operated by
Paihia Dive. Considering everything the Bay of Islands has to offer to any tourist, Paihia is a great jumping off point for those looking to explore this stunning side of New Zealand.
Find out where the rest of Paihia’s hotels, attractions, and must-see destinations are located by exploring the interactive map on this page.
