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Before you go
Your trip to Paihia.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Paihia – Northland Destination Bay of Islands
How to get there
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Aeroporto da Baía das Ilhas (KKE) Kerikeri · 25 km
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Parada de ônibus de Paihia (Maritime Building) 1 km
Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.
From Auckland, about 230 km by car, a 3 to 3.5-hour drive on SH1, or by daily scheduled buses. The nearest airport is Kerikeri (KKE), about 25 km away, with flights from Auckland; transfers and taxis operate from there. Scheduled buses stop in the town center, near the pier.
How many days
Two days: one for the Waitangi Treaty Grounds and Haruru Falls, and another for the boat trip to the Hole in the Rock with a stop in Russell. A third day allows time for kayaking, sailing or visiting Kerikeri.
When to go
From December to March for beach and boat activities, with warm days and slightly warmer sea. In October–November and in April there are fewer people and most tours still operate. In winter boats run less frequently, but Waitangi is open year-round.
The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.
Do you need a car?
No. The town center, the beach, the pier and Waitangi are walkable, and Russell is a 15-minute boat ride away. A car is only useful for reaching Kerikeri and other parts of Northland.
Suggested itinerary
An order that works
Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.
One day in Paihia
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Morning
Waitangi Treaty Grounds
Cross the bridge to Waitangi and start at the Waitangi Museum. Take the guided tour of the Treaty House and the meeting house Te Whare Rūnanga and attend the cultural performance.
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Afternoon
Trail to Haruru Falls
Follow the Waitangi River trail and the mangrove boardwalk to Haruru Falls. Return to Paihia by taxi.
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Late afternoon
Boat to Russell
Take the passenger ferry to Russell and walk along the waterfront before dinner.
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Evening
Return to Paihia
Return on the evening ferry to Paihia, with the bay lights.
2 days in Paihia
Day 1
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All day
Waitangi and Haruru
Devote the morning of the first day to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds and the afternoon to the walk to Haruru Falls.
Day 2
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Morning
Hole in the Rock
Take the boat trip to the Hole in the Rock, with a stop at Urupukapuka Island for walking or swimming.
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Afternoon
Russell
Disembark at Russell on the return and visit Christ Church, the Pompallier Mission and the Flagstaff Hill lookout before the boat back to Paihia.
Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.
Before you go
Frequently asked questions
Paihia or Russell: where to stay in the Bay of Islands?
Paihia has more accommodation and dining options and is the departure point for tours. Russell is quieter and more historic. The two are linked by boat in about 15 minutes.
How do I get from Paihia to Russell?
By passenger ferry, about 15 minutes, with frequent departures from Paihia pier. By car, via the ferry between Opua and Okiato.
Does Paihia have a beach for swimming?
Yes. The beaches in front of town have calm water, protected by the bay.
How many days to stay in Paihia?
Two days allow you to see Waitangi, Haruru Falls, the Hole in the Rock and Russell. With three days you have extra time for the sea and Kerikeri.