Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Paihia?
Should you spend 1 or 2 weeks in Paihia?
Most people spend at least 3 or as many as 5 days in Paihia during their visit. The fun-filled coastal town offers amazing highlights such as the beaches, scuba diving and snorkeling, the hiking, and the cuisine.
Paihia is one of the main resort towns in the Bay of Islands on the North Island of New Zealand. It offers access to diving and snorkeling. There are also hiking trails as well as opportunities to learn about the Maori culture.
Do you have one or two weeks to visit Paihia? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.
Is one week enough time in Paihia?
With one week you'll have more than enough time to enjoy the beach and take in all that Paihia has to offer, giving you the flexibility to unwind in your hotel or use Paihia as a base for day trips to nearby destinations. You can relax while enjoying the beaches, scuba diving and snorkeling, and the hiking at your own pace. We have some suggestions of things to do below, too.
How to spend a week in Paihia
The beautiful beaches await you in Paihia, so spend the day (or several, if you can) relaxing on the sand or swimming in the water. There are stunning beaches both in Paihia and throughout the Bay of Islands. Paihia Beach is in town. It's small but nice and makes a great picnic spot. For a more secluded spot head to Matauri Bay Beach or Takou Bay.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Island Hopper Day Cruise - sailing to wildlife sanctuary island - 6 hr cruise ($113)
- Day Cruise & Island Tour - Snorkel/Wildlife/Paddleboard/Islands ($77)
- 3 Hours // Hole in the Rock Cruise & Bay of Islands Tour ($77)
The restaurant and food scene here is top notch, so make sure you spend time at one of the local restaurants where you can taste the delicious cuisine. Local seafood, regional produce, and fresh ingredients make dining in the area a rewarding experience. You'll find fine dining restaurants, pizzerias, and local cafes to choose from.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Bay of Islands Wine Tour with Lunch ($107)
- Private Modern Vegetarian Cooking Class with Anna in Northland ($195)
The public transit in Paihia is fast and efficient. Over the course of a few days, you should be able to explore the coastal town quite easily and affordably. There are ferries and some intercity buses through the Bay of Islands.
Don't miss the Waitangi Treaty Grounds during your trip to Paihia, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.
The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. As a holiday spot, there are a number of clubs and bars that cater to tourists in the area.
Scuba diving and snorkeling around Paihia is very popular. Spend the day exploring the beauty of the surrounding underwater world. There are scuba diving and snorkel shops available around town where you can organize trips and excursions to experience the undersea world.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Day Cruise & Island Tour - Snorkel/Wildlife/Paddleboard/Islands ($77)
- Bay of Islands Cruise & Island Tour - Snorkel, Hike,Swim,Wildlife ($91)
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Paihia.
Known for it's hiking, Paihia sees plenty of visitors looking to get outdoors. Spend a day exploring the natural beauty and scenery on a nearby hike. The Bay of Islands is filled with coastal walks and peaceful hikes. This is a great way to soak up the area's atmosphere and take in some spectacular views.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Island Hopper Day Cruise - sailing to wildlife sanctuary island - 6 hr cruise ($113)
- Day Cruise & Island Tour - Snorkel/Wildlife/Paddleboard/Islands ($77)
- Carino Wildlife Cruises - Island and Wildlife Day Cruise ($116)
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Paihia.
You'll find a few good museums and historic landmarks here, so it's worth your time to spend a day exploring a few of them. There are some interesting cultural sights in the area like the Waitangi Treaty Grounds and the Museum of Waitangi.
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Paihia.
Shopping in Paihia is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. There are plenty of retail stores around town where you can pick up clothes or enjoy some souvenir shopping.
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Paihia.
After you've explored most of Paihia, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Paihia.
Is 2 weeks enough time in Paihia?
Two weeks is more than sufficient for a beach trip to Paihia, giving you the freedom to set your own pace. Swim at the beach, snorkel or scuba dive, go hiking, and dine out at amazing restaurants on your own schedule. Then, unwind at your hotel or use Paihia as a hub for some nice day trips in the surrounding area.
The beach near Paihia, New Zealand
How to spend 2 weeks in Paihia
Having 2 weeks in Paihia will provide you with more time to take in the best activities in the coastal town.
With plenty of hiking trails and viewpoints around Paihia, you'll need another day to experience the gorgeous hiking trails that you haven't seen yet. Either head out in a different direction, or pick up where you left off before.
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Paihia.
With so much time here, you should absolutely take another day trip to one of the many nearby destinations around Paihia. Plenty of amazing options are available.
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Paihia.
Another fun day at the beach awaits, so spend more time relaxing and swimming. After all, a beach vacation usually calls for plenty of time to have fun on the sand and in the waves.
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Paihia.
With plenty of hiking trails and viewpoints around Paihia, you'll need another day to experience the gorgeous hiking trails that you haven't seen yet. Either head out in a different direction, or pick up where you left off before.
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Paihia.
With so much time here, you should absolutely take another day trip to one of the many nearby destinations around Paihia. Plenty of amazing options are available.
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Paihia.
Another fun day at the beach awaits, so spend more time relaxing and swimming. After all, a beach vacation usually calls for plenty of time to have fun on the sand and in the waves.
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Paihia.
With plenty of hiking trails and viewpoints around Paihia, you'll need another day to experience the gorgeous hiking trails that you haven't seen yet. Either head out in a different direction, or pick up where you left off before.
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Paihia.
More Info
If you're looking for more information about Paihia, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.
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