Paihia

Bay of Islands, New Zealand

The most popular place to stay, the hub of most Bay of Islands activities from cruises to helicopter flights.

Places in Paihia

The Gables A waterfront seafood restaurant in an 1840s building.
The Rusty Tractor A good place to get a feel for the community and refuel with generous portions.
Paihia Beach Resort and Spa on-site restaurant An on-site restaurant with views across the water at the resort.

Best time to visit: December to March (Australasian summer), for the warmest weather to enjoy island cruises and the famous hole in the rock.
Getting around: Paihia is the main hub with the widest range of accommodation and activities, with Russell reachable by a short ferry ride across the bay for a quieter alternative base.
Currency: New Zealand Dollar (NZ$)
Language: English and te reo Māori (both official).
Timezone: NZST (UTC+12, UTC+13 in summer)
Current trends: Paihia remains the essential hub for Bay of Islands activities, from cruises to the hole in the rock to scenic helicopter flights, while Russell across the bay continues to offer a more relaxed, historically steeped alternative; the Duke of Marlborough's comeback as New Zealand's first licensed hotel and pub reflects a broader trend of heritage dining venues embracing seasonal, seafood-forward menus alongside newer luxury properties like Kauri Cliffs.

Russell — Situated right across the bay from Paihia and steeped in history, a more relaxed and less tourist-laden option.
Kauri Cliffs district — Home to Kauri Cliffs, offering stunning coastal views, an indulgent spa, and a top-class golf course.