Paihia between coastal walks and boat trips

Paihia offers a range of ways to enjoy a stay: coastal walks, beaches, boat trips and historic sites. If you’re looking for hotels in Paihia, you can start by planning your stay around the activities that interest you. The local highlights offer different ways to spend your days on foot, at the beach or on excursions from the wharf.

Coastal walks and beaches

The Paihia School Road Track begins at the end of School Road; its trailhead is 700 metres from Paihia town centre. The Paihia to Ōpua Coastal Walkway is a coastal route from Paihia to Ōpua Harbour. It is 8.9 kilometres long, rated as a moderate day walk and listed as taking two hours. Its northern starting point is Waitangi Bridge; from there, the route follows coastal Marsden Road through Paihia. The two-hour walking time refers to the Coastal Walkway; for the School Road Track, the location of the trailhead in relation to the town centre is a useful point of reference. Paihia also has two sandy beaches that are considered safe for swimming.

The route details help with different planning questions: the starting point is specified for the School Road Track, while the Coastal Walkway has a stated distance, difficulty level and walking time. When planning activities for a stay, you can distinguish a walk with a listed duration from one with a known trailhead. The beaches add time by the water to these options, while the coastal walk connects Paihia with Ōpua Harbour.

Boat trips and activities

Paihia is the main departure point for all boat trips to the islands. Excursions to the outer islands and fishing trips can be arranged at the wharf; cruises of various kinds depart from there daily. Check current departures for your travel date, as operational details may change. A ferry connects Paihia with historic Russell. It’s also a good idea to check the departure time for your planned day for this service.

At Bay Beach Hire, you can rent kayaks, paddleboards and bicycles in Paihia. As provider information may change, check the current rental options in advance. Sea kayaking tours, sailing and diving are also offered in Paihia. Speedboats run from Paihia to the Hole in the Rock. The options range from rental equipment and activities on the water to trips from the wharf; they differ in the type of excursion planned.

Air-based activities are also part of the range of things to do: parasailing, helicopter scenic flights and skydiving are offered in Paihia. Together with the boat trips and coastal walks, they provide different focuses for planning. To narrow down your options, consider whether you’d rather focus on a walking route, a trip from the wharf or another of the activities mentioned.

Historic sites in Paihia

The Williams Memorial Church of St Paul commemorates missionary Henry Williams. The adjacent cemetery dates from around 1826. The Henry Williams Memorial at 36 Marsden Road in Paihia is a public historic site in Category 2. The church, cemetery and formal historic designation offer different points of interest if, alongside walks and excursions, you’re also interested in the history of the area.

Discover more destinations: Kerikeri, Kawakawa, Te Kao, Russell, Opononi, Coopers Beach, Matauri Bay, Okaihau.

Return to the broader travel overview: Far North District.