Bay of Islands
Paihia Hole in the Rock Cruise Sail by the Cape Brett Lighthouse and adjacent show stealer: Hole in the Rock, where your captain will navigate the vessel through a narrow grotto thrashed by the chop. Watch for seals and dolphins before landing on Urupukapuka Island for a 90-minute sojourn. Cruises depart both Paihia and Russell.
Mt Bledisloe Lookout Enjoy glittering views of the region by heading inland to the Mt Bledisloe Lookout, located a few kilometres from Paihia.
Ōpua
Haruru Falls Just 5km west of Paihia, these falls cascade in a rare horseshoe shape. It’s a great place for a picnic and there’s an excellent walking track between the waterfall and the Waitangi Treaty Grounds.
Boat Charters Get a group together and explore the Bay of Islands by charter boat. From small and fun to large and luxurious, sneak into private bays and try a host of activities such as snorkelling and water-skiing straight off the stern. Thunder Trike Tours Let your
Kawakawa
Sullivans Beach You need to
scramble across the rocks at the southern end of Paihia Beach at low tide to reach this sheltered spot.
hair down with a guided tour in a Kiwi-built V8 Chev Trike. Drive along the Paihia beachfront with your combined guide and driver. He’ll share the history of the area while winding past awesome scenery and places of interest.
Kerikeri
If you’re a history buff, Paihia couldn’t be better placed. It’s 2km from the Waitangi Treaty Grounds where there’s much to marvel: The Treaty House This is where the original manuscript was drawn up. Visitors to the house ascend the same hill that 40 Māori chiefs climbed to sign the treaty. Treaty Ground Flagstaff The commanding flagstaff, marking one of Aotearoa’s most significant events, stands before exceptional bay views.
Waitangi Te Tii Waitangi Marae
Paihia
Waitangi Mountain Bike Park A fun-for-all playground with views as punchy as the downhill descents. Located 5km north of Paihia, there are almost 50km of varying trails with grades ranging from 2 to 5. There’s also a café, bike rental and shuttle service.
Waka You simply can’t miss this TOP TIP: Also known as the lower marae, Te Tii Waitangi Marae is inherently linked to Te Whare Rūnanga (Carved Meeting House) on the upper grounds of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds and, come Waitangi Day, features in the festivities.
WHANGARURU
ABOVE: Māori carving at Te Whare Rūnanga, Waitangi © Waitangi Treaty Grounds TOP: Hole in the Rock © Fullers Great Sights
wakawa
See Map Section - pages 58 to 61
mountain bikes, e-bikes or kids’ bikes, for one hour or several, pop into Paihia Mountain Bikes, located on Bayly Road.
Paihia Farmers’ Market This all-weather farmers’ market kicks off at 12.30pm on Paihia’s village green every Thursday, selling fresh, regional produce.
Waitangi Treaty Grounds
Russell
Connected to Paihia via the onelane Waitangi Bridge, a sandy strip of beach sits just before the crossing and Te Tii Waitangi Marae is located on the foreshore of Tii Bay, looking straight across the water towards Russell.
Electric and Mountain Bike Hire Whether you’re after
enormous and intricately carved 35m-long ceremonial war canoe.
Cultural Performance As part of your visit to Waitangi Treaty Grounds you’ll be invited to partake in a cultural performance, opening with a traditional welcome standing before the marae and stepping inside for authentic kapa haka.
Te Kōngahu Museum of Waitangi A modern, architecturally designed museum with interactive displays, taonga and a small theatre that condenses key moments of Aotearoa’s history into short films.
Te Rau Aroha Museum Detailing Māori commitment to the armed forces via innovative displays and poignant exhibits, this state-of-theart museum will induce full-body chills. The Carving Studio Chat with one of the seriously-talented master carvers. Appreciate how Māori storytelling is expressed through these intricate designs and if you’re left wanting more, ask about carving workshops that are run periodically throughout the year.
TOP TIP: Look out for descriptive plaques differentiating the native bush and individual pōhutukawa trees planted by visiting British monarchy.
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