Paihia Beaches & Bay of Islands
- Last Updated: 17 Sep 2026
- Publish Date:
- Moatrek
- Bay of Islands, North Island Tours, NZ Beaches, NZ Destinations
Paihia is a much-loved holiday spot and the main gateway to the beautiful marine playground of the Bay of Islands. What makes it especially easy to enjoy is how close the water is to town – long stretches of sand and calm bays sit just metres from cafes, shops and the wharf.
For visitors, that means you can spend time by the water without having to plan a separate beach day. Wander along the waterfront, stop for an ice cream, watch the boats coming and going or find a quieter stretch of sand and simply enjoy the view.
Paihia also sits close to some of Northland’s most important historic and cultural places, including Waitangi Treaty Grounds just along the coast. If you want a broader look at the area, our Bay of Islands guide covers more of the history, activities and places to visit around the region.
Paihia Beach – right in the heart of town
Stretching along the front of the town is Paihia’s main beach. This cute coastal slice of New Zealand is a popular place for a swim when conditions suit, or simply to sit in the sun with something to eat while watching the activity out on the water.
You can walk along the beach to find a quieter spot away from the centre, or stay close to town where you can nip off for an ice cream or coffee and be back by the water within a few minutes.
That easy combination of beach and town is part of Paihia’s appeal. You don’t need a car or a big day plan – you can simply step outside and enjoy the waterfront.
Te Tii Bay – pohutukawa and a quieter stretch of coast
At the northern end of Paihia is Te Tii Bay, a popular beach with swimmers and those keen to try their hand at fishing.
Te Tii Bay is especially lovely when the pohutukawa trees are in bloom around November and December, covering the coastline with their brilliant red flowers just as New Zealand’s summer begins.
The waters around the Bay of Islands are well known for fishing, and Te Tii Bay is a handy place to cast a line or simply sit by the water and watch the boats go past.
Sullivan’s Beach – a quieter little escape
Not far from Paihia’s centre are the golden sands of Sullivan’s Beach. Framed by native trees and sheltered from some of the busier parts of town, it is a lovely spot if you want a quieter stretch of shoreline.
The beach is reached on foot, and access is easiest around lower tide, so it is worth checking conditions before you set off. Once there, it feels surprisingly peaceful given how close you are to Paihia.
This is one of those places that shows why Paihia works so well as a base: within a relatively small area you can choose between the activity of the main waterfront and a much quieter beach setting.
More than a beach day
Paihia’s wharf is the starting point for many trips out onto the Bay of Islands. From here you can head out on a harbour cruise, explore sheltered bays and islands or take the passenger ferry across to Russell. Boat trips may also give you the chance to spot marine wildlife including dolphins, although interaction with marine mammals in Te Pewhairangi Bay of Islands is carefully managed to protect them.A glimpse of dolphins in the Bay of Islands, filmed while out on the water.
Across the water, Russell is a lovely place to explore on foot, with its historic waterfront, colonial buildings and the Duke of Marlborough Hotel, one of New Zealand’s oldest hotels and a well-known spot for a meal or drink overlooking the bay.
Just north of Paihia, Waitangi Treaty Grounds is one of New Zealand’s most significant historic sites. It is where Te Tiriti o Waitangi, the Treaty of Waitangi, was first signed in 1840 between Maori rangatira (chiefs) and representatives of the British Crown, shaping the relationship between Maori and the Crown in New Zealand.
For more ideas beyond Paihia, our Magic of Northland blog explores more of what makes this part of New Zealand special, from the Bay of Islands to Hokianga and Waipoua Forest.
Paihia with MoaTrek
Paihia and the Bay of Islands are a highlight of our 21 day Kakapo tour, which is the MoaTrek itinerary that travels through Northland. Staying in Paihia gives our travellers time to enjoy the waterfront and the wider Bay, while also visiting Waitangi, Russell and other Northland favourites.
As Betty Silverglate, who travelled on our Kakapo tour in December 2025, told us:
“I enjoyed the beautiful scenery, from the mountains to the seashore. The Bay of Islands, the seals, the Glow Worm caves, the boat rides, the hosted lunches, and the Kiwi farm tour were some of the highlights.”
If Northland is high on your list, our North Island itinerary gives a broader look at how the Bay of Islands fits into a journey through the North Island.
MoaTrek has been family-owned and showing travellers around New Zealand since 1971. On our small group tours we take care of the driving, accommodation and day-to-day planning, so you can relax and enjoy the places along the way with your experienced Kiwi Guide and a small group of fellow travellers (up to 18 maximum).
Explore our New Zealand small group tours to see where MoaTrek could take you.
- Moatrek
- Bay of Islands, North Island Tours, NZ Beaches, NZ Destinations
