Plenty to do in autumn and winter
Waitangi Treaty Grounds
Explore the birthplace of Aotearoa New Zealand. Set in beautifully kept grounds, see the treaty house, flagstaff, museum, ceremonial waka and much more.
Waitangi Day 6 February is an exciting buzz of activity, markets, performances, and kai (food). It is a safe, happy environment for all New Zealanders and all visitors to New Zealand.
Walks
Paihia School Road track – 1.5km return – great views across the Bay of Islands from lookout point. Good quality track. Easy with a few puffs in places.
Paihia to Opua – start from the beach in front of the unit and turn right. Across Te Haumi Bay go across the bridge and look for the track just past the bridge on the left. Great walk through Englishman’s Bay, mostly boardwalk. 6km (2.5-3 hrs one way), (12 km return – or tell us when you would like to go and we’ll pick you up from Opua if we are free)
“The Loop” – Paihia – Opua – Okiato – Russell – Paihia. A full day circuit – allow 8 hours. Need to take two ferries. Okiato – Russell involves a well-formed track that crosses wetland flats, forest and a waterfront boardwalk.
Haruru falls track – 6km from Waitangi to the falls – allow 2.5 hours. (return 12 km – 5 hours – or tell us when you would like to go and we’ll pick you up from the Falls if we are free)
Bay of Islands vintage railway
“Gabriel” (steam train) runs on the last Sunday of every month. Diesel trains run on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and every day of school holidays. Depart Kawakawa station (allow 20 min drive from unit) at 10:00am, midday and 2:00pm. 1.5 hour return trips.
Haruru Falls
15 minute drive to the Haruru Falls carpark and a short 50m walk to the falls.
Kayaking
Coastal kayakers organise guided kayak trips from Waitangi to the Haruru Falls base.
Bay Beach hire on Marsden Rd, just opposite from the Blue Door cafe, hires out kayaks by the hour.
Bay of Islands kayaking are based on Otehei Island – book the Fullers ferry to the island to then kayak for 30 mins to 4 hours as you please.
Hole in the Rock
Dolphin cruises daily out to the Hole in the Rock.
Fishing
Multiple fishing charters available from Opua harbour and Paihia wharf.
Shopping
The Old Packhouse Market, Kerikeri – Sat 8:00am – 1.30pm. Very popular. Kerikeri Rd.
Paihia Lanes – shops, cafes. Check out Focus Paihia Op Shop for a bargain.
Paihia Famers’ Market - Thu 10:00am - 1:30pm (Oct-Apr). The Village Green, Paihia
Tennis
The local Paihia tennis club plays Mondays 3.30pm-5.30pm and Thursdays 9:00am-11:00am. Come along for a hit. Outside these times the courts are available for hire at the i-Site.
Bridge
The local bridge club meets Tuesdays 1.30pm, Wednesdays 6.30pm, Fridays 1.30pm. All welcome – ring club captain Heather Cernis 021 361 956 if you need a partner
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Squash
The Kerikeri squash club re-opens November 2023. Let Dave know if you would like a game.