The beautiful town of Russell is situated on the other side of the Bay of Islands. Road access to this little town is poor at best so the easiest way to go there is by ferry. Most people stay in Paihia and visit this town for a day or an afternoon. Interestingly enough, I never quite made it there, but I did see it from a boat :).
Written Mar 21, 2004
There are several tours of the Bay of Islands out there. Some are a few hours on a jet-boat and others are a multi-day affair. I decided to go for the one-day tour offered by Kings. It was an excellent experience. Oh, don?t forget to take your own picnic lunch. Check out more about the trip under my Must-See-Tips
Written Mar 21, 2004
Unless you have a 4WD and even if you do you may want to take a tour up to Cape Reinga via the impressive 90 Miles Beach. During my visit in Dec of 2003, the tour to take for the backpacker was the one offered by Magic Bus. It not only was cheaper, but also filled with like minded people. It is a load of fun! Check out more about my trip under the Off-the-Beaten-Path tips
Written Mar 21, 2004
Our lunch stop was at Dargaville. We then changed to a larger bus at Kaiwaka as we hopped back into a major highway. Driving back into Auckland, we passed several suburbs that were all covered with Christmas decorations.
Written Mar 21, 2004
Northland has some of the most impressive Kauri trees. We learn about this and more at the impressive Waipoua Forest Visitor Center. Driving through this forest was amazing as you drive past giant Kauri trees. The intense deforestation that took place here is still felt though. There are several graphic pics on the visitor center that attest to this fact.
Written Mar 21, 2004
We then continued on to see the magnificent Tane Mahuta, the tallest Kauri tree in NZ and the world. As previously described, the Kauri tree has been used by both Maori and Europeans for its highly priced timber. Centuries ago, NZ was covered by Kauri forests all over the place. Today, few of these forests remain.
Written Mar 21, 2004
My time in Paihia came to an end today as I hopped aboard an Intercity Bus back to Auckland. Rather then taking the direct quick route, I took the slower Westcapade bus that follows the attractive West Coast of Northland, the northern part of the North Island of New Zealand. The first stop of the day was at the small town of Rawene, where we had brekkie. It is situated on a beautiful bay. For those with some time, it may be worth stepping off the bus here to explore the region.
Written Mar 21, 2004
Driving : The Bay of Islands is about 4-5 hours driving time from Auckland and approx 150 miles. Take SH1 from Auckland towards Whangarei and the continue north to Paihia.
By Coach : Northliner operate a daily luxury express coach service from Auckland downtown to the Bay of Islands.
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Updated Dec 23, 2002
I was booked on the Magic Bus from Auckland to Pahia.
Written Nov 10, 2003
Website: www.magicbus.co.nz
The ferry costs 5 dollars each way and goes regularly from the pier in Paihai.
Written Nov 3, 2002
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Reviews and photos of Paihia attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Paihia sightseeing.

The ferry costs 5 dollars each way and goes regularly from the pier in Paihai.
4 members live in Paihia

Q: I want to stay in a Luxury accomodation in Paihia during my honeymoon. Any recommendation? The rooms should have a good view of...

A: If you did not mind staying some kilometres from Paihia, I would recommend The Boathouse in Opua - it is located right where the car ferry to Russell starts. Great views...
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Paihia: Heaven in the Bay of Islands

I've got some interesting experiences in Paihia. I'd love to share with you the 33 tips I've written, the 35 photos uploaded, and 0 travelogues I've created.
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The 'Bay of Islands' was how Captain James Cook described the area two centuries ago, and the simplicity of his name masks the diversity of its charm. Site of New Zealand's first European settlement...
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This is the cute little number I got to wear for the trip with the Excitor in the Bay of Islands. I would reccomend seasickness pills before the trip..... it can get rough out there.
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Paihia is the hub town of the Bay of Islands. From it you can travel up north to Cape Reinga, or even out to the Hole in the Rock
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Keeweechic's Paihia & Bay of Islands

Paihia was settled by Europeans as a mission station in 1823 is now the main centre for tourists to the Bay area. The Bay of Islands area is abundant with of marine life, including the big Marlin,...
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