Best things to do in Paihia

A significant slice of New Zealand's history, Waitangi Treaty Grounds commemorate the site where local Maori chiefs signed a historic treaty with the representatives of the British crown. Concluded in February 1840, the treaty recognized Maori ownership of their lands and granted them rights of British subjects. The agreement also established a British governor to administer the country. The grounds include a buidling erected in 1832 for one of the area's British residents, which today serves as a museum housing various historical exhibits and a copy of the original treaty. Get the most out of your visit by joining a guided tour, or attend a cultural performance of Maori songs and dances.

Home to some of the area's finest restaurants and most picturesque views, Paihia Harbour hums with activity. Simply relax in one of the gardens or take a trip out onto the blue water to spot dolphins. A number of tours and water sports are offered from the harbor, including sea kayaking and paddleboarding. If you're feeling energetic, stretch your legs with one of the scenic walks that start here; they range in distance and difficulty but all offer superb vistas. For more information about the activities offered, visit the information center.

A day on the water with Phantom Sailing gives you a chance to get away from tourist crowds and enjoy an adventure in a personal atmosphere. This operator has been sailing charter boats for over three decades and will take you to any one of the area's hundreds of sheltered bays, where you can swim, walk, snorkel, or picnic without being disturbed by other visitors. You'll sail with a small group (max 10 people) and enjoy New Zealand's seasonal fruits and cheeses (vegetarian and gluten-free options also available). You can also bring your own beer or wine if you want to entertain your guests and make it a sightseeing party with a bit of a kick. Check the website for rates and booking options.

New Zealand's oldest surviving stone building, The Stone Store & Kemp House - Kerikeri Mission Station replaced an earlier wood structure in the 1830s. Constructed by mason William Parrott and a team of Maori workers, the building served as a trading post of a missionary community. The store sold farm produce to passing ships, and European goods to the local Maori population. Today, the well-preserved building offers local souvenirs and serves as the starting point for tours of the nearby mission house, another structure dating from the first half of the 19th century. Just uphill from here you can join a signposted historical walk leading to a wooden Anglican church, a photogenic building erected in 1878.

Urupukapuka Island is the largest island in the Bay of Islands of New Zealand, located about 7.3 km from Paihia. The island is a popular stopover point for tour boats to the Hole in the Rock and is also serviced by ferries for day trips from Paihia and Russell.

New Zealand's oldest Roman Catholic building, Pompallier Mission and Printery also represents the country's oldest rammed-earth structure. The pioneering Catholic missionaries constructed the building in the 19th century, using the rammed-earth style of their hometown Lyon. Step inside to learn about the processes of tanning, printing, and binding that the missionaries used to produce over 30,000 books and tracts, some published in Maori. After the guided tour you can explore the award-winning heritage garden, offering sweeping beach-side views across the bay.

Experience a multitude of thrills at Action World, a huge adventure park with activities ranging from mini golf to extreme flying trapeze. Visit the only place in the world to use a patented airbag landing system that allows participants to safely participate without a harness. Other activities using this technology include a high wire, Tarzan swings, climbing wall, and extreme slide. Take a break and recharge in the picnic area. Bring supplies and cook for your group at barbecue stations, or just grab snacks and drinks from the vending machines.

The Bay of Islands Marketing Group is a collective of the area's tourism operators and stakeholders dedicated to re-kindling Kiwis' love affair with the region.