Paihia, Bay of Islands
Paihia, an oceanside gem, played a pivotal role in Aotearoa-New Zealand's history. A visit to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds offers a profound look into the signing of the Waitangi Treaty, where 43 Māori chiefs and 39 Crown representatives shaped the nation’s future. Beyond its rich history, Paihia is a haven for water-based activities. From sailing through the Hole in the Rock and dolphin spotting to kayaking or fishing, or perhaps a day relaxing on the beach, this picturesque coastal town is the perfect base to explore the stunning Bay of Islands.
Waitangi Treaty Grounds Guided Tour and Cultural Performance
Waitangi is one of New Zealand's most historic sites where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840 between the Māori and the British Government. This two day pass allows you access to the Treaty of Waitangi Grounds and includes admission to the Te Kōngahu Museum and Te Rau Aroha Museum and a Maori Cultural performance. During your guided tour, learn about the history of the treaty and discover the stories and events that shaped New Zealand. The cultural performance inside the carved meeting house includes waiata (singing), poi and the haka - a war dance Aotearoa-New Zealand is well known for.
Cape Reinga Scenic Flight and Guided Tour with Salt Air
Experience the beauty of the North from both air and land. Take a spectacular scenic flight to Cape Reinga over Whangaroa Harbour and the Rangaunu Harbour as well as Coopers Beach, Doubtless Bay and Ninety Mile Beach.
Paihia Dive NZ - Snorkelling in the Bay of Islands
Board the boat on Paihia wharf for an 8:30am departure. On the way out to the snorkeling site you will cruise through the islands. Look out for dolphins, penguins, seals and marine bird life. It takes approximately 30 minutes on Sentinel to get to Deep Water Cove, and then cruise to a reef area for some snorkeling and lunch. Cruise back though the islands to Paihia, arriving at the wharf around 15:30pm.
Waitangi Hangi and Concert
Waitangi is just 2km north of Paihia in the Bay of Islands and is arguably one of New Zealand's most historic sites. It was here in 1840 that the Treaty of Waitangi was signed between Maori and the British government. Still on the 400 hectare reserve is the Georgian style home of James Busby, a fully-carved Maori meeting house and Ngatokimatawhaorua, a 37 metre kauri waka (canoe). The latter is one of the largest ever carved and was crafted to mark the centenary of the signing of the treaty in 1940. You will experience Waitangi as part of an intimate Hangi and concert evening. Begin at the Whare Waka Cafe with the unveiling of the Hangi, followed by a themed Cultural Performance in the carved Meeting House. After the show you will be escorted back to the Whare Waka Cafe for your Hangi dinner.
Waitangi Golf Club - suggested activity
The Waitangi Course not only provides an exciting and ever changing challenge to the golfer but also the most tremendous panorama of sea and island views over the Bay of Islands and Russell, river and estuary views over Waitangi and Opua and rolling bush and forest views inland over Mount Bledisloe and Puketona.
These views are complemented by well groomed greens and fairways surrounded by areas of flowering native trees which provide sanctuary for many varieties of native birds. As many visiting golfers, particularly those from overseas, claim Waitangi is truly millionaires country for all to enjoy.
In 1932 the then Governor General of New Zealand, Lord Bledisloe and his wife Lady Bledisloe purchased just over one thousand acres of land on the Waitangi Peninsular and donated it to the inhabitants of New Zealand as a place of historic interest and recreational enjoyment for their benefit and use in perpetuity.
This land is known as the Waitangi National Trust and is now administered and managed under the terms of the original gift by the Waitangi National Trust Board. The Waitangi Golf Club leases the land on which the course has been developed from the Trust.
Paihia Dive NZ - Dive The Rainbow Warrior
Dive the Rainbow Warrior, Greenpeace's flagship which was sunk by French saboteurs on July 10, 1985 while it was on its way to protest France's nuclear testing on Mururoa Atoll. She now lies as an artificial reef in the Cavallii Islands at a max depth of 26m and has become a world renowned diving site. The Rainbow Warrior is the 'Jewel of the North'. "When man has destroyed the world through his greed, the Warriors of the Rainbow will arise to save it again."
Hole in the Rock Scenic Helicopter Flight with Salt Air
This 20 minute scenic flight departs from Paihia and flies over Russell, through the spectacular Bay of Islands and out to the famous Hole in the Rock at Cape Brett. The helicopter departs from Salt Airs heli-pad in central Paihia adjacent to the Paihia wharf and maritime area.
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