Paihia makes an excellent base for exploring the Bay of Islands. It has an extensive choice of accommodation and a good-sized town centre. From the wharf you can arrange a trip to the outer islands, hook into a fishing expedition or catch ferry to Russell.

The climate is sub-tropical making beach and water activities extremely pleasant and there are opportunities to swim with dolphins, dive the Rainbow Warrior, charter a boat, go big game fishing (snapper and kingfish), enjoy nature walks, explore kauri forests, go horse trekking, try sky diving or parasailing and take scenic flights. Popular excursions include trips to Cape Brett and the 'Hole in the Rock' on Piercy Island.