Paihia Attractions
In the southwest of the Bay of Islands is the little town of Paihia (pop. 3000), which developed out of a mission station founded in 1823 and is now the chief town in the bay. Among the missionaries active in this area were Henry Williams and William Colenso, who were present at the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi. Features of interest in the town are St Paul's Church (1926) and the Museum of Shipwrecks (on board the barque Tui), with treasures recovered from local shipwrecks.
Haruru Falls
3km west of Paihia are the Haruru Falls, which are particularly impressive after heavy rain.
Subsea Adventure
In Otehei Bay (in the outer reaches of the Bay of Islands) you can explore the colorful underwater world of the Bay of Islands in a tourist submarine.
