Centabay Lodge, Paihia

Paihia is a medium sized holiday town about 230 kms, and three and a half hours, north of Auckland. I visited Paihia, also known as the Jewel of the Bay of Islands in August, which is winter in New Zealand – which was probably a mistake.

Why visit Paihia?

Paihia is an interesting little town packed with history since this is where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed. Treaty of Waitingi is the agreement between the British and the Maori, that established British law in New Zealand.

Russell, also known as Romantic Russell, New Zealand’s first capital, is another cool little town that’s a very short ferry ride away, just across the bay.

There are plenty of things to do in Paihia; take an ocean cruise, go sailing, see the hole in the rock, swim with dolphins, kayak, fish, there are a couple of nice hikes, or take a drive or walk out to see the cool falls at Haruru.

So like I said, it was winter in Paihia when I visited, and Paihia is definitely a summer town.

It was quiet, with a lot of rain, which sort of put a damper on things.

I made it up to Cape Reinga and 90 mile beach, which was amazing. We enjoyed driving an hour along the beach and getting a little bit lost. If you have a 4×4 that’s a great way to spend a couple of hours, if not the tour operators take big off-road busses up there on day trips. I wouldn’t do it it in a two wheel drive and if you check your paperwork you really shouldn’t do it in a hire car either.

What about Paihia accommodation?

As far as Paihia accommodation goes, there are a few options. I stayed at Centabay Lodge.

Like the rest of Paihia, accommodation was very quiet. Not many people were staying there, but I think that was just down to the time of year. The staff were friendly and for $22 a night, the hostel was good.

Unlimited wifi is available for $5 a day, they had a big clean kitchen and lounge areas and showed a movie every night.

Overall this place was pretty cool, but would surely be better in the summer time when it would be busier.

Centabay Lodge provides free kayaks, bikes, as well as “free love” as they call it.

Overall, my Paihia accommodation was perfectly nice. It was cheap, cheerful, and pretty clean.

Looking to book your Paihia accommodation? Centabay Lodge will not disappoint.

Come to New Zealand, come to Northland, come to Paihia, stay at Centabay Lodge.

Have you been to Paihia?

Did you stay at Centabay Lodge?

If so, leave a review below so the people know what to expect.

And if you know of other Paihia accommodation or activities that you would recommend please let us know about those in the comments.