Paihia

The Waitangi National Trust Treaty Grounds give a unique and fascinating insight into New Zealand's historic past. The Treaty of Waitangi, New Zealand's most significant document, was first signed here in 1840 between Maori chiefs and the British Crown, and became the basis for modern New Zealand. The grounds are home to the Treaty House, built in 1834, a fully carved Maori meeting house, a large Maori war canoe, a Visitor Centre and Gallery, and a museum that opened in 2016. The grounds were gifted to the nation by Lord and Lady Bledisloe in 1932. You can take a guided tour and/or see a Maori cultural performance, in addition to admission. The website suggests allowing at least 3 hr. Has cafes.

The Rainbow Warrior was a Greenpeace boat sunk by French secret service agents on 7 July 1985 in Auckland. It was re-floated and then scuttled two years later near the Bay of Islands as an artificial reef. Paihia Dive teach the PADI wreck course using the wreck.

The Opua Forest Paihia Lookout Track starts at the end of School Road. One hour return to the viewpoint overlooking the Bay and Russell. 2½ hours each way for a longer walk.

Take off from the back of a boat and soar to 1200 ft above the bay for 10–12 minutes. Single, double or triple.

Carino Wildlife Cruises, Paihia Wharf. Small-group sailing and wildlife day cruise through the Bay of Islands aboard a 15-m sailing catamaran. Departs Paihia around 9AM and returns around 3PM. Crew look for wild dolphins, little blue penguins, seabirds and other marine life under a marine mammal permit. Includes an island stop with time to walk, swim or snorkel; snorkelling gear is provided. Dolphin sightings are not guaranteed and there is no swimming with dolphins. wildlifecruises.co.nz

22-hour cruise, incorporating lots of water activities, island walks, on-board meals, and time to watch the scenery and wildlife.

Adult $95. Explore the Bay of Islands while searching for dolphins and visiting the Hole in the Rock. Visit Urupukapuka Island and learn about Project Island Song. Departs from Paihia and Russell. Lasts about 4 hours.

Bayscapes, Paihia. Sailing charters aboard a 40ft catamaran in the Bay of Islands. Offers both shared charters and private charters for groups of up to 19, with stops at islands for swimming and snorkelling. Lunch included.