Paihia is a bustling seaside town with superb golden beaches and a wide range of recreational facilities and a town rich in history and culture and the gateway to the world famous Bay of Islands...a must see when visiting New Zealand.
YHA Bay of Islands Paihia is located in the heart of Paihia and is a purpose built two level backpacker lodge with 50 beds ranging from shared twin to four and eight bed multi shared rooms, a 6 bed cabin and a female only dorm room. All rooms have their own ensuites.
YHA Bay of Islands Paihia offers affordable, comfortable, quiet and secure accommodation for singles, couples, families and groups.
The magnificent Paihia beach is 100 meters from our door. A 5 minutes seaside stroll accesses the Bay of Islands' many water based activities. The lively bars and restaurants are just round the corner so you are close to all the action but secluded enough to enjoy a great night's sleep.
Our cosy hostel has a fully equipped kitchen, lounge, laundry facilities plenty of outdoor dining space and is a great place to meet fellow travellers. Our staff are committed to ensure you have a memorable and rewarding stay and will happily arrange activities and offer suggestions.
We provide on site parking and there are tennis courts next door.
"Set back from the beach frontage in a quiet location I wish I had stayed longer and will definitely return... This was one of the nicest hostels in New Zealand. Well done!" - Guest review for TripAdvisor.com 2013
From Whangarei head North on state highway. Once in Kawakawa, follow SH11 to Paihia. You will enter Paihia on Seaview Rd, McMurray Rd is the 1st street on the left before Paihia beach, YHA Paihia is just next to the tennis courts on the corner of King’s and McMurray Rds.
The bus station is in the centre of Paihia about 600m from the Hostel. When travelling on Intercity, Northliner, please ask your driver, at the time of boarding, to drop you off on King’s Rd. Magic, Stray and Kiwi Experience all end their journeys on King’s Rd as does Naked Bus.
The nearest Airport is Kerikeri (KKE) which is 25km away. All flights are met by shuttle buses and Taxis. The shuttle bus prices will vary depending on the number of passengers.
All Russell passenger ferries dock at the main wharf in the centre of Paihia. On exiting the wharf turn left and follow Marsden Rd along the beach until King’s Rd, turn left into King’s Rd YHA Paihia is on the corner of King’s and Mc Murray Rds.
Paihia has an abundance of activities available and our team will happily book any excursion for you and also keep you posted on seasonal promotions and specials to ensure you always get the best value. Some activities you might like to try:
Explore Northland with on of these fantastic tours - book directly online to secure your spot.
Take a day tour to Cape Reinga at the very tip of New Zealand and see the spot where the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean collide. Māori legend holds that departed spirits set off from Cape Reinga on their journey to the homeland, Hawaiki. Spend some time at this magical spot and you'll surely agree it has a very special atmosphere. During your Cape Reinga day tour you’ll also visit the Puketi Forest, home to ancient giants – the Kauri tree – and travel along spectacular 90 Mile Beach before sand-boarding down its giant sand dunes (if you’re feeling adventurous!).
Cruise through the sheltered waters of the Bay of Islands on Dolphin Seeker, our purpose built dolphin and whale watching catamaran. Cruise past many of the 144 islands and take in the sights of the Hole in the Rock and the rich history and scenery that makes up the bay of Islands. Island stopover included as well as a bonus free ferry ticket to extend your day
Get up close to view and swim with Dolphins in their natural environment in New Zealand's warmest waters. Travel on our purpose built 35 seat intimate vessel with an experienced passionate crew which will get you as close as possible to these amazing creatures. Swim is included and wetsuit, snorkel and mask are supplied. Terms and conditions do apply.
Journey into a unique part of New Zealand, first discovered by Kupe the voyager. Visit the 2.8 million year old Wairere Boulders and the Waipoua Forest, and meet a national icon, the mighty kauri tree Tāne Mahuta on a full-day tour from Paihia. Enjoy a lunch stop at the picturesque Hokianga harbour.
Take part in the Bay of Islands most famous cruise. The “Cream Trip" began in 1927 and remains a popular cruise with tourists today. You will have a full Day in the Bay including dolphin encounters and swimming ( additional fees apply), discovering the Hole in the Rock, delivering mail , boom netting , Island stopover for lunch and learning the history of the Bay of Islands through informative and interactive commentary.
YHA Bay of Islands Paihia is a purpose built two level backpacker hostel with 50 beds ranging from single rooms to shared twin and double rooms to eight bed dormitory rooms which every room having its own ensuite bathroom. Staff are on-site 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and this comfortable accommodation has a cosy lounge, self-catered kitchen and several outdoor dining areas including a BBQ making YHA Bay of Islands Paihia ideal for groups.
There is so much to do here. With a 100m stroll to the beach attractions include fishing, kayaking, swimming with dolphins, hole in the rock cruises, scenic flights, horse riding or explore one of the many local walkways right on the hostels doorstep. Don't miss the powerful journey to Waitangi - walk in the footsteps of our ancestors and experience where our country's founding document was signed.
We can work with you to tailor a package to best suit your needs and budget. Owner operator Andy Larsen knows this neck of the woods well. Andy is well connected and will be able to compile a memorable high value package for your group.
Capacity and Room Types
YHA Paihia can hold upto 48 guests over 13 rooms.
Room types available are:
Groups will be divided across the hostel but close to the leaders.
Group members are accommodated in comfortable 4 , 8 or 6 bed rooms. Shared single sex bathroom facilities are situated in each room.. All bedding is provided (duvets, sheets and pillows) and towels can be hired for $1 each.
Supervisors and tour leaders can be accommodated in double or twin rooms with private or shared bathroom facilities. These rooms include all bed linen and towels. Please note that we have a limited number of private rooms with ensuite facilities and they are subject to availability.
Continental breakfasts are available from $10 per person and packed picnic lunches from $15 per person. If you prefer to eat out there are a good selection of local eateries and we are happy to help with suitable suggestions for your group.
We know being a group leader is tough work at the best of times and you need to stay contactable as much as possible to keep things running smoothly. To help you stay connected YHA offers provides group leaders with free high speed WiFi during their stay. Any YHA members in the group will also receive free wi-fi.
A free booking service is provided for all activities and travel including: Waitangi Treaty Grounds, boat cruises, bus tours, fishing trips, sky diving, sailing, parasailing, diving, kayak and bike hire, and Waitangi golf course. Whether you require a private coach and driver for your whole group trip or a short ride to a specific destination we can assist you with booking the right transport option for your group.
Meeting room and training facilities, tennis courts, and gym access are all easily arranged by the hostel.
Discover our birthplace package
Dolphin Eco Experience
The Bay of Islands have the warmest waters in New Zealand and are perfect for swimming with the dolphins. Your tour will allow you to see and hear dolphins and whales and travel with staff that have an intimate knowledge of these wonderful creatures. Take this tour with overnight accommodation at the YHA Bay of Islands
Contact our Group Coordinators
Contact YHA Bay of Islands direct 09 4027487 or email paihia@yha.co.nz or our national groups coordinator 0800 278 299.
