Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(Marsden Rd)
The characterful St Paul's was constructed of Kawakawa stone in 1925, and
stands on the site of NZ's first church, a simple
raupo
(bulrush) hut erected in 1823.
Look for the native birds in the stained glass above the altar - the kotare (kingfisher) rep-
resents Jesus (the king plus 'fisher of men'), while the tui (parson bird) and kereru (wood
pigeon) portray the personalities of the Williams brothers (one scholarly, one forceful),
who set up the mission station here.
Opua Forest
FOREST
Just behind Paihia, this regenerating forest has walking trails ranging from 10 minutes to
five hours. A few large trees have escaped axe and fire, including some big kauri. Walk
up from School Rd for about 30 minutes to good lookouts. Information on Opua Forest
walks is available from the i-SITE. Drive into the forest by taking Oromahoe Rd west
from Opua.
Sleeping
If your budget is more flexible, Russell has more atmosphere, but Paihia is more con-
venient and has motels, apartments and B&Bs on the waterfront and around the sur-
rounding hills. Paihia has an excellent range of hostels, and Kings Rd is the main 'back-
packers' row'.
Seabeds
HOSTEL $
( 09-402 5567;
www.seabeds.co.nz
;
46 Davis Cres; dm/s/d/apt $28/68/85/95; )
Offer-
ing comfortable, friendly, stylish budget digs in a converted motel, Seabeds is one of
Paihia's best hostels. Little design touches give it a stylish ambience, and it's in a quieter
location than most of Paihia's more social hostels along Kings Rd.
Peppertree Lodge
HOSTEL $
( 09-402 6122;
www.peppertree.co.nz
; 15 Kings Rd; dm $25-28, r $72-110; )
Simple,
clean rooms with high ceilings and good linen, plus bikes, racquets, kayaks and two bar-
becues for guests' use, making this a sociable choice.
Pickled Parrot
HOSTEL $
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