Staying at timeshares here is great. Playing a round of golf at the Waitangi Golf Course. Taking the 'Hole in the Rock' cruise where the boat actually maneuvers through the hole, out in open sea. Being able to do bushwalks on well-maintained, uncrowded tracks and enjoying seeing and hearing native fantails, tui, and even a keruru (wood pigeon), with great views thrown in.
Having a choice of places to dine out from the relatively inexpensive to the more upmarket. Checking out the Treaty House at Waitangi, and catching the ferry across to Russell to climb the hill, which is the site of the flag pole that Hone Heke kept chopping down in the 1800s.
Quick Tips:
Our family has visited twice now in the July school holidays. While it is still winter time, Paihia is much less crowded than in the summer and there is space to move around and no need to queue. Cruise companies run family specials where children go for when accompanied by a full fare adult.
There is a good supermarket locally for preparing your own food. Check out the local shops for bargains. Always pack a rain coat as the weather can be changeable, even here. Wear sturdy walking shoes.
Best Way To Get Around:
In Paihia itself walking is just fine and there are several bays to explore on the immediate waterfront. There are regular ferries across to the township of Russell.
Waitangi is within walking distance but probably prefer to drive and the wharf (car ferry to Okarito, Russell) at Opua is close too for driving. To explore further afield, e.g. Kerikeri or Cape Reinga, a car is definitely the way to go. There are bus services through the town.