Known for its fishing and surfing, the holiday town of Tairua lies on the northern edge of a large tidal estuary harbour, across the channel from Pāuanui. The main ocean beach is a short walk around the harbour reserve from the village which lies on the main road. The twin peaks of Mount Paku guard the harbour entrance and a walk to the summit provides a 360-degree view from the Aldermen Islands round to The Pinnacles in The Coromandel Forest Park.
Stay & Explore
Tairua is an excellent base to explore the east coast and offshore islands or the trails at Broken Hills in the craggy mountains to the west. There are a number of nature walks around the village and the Tairua History Trail is a great way to explore.
Tairua is only minutes away from bush and kauri grove walks, old mines and caves and Pauanui is only a short ferry ride across the harbour. The offshore islands of Slipper, Shoe and the Aldermen Islands can also be explored by booking a trip with local dive and fishing charters.