Tairua - North Island, New Zealand

Tairua is a developed beachside town situated north of Whangamata and the holiday resort of Pauanui. Though highly commercialised, there are still remote unspoilt beaches in its vicinity. Tairua provides easy access to Hot Water Beach about 16 kms away and the town of Whitianga about 42 kms away.

Tairua is ensconced between pine hills and the Tairua River, separated from the Pacific Ocean by two opposing and touching peninsulas. One of them hosts the grand volcanic Mt Paku and the other is home to the popular resort of Pauanui which is just a 5 minute ferry ride from Tairua. It is a 25 km drive from Tairua to Pauanui.

Tairua Activities

Tairua provides great surf and safe swimming beaches for the hordes of local holidaymakers that descend here in the Christmas and New Year period. A car enables you to drive easily from Tairua to Hot Water Beach.

A 15 minute climb to the summit of Mt Paku gives you breathtaking views of the town and the beaches. You can avail of commercial operators who deal with aquatic activities like kayaking and diving. There are also informative eco-tours conducted by operators.

The Tairua Information Centre is on Main Street. Buses from Auckland, Whitianga and Thames unload passengers here. Tairua offers decent accommodation facilities in the form of motels and backpackers hostels.

Tairua Accommodation

The best hostel is on the water's edge south of the town centre and offers kayaks, cheap bikes and windsurfers for hire. Tairua serves as a good base for accommodation as it is easily accessible to Hahei and Hot Water Beach.

The eating choices are limited with a nice cafe situated on the corner of Main Road and Marquet Place. There is a restored ferry at the base of Mt Paku that serves as a good restaurant.

LooknbookNZ can look after your Tairua accommodation and Tairua activities bookings and allow you and your family/friends to relax in the tranquil environs of the beautiful surf and sands of this sylvan coastal town called Tairua.