Things to see & do in and around Tairua

The beautiful river gorge setting provides many opportunities for walking, swimming, canoeing, trout fishing, fossicking, rafting, bird watching, photography, picnicking & camping.

Tairua River - located in the Puketui Valley, by the main Thames road. This is an excellent picnic and fresh water swimming spot.

Tairua Harbour - a dramatic harbour mouth, with an entrance hazardous to boats at times. Shore and cast fishing is available from both Pauanui and Tairua sides.

Pauanui Mountain Walking Track - climbing steeply from the south end of Pauanui Beach, this offers a trek to the top of Pauanui Mountain (400m/1200ft) for panoramic views.

Pauanui/Tairua Ferry - operating every hour in summer, this is a pleasant ride from the Pauanui Wharf to the Tairua Harbour.

Paku - this dramatic volcanic peak dominates the harbour and can be climbed from Paku Drive in a steep 15 min walk to the summit.

Tairua Golf Course - found in the centre of the town. The Tairua County Club offers Golf, Croquet & lawn Bowls.

Broken Hills - at the top of the Puketui Valley Road, this area has gold mining relics, fishing, rock fossicking and a variety of day walks.

30 - 60 minutes drive away

Hot Water Beach - Some volcanoes develop huge underground reservoirs of superheated water. Over time, this water will escape to the surface — cooling on the way. The hot springs are only accessible at low tide, however more often than not two hours each side of low tide, will still provide you with an opportunity to dig your own spa. Spades & Beach Towels are available on request. Daily Low Tides

Cathedral Cove - Accessible only on foot or by boat, famous Cathedral Cove is one of the “must visit” sites on the Coromandel Peninsula. The track begins at the northern end of Hahei. Cathedral Cove Marine Reserve, Te Whanganui- A-Hei, covers 9 square kilometres and is New Zealand’s sixth marine reserve.

Opoutere - popular for swimming and surfing, this spectacular white sand, 5km beach is protected from development by an afforested reserve. Wharekawa Harbour is known for bush walking and bird watching.

Whangamata Craft Trail - gifted local artisans can be visited using a brochure available from the Information Centre.

For further information on activities on the Coromandel visit this website: www.thecoromandel.com