Located at the mouth of the Tairua River, Pauanui is a holiday resort town on the picturesque Coromandel Peninsula. It’s home a picturesque waterfront park and is a short boat ride from the dive sites off the Alderman Islands.
Things to do in Pauanui Beach
Mingle with the locals in the Royal Billy Point Reserve, which overlooks the Tairua River and boasts barbecue facilities and a children’s playground. Enjoy the sea breezes while strolling along the waterfront trail and admire the engine block recovered from the wrecked S.S. Wairoa.
For some of the best views in the region, climb to the top of Paku Summit, a volcanic peak that rises from the southern end of Tairua Beach. Follow the trail between native trees before scrambling over a series of large boulders to take in the panoramas of Pauanui, the Coromandel Ranges and the Aldermen Islands.
While visiting Tairua, stop in at The Little Gallery to browse the works of award-winning artists from the Coromandel Peninsula and beyond. Admire the paintings, sculptures and jewellery on display, then chat with the artists before purchasing a unique piece to take home.
Discover the local marine life on a diving excursion around the Alderman Islands, a cluster of rocky islets that lie a short boat ride from Pauanui. The warm currents attract turtles, sunfish, manta rays and migrating humpback whales, while the forested shores are home to rare reptiles, such as the tuatara.
Getting around Pauanui Beach
Pauanui is just under two hours’ drive from Auckland International Airport and Tauranga. It’s connected to Tairua by ferry, with both towns small enough to explore on foot or by bicycle.