Tairua Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo by Tamara
Photo by Beth Davis
Photo by Sapphire Beaumont

Surf and swim in the ocean, kayak in the river or enjoy sweeping views from the top of an ancient volcano in this popular Coromandel resort. 

Experience a memorable New Zealand vacation in Tairua, with sun-soaked days lazing on the beach, fishing at sea or kayaking on the still waters of the river. Climb Paku, the ancient volcanic cone that overlooks the town and take in one of the best views of coastal Coromandel. Take a boat out to the nearby Alderman Islands and enjoy diving in some of the country’s clearest waters. Visit the town in the evening to find a restaurant serving the catch of the day.

Life here revolves around the water. Start your day with a dip in the turquoise seas of Ocean Beach. Surfers will enjoy riding the powerful waves here. Head out into the open ocean with a charter boat and explore the Alderman Islands, located a short way offshore. Fish for big snapper and kingfish or put on your diving gear and explore the underwater world around the islands. Those who prefer calmer waters can enjoy kayaking or swimming in the river. There are also some beautiful and quiet picnic spots on the grass overlooking the water.

Don’t miss the chance to climb up Paku during your visit. This perfectly conical hill is also the site of an ancient Maori “pā” (fort). This vantage point, with its sweeping panoramas of the coast, was the ideal spot for the early Maori people to patrol for invaders.

Head into town for a coffee break or enjoy a meal in one of the restaurants. Try locally caught seafood and a range of other Coromandel specialties, such as artisanal cheese.

Tairua is a great place for a vacation year-round. The town is situated roughly halfway along the east coast of the Coromandel Peninsula, just south of Hot Water Beach. Many visitors combine a trip to Tairua with a visit to Pauanui, the town that lies on the other side of the estuary. Stay at the campsite or rent a “bach” (holiday home) and relax by the water.

Pacific Harbour Villas
Pacific Harbour Villas
4 out of 5
223 Main Rd, Tairua
The price is NZ$174 per night from 22 July to 23 July
NZ$174
22 July - 23 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach cabin in Tairua. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Popular attractions Tairua Library and Pepe Reserve are located ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (179 reviews)
"was a great place to stay for our weekend away,So quite and relaxing, Great walking distances to the great food ,and shops,,definitely be back AAA+++"

Reviewed on 22 Jun. 2025

Pacific Harbour Villas
Paku Lodge Resort
Paku Lodge Resort
3 out of 5
10 The Esplanade, PO Box 63, Tairua
The price is NZ$150 per night from 13 July to 14 July
NZ$150
13 July - 14 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star beach aparthotel in Tairua. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (224 reviews)
"Fantastic place, charming, quiet, Terry a great host/owner; beautiful location 2.5 km walk to downtown Tairua but pitch dark at night, glad I had a reflector vest Basics in place for cooking, TV has Netflix, prime and good channels. Water across the street, complimentary kayaks and shovels for hot ..."

Reviewed on 23 Jun. 2025

Paku Lodge Resort
Tairua Shores
Tairua Shores
3.5 out of 5
156 Main Road, Coromandel Peninsula, Tairua
The price is NZ$190 per night from 13 July to 14 July
NZ$190
13 July - 14 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly motel in Tairua. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Popular attractions Pepe Reserve ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (129 reviews)
"Excellent stay! Would recommend to anyone wanting to see Coromandel, Hahei or the Hot Water Beaches for a night or two!"

Reviewed on 11 May 2025

Tairua Shores
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Pacific Harbour Villas
Pacific Harbour Villas
4 out of 5
223 Main Rd, Tairua
Stay at this 4-star beach cabin in Tairua. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Popular attractions Tairua Library and Pepe Reserve are located ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (179 reviews)
"was a great place to stay for our weekend away,So quite and relaxing, Great walking distances to the great food ,and shops,,definitely be back AAA+++"

Reviewed on 22 Jun. 2025

Pacific Harbour Villas
Paku Lodge Resort
Paku Lodge Resort
3 out of 5
10 The Esplanade, PO Box 63, Tairua
Stay at this 3-star beach aparthotel in Tairua. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (224 reviews)
"Fantastic place, charming, quiet, Terry a great host/owner; beautiful location 2.5 km walk to downtown Tairua but pitch dark at night, glad I had a reflector vest Basics in place for cooking, TV has Netflix, prime and good channels. Water across the street, complimentary kayaks and shovels for hot ..."

Reviewed on 23 Jun. 2025

Paku Lodge Resort
Paku Paradise, Tairua.
Paku Paradise, Tairua.
Tairua
Stay at this vacation home in Tairua. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Mount Paku and Pauanui Beach are located nearby.
9.6/10 Exceptional! (128 reviews)
Paku Paradise Plus
"I'm a regular visitor here. After two years away it is great to return to a relaxing spot with great views. some upgrades make this getaway even more comfortable. Check out the local cafes at the bottom of Mt.Paku when your here - Tairua club and Old Mill are favourites."

Reviewed on 8 May 2025

Paku Paradise, Tairua.
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Reviews of Tairua

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
14
5 - Excellent 56%
4 - Good
9
4 - Good 36%
3 - Okay
2
3 - Okay 8%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Nice beaches.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

The restaurant Manaia was great. Staff were very friendly and service was excellent. Food was delicious

5/5 - Excellent

ColinGallagher

100 year birthday celebration of local person living in Village

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

A great spot to visit and fantastic views from Paku Summit. Winter a lot of restaurants are not open every night so something to be mindful of. Summer it’s pumping.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

I had never stayed there before. This was a brief trip and I'm determined to return for a longer holiday. The estuary and ocean beach are beautiful, there are plenty of dining options and it's a reasonably short drive to other attractions.

3/5 - Okay

Robyn

Very quiet town, not many restaurants or eating options. Great food at Hot Water Beach cafe. Healthy food at reasonable price and lovely setting.

Cities near Tairua