Tairua & Pauanui
Fabulous twin harbour towns on the Peninsula's east coast, Tairua and Pauanui offer a superb setting beside the Pacific Ocean. Close by is Paku, a twin-coned Maori pa sculptured hillside that was once an island while offshore lies the Slipper, Shoe and Alderman Islands. A number of charter and fishing boats operate from both wharves and the beaches are perfect for safe swimming and surfing in most conditions.
Tairua is the older of the two towns and originally a milling and farming community. Across the water, is Pauanui, a purposebuilt holiday community that features the country's first canal housing development. The internationally acclaimed Puka Park Resort is also found here.
For more information on Accommodation, Activities, Transport, Dining or Events in Tairua and Pauanui
Attractions worth a visit:
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.
BROKEN HILLS - at the top of the Puketui Valley Road, this area has gold mining relics, fishing, rock hounding and a variety of day walks.
SLIPPER ISLAND - historic sites, scenic walks, safe snorkeling, diving, fishing and wreck exploration are all found here.
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