Surrounded by the rolling tree clad hills of the Coromandel Peninsula and located at the mouth of the Tairua River, Pauanui stands within the stunningly beautiful setting of golden ocean beaches and the sheltered, blue waters of Tairua Harbour. Overlooking the crystal clear waters of the Pacific Ocean and the nearby coastal islands of Slipper, Waikato and Alderman, and overlooked by the volcanic Paku Hill, Pauanui lies just 30 kilometres from Thames, the ‘Gateway of the Coromandel Peninsula’, on the central northern coastline of New Zealand’s North Island.
The Pauanui settlement consists of approximately 1,000 permanent residents, and this swells to around 20,000 during the holiday season with visitors attracted to the 3 kilometres of golden ocean beach and the associated activities of boating, windsurfing, sea kayaking, scuba diving, game fishing and surfing. Locally other activities of bush walking, bowls, golf and tennis are available, whilst Pauanui also makes a great base from which to explore the whole of the Coromandel Peninsula with its many beautiful coves and beaches, lush inland rainforest, volcanic mountains and seaside villages, plus many varied activities and attractions.
The town of Tairua is located on the opposite bank of the river from Pauanui, and these ‘twin’ towns are often considered as similar destinations. However Tairua has developed more of a character amongst its older, slightly larger and more dispersed community, perhaps created through its origins of being a timber milling and farming centre. Whereas Pauanui is a purpose built resort town and features a more functional, contemporary road layout and New Zealand’s first canal housing development. There is easy access between the two by ferry which runs every hour during the summer season, however the main part of each town lies a good walking distance from the wharfs. There is no bridge between the two centres and road access entails a 25 kilometre drive.
Attractions in these towns include boat and yacht charters - safe sandy beaches - the walk to the top of Paku Hill in Tairua - the walk along the Pauanui Mountain Walking Trail for awe inspiring views over the coast - the good surfing beach in Tairua - cast fishing in Tairua Harbour - diving in the Alderman Islands, and diving off the coast of Slipper Island, which offers historic sites and scenic walks. Pauanui Craft Markets are also worth a visit and include 130 stalls with children’s entertainment and music.
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