Tairua

Travel 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
$89 nightly
The price is $103 total per night from Aug 23 to Aug 24
$103 total
Aug 23 - Aug 24
Total with taxes and 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! (181 reviews)
"Had to have shower with the cockroaches... was dark on the side of kitchen where plugs were as no lighting as it is only over sink by window. No milk for room (not sure if meant to be provided) no information in room about Tairua or resort. Overall stay was very pleasant"

Reviewed on Aug 18, 2025

Pacific Harbour Villas
Tairua Shores

Tairua Shores

3.5 out of 5
156 Main Road, Coromandel Peninsula, Tairua
$96 nightly
The price is $110 total per night from Aug 26 to Aug 27
$110 total
Aug 26 - Aug 27
Total with taxes and 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! (132 reviews)
"Clean, quiet, and helpful staff and would stay longer next time."

Reviewed on Aug 17, 2025

Tairua Shores
Paku Lodge Resort

Paku Lodge Resort

3 out of 5
10 The Esplanade, PO Box 63, Tairua
$78 nightly
The price is $90 total per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
$90 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
Total with taxes and 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! (225 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 Jun 23, 2025

Paku Lodge Resort
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! (181 reviews)
"Had to have shower with the cockroaches... was dark on the side of kitchen where plugs were as no lighting as it is only over sink by window. No milk for room (not sure if meant to be provided) no information in room about Tairua or resort. Overall stay was very pleasant"

Reviewed on Aug 18, 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! (225 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 Jun 23, 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! (129 reviews)
midwinter at Paku Paradise
"I've stayed here multiple times and the location still leaves a warm and positive impression. Easy access with whatever you need to keep you comfortable, off street parking is always a bonus for unpacking/ repacking. Even in winter you can be warm and cosy as you watch the sea and birds wheeling ..."

Reviewed on Jul 3, 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

Cities near Tairua