Tairua Beach

Located on State Highway 25a on the opposite side of the bay from Pauanui, Tairua Beach is one of the most centrally-located beaches found on the North Island’s epic Coromandel Peninsula, making it a great base for exploring the region as well as a beach destination of some standing in its own right.

Tairua Beach sits at the base of the twin peaked Mount Paku, in an area of picturesque grandeur that continues across to views of the nearby Aldermen Islands.

While the sand here might be a little coarser in grade than can be found elsewhere on the Coromandel, the beach’s sheltered location makes it safe for swimming and all manner of water sports, including sailing, kayaking, windsurfing, bodyboarding, stand-up paddleboarding and even fishing directly from the beach itself. What’s more, good easterly swells make Tairua Beach an attractive proposition for New Zealand’s surfing community.

The beach is patrolled in the summer by lifeguards, when it is at its busiest. However, visitors intent on a swim should still remain between the flags marking the patrol zone.

A variety of walking trails lead from the beach and through the native flora, including to the summit of Mount Paku, should you like to explore more of the immediate area and take in even more of the glorious vistas that are on offer.

Tairua Beach offers plenty of accommodation in the town sharing the beach’s name. It’s worth booking ahead for the height of the southern hemisphere’s summer between December and February. Happily, Tairua Beach is both accessible for those with disabilities, and pet friendly.