Tairua is the best kept secret on The Coromandel. With a population of just over 1000 people, this stunning seaside hamlet offers an insightful glimpse into the local lifestyle of a small beachside community in the North Island of New Zealand.
With State Highway 25a running through it and opposite the stunning Pauanui, Tairua is a popular stopping point for visitors enroute to Hot Water Beach, Cathedral Cove, or Whitianga. It is the most centrally located Coromandel town on the eastern seaboard, making daytrips to popular Coromandel hotspots a pleasant and easy drive. The true magic of Tairua, however, waits when you stop and stay awhile. There is much to be discovered by exploring the town and all the bounty it has to offer.
As far as natural wonders, Tairua has it all; majestic hills, meandering bushwalks, breathtaking landscapes. For fans of the sea, the soothing tidal estuary and harbour offer ever-changing views, as well as exhilarating swimming, kayaking and paddle boarding. The ocean beach is an exciting surf spot reknown by surfers and swimmers alike. Tairua is second to none as a location for some of the best fishing, diving and snorkeling on The Coromandel, with the Alderman and Mercury Islands nearby. It is a boatie’s coastal playground. Tairua village offers a charming taste of the laid-back coastal kiwi lifestyle. An eclectic mix of boutiques and eateries sit comfortably alongside the grocer, butcher, pharmacy and hardware store, servicing locals and visitors with everyday requirements. Tairua is a terrific place for families to enjoy time together. There are playgrounds, tennis courts and reserves to play and picnic outdoors, and the labyrinth of public waterfront walkways provide ample opportunity for enjoying a stroll and taking in the stunning sights of the area.
Mt Paku in Tairua is a volcanic peak rising up between the southern end of Tairua Beach and the Tairua harbour mouth. 7-8 million years ago, Paku’s origins as an island volcano commenced with an eruption of ash and pumice. About 6,500 years ago, sea levels rose and allowed the sandspit north of Paku to develop and establish a land bridge, connecting the island volcano to what we now know as Tairua.
Now you can walk to the summit of Mt Paku through a beautiful trail lined with native trees such as Karaka, Kawakawa, Mahoe and Pohutukawa. Moss-covered rocks, wooden steps and the sound of birdsong from quails, bellbirds and tuis enhance the experience.
Tairua locals welcome visitors and holidaymakers to their town. They are tremendously proud of where they live. The people are friendly, the service is helpful and the pace is leisurely. It is the perfect place to stop and stay awhile.
tairua information centre opening hours
summer opening hours 1st oct - 28th feb
Monday - Friday (9.00am - 5.00pm) Saturdays (10.00am - 2.00pm)
Sundays (10.00am - 2.00pm)
autumn and winter opening hours - 1st march - 30th sept
Monday - Friday ( 9.00 am - 4.00 pm) Saturdays ( 10.00 am -2.00 pm)
Sunday closed
Inspired by our beautiful surroundings and stunning natural elements, Tairua boasts a range of walking and hiking tracks. From the easy-going paced to the more adventurous, there is a little something for everyone to enjoy. Guided tracks and walks are dotted in and around Tairua, or you can simply use your own imagination and get out amongst nature and stroll leisurely on one of our beaches and estuaries. There is so much to see and outstanding views regardless of where and when you choose to explore - both in Tairua and just outside our town. Pop in to our information centre and see one of our friendly staff for a recommendation, or click on the button below for some ideas and enjoy!
Spotlight on a local business..
We have a range of top notch businesses here in Tairua like Parker Architecture - hardware, software, website design and more! You can find Parker Architecture and a business for almost anything you need in our Local Businesses pages.
Activities in and around Tairua..
There is so much to do in Tairua. Explore our waters with a kayak adventure, book yourself in for a fishing trip, laze about on one of our beaches or hire a bike to travel our scenic surroundings. Pop in to see our friendly staff at our Information Centre or check out out activities pages for inspiration.
Tairua Residents & Ratepayers..
Tairua Residents & Ratepayers are a non profit organisation whose primary objective is to safeguard, promote and conserve the interests of the owners and residents of properties in Tairua. To find out more information about who we are and what we do, head to our page.
OUt and About - Explore and nurture..
Escape the hustle and bustle of town life and relax on one of the many stunning beaches. Soothe the soul breathing in the fresh air whilst walking through the wondrous flora and fauna & amazing walking tracks and hikes. View the wonderful sights, relax, rejoice and return home with memories for life.
For the locals.. Here for our community..
If you live here in Tairua, we have pages with services that may interest you. Perhaps you're looking to join a club or group or interested in a weekly activity? Fore more about our community or Local Information such as Key Phone Numbers, visit our Local Information Page!
THAMES COROMANDEL DISTRICT COUNCIL..
For up to date information about any council related issues, road closures, current events, recycling and waste, libraries and more, head along to the Thames Coromandel District Council website. Learn more about our council intentions and keep yourself up to date with the latest news and find relevant contact numbers.
Tairua Information Centre SHOWCASED TAIRUA ON NATIONAL TVNZ BREAKFAST SHOW
From an early morning workout with Tairua’s Womens Fitness and Wellbeing group, Eve took Matt Gibb from TVNZ Breakfast to the Gazebo lookout for a stunning view of the sunrise, which blew Matt’s mind. Next we visited Johnny’s for a fun and fund raising event, to eat a Homemade Smoked Fish Pie the quickest and to raise funds for our first responders, St Johns Ambulance and Tairua Volunteer Fire Brigade. Matt’s next visit was to The Wharf at Mt Paku where he met up with Ritchie McNabb of Coromandel Ocean Adventures, who showcased The islands and Alderman Island tours available. Back to town he met up with the locals for a big farewell.
We are not just an Information Centre! You can also find a huge range of beautiful NZ made and locally sourced gifts and souvenirs. There is something for anyone and for all ages. Send a loved one overseas a treat from Tairua or buy for yourself! Popular gifts ideas in store now are:
Beautiful home decor
Babywear from Lulujo and Earth Nymph children’s tees, rompers and hoodies
Table place settings
Greeting Cards
Sterling Jewellery
Tairua is on the East Coast of the Coromandel Peninsula - approximately 2 hours drive from Auckland Airport.
Have you got a query for Tairua Information Centre? You can contact us by dropping in to see us at 2 Manaia Road, Tairua (inside the Tairua Library building), phone us on 07-864 7575 or fill out the form below.
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