Along the Tairua Estuary (30 mins)
A lovely level waterfront walk starting at the Info centre and ending at the base of Paku with lots of bird-sighting opportunities on the way.
To the top of paku (30 mins)
Various routes from the ocean beach or the esplanade, all ending with a very rewarding climb to panoramic views from the summit (179m), park at the car park next to the kids playground and follow the signs to the summit and walk from there for about 10 minutes each way.
GAZEBO LOOKOUT
Main road to the gazebo (15 mins)
A short climb up steps across the main road from community hall for a great view.
Red Bridge Road Track (50 mins)
A beautiful bush walk at the southern end of town.
Start either at the end of Hinemoa Road or at the end of Red Bridge Road
History Trail (2 x 45 mins)
Two loops north and south from the info centre to historic buildings and sites, each with an information panel and photo.
PAUANUI/TAIRUA TRAIL (CYCLE OR WALK)
The Tairua River trail is a scenic 6km walking and cycling route, currently open from Pauanui’s waterways to a point downstream from Hikuai.
Loop Track
South end of the beach (off Pauanui Beach Road) from the car park
Loop Track - 15 Minutes and return to beach
Track to Summit of Mt Pauanui (3 hour loop)
Continue “Old Trig Route” to the top of Mt Pauanui. If fit and well prepared, descent same way or return via Eastern Route.
flat rock and boulder bay
10 minute walk along the waters edge to Flat Rock and Boulder Bay. At high tide see the rough rock fallen from the mountain being pounded by the sea and see how the rocks are rolled into smooth stone. The sound is wonderful. Continue on to The Cave.
royal billy point
Walk the full length of the beach from south end to north end (Royal Billy Point).
Walk along the waters edge or along the public reserve viewing the windsock, the Life Saving Surf Club Lookout and on to the jetty at Royal Billy Point.
Walk the circumference of Pauanui via the ocean beach and estuary (apporx 7kms).
Watch out for the Dotterels near Royal Billy Point end. To avoid their nests walk below the high tide mark.
Walk along the estuary waters edge or public reserve to Pleasant Point and beyond. Views of the inner harbour and mountain ranges in the background. You can continue as far as the Waterways. Cross over the small bridge into Waterways Canal Development.
Waterfall Track (15 Mins)
The waterfall walk is situated approximately 3kms from the Waterways Roundabout on the main road to Hikuai.
There is a small parking area on the left before the road climbs the hill. A walking sign indicates the spot. There is an approximate 15 to 20 min easy walk to the waterfall. You can swim in the deep waterhole beneath the waterfall. Spectacular after rain. As always you need to check the surrounding area before attempting to dive in.
GEM OF THE BOOM Walk (10 Mins)
An easy loop from the Puketui Valley Road, on the left before crossing the Tairua River bridge, through the remains of an old goldmining settlement.
Golden Hills Battery (15 Mins)
Starts by the bridge , easy walk along the south side of the river via an old tramway route.
Collins Drive (3 Hour Loop)
From the road-end, the track climbs steeply (with short sidetrack to a lookout at 322m) then drops down and through an 800m long mine tunnel (torch essential despite glow-worms) and completes the loop via other old mining remains and water races.
Devcich Kauri (75 Mins)
A track through attractive bush along the ridge from the summit of the Kopu-Hikuai road, then a steep drop down to the impressive tree.
Twin Kauris Walk (15 Mins)
A beautiful bush loop walk just beside the main road.
Currently closed due to Kauri Die back.
Sailors Grave to Otara Bay (20 Mins)
Past the grave at Te Karo Bay are some great coastal views and great bush leading to a lovely remote Pohutukawa-fringed beach.
Otara Bay to Lynch Stream (60 Mins)
An extension of walk through coastal bush but steep in parts.
Whenuakite Kauri Walk (45 Mins Loop)
A well-formed, easy access track through a fine stand of regenerating kauri forest.
Currently closed due to Kauri Die Back.
SH25 via Lynch Stream to Sailors Grave Track (4 Hours)
A serious tramp requiring a vehicle at each end and involving many stream crossings but well worth the effort.
Currently closed due to Kauri Die Back
Hot Water Beach (15 Mins)
A pleasant stroll to the hot water sands and beyond (springs only accessible 2 hours each side of low tide). Good surf at the northern end of the beach, but take care if swimming.
Cathedral Cove (45 Mins)
A very well-formed coastal walk leading to the beautiful rock formations around the cove. A perfect spot for swimming, snorkeling and kayaking.
Currently this track is closed due to major destruction from Cyclone Gabrielle. Viewing can only be made by Kayak or Boat tour. No landing on beach allowed.
Te Para Pa (15 Mins)
Spectacular coastal scenery from the headland at the south end of Hahei Beach
Cooks Beach to Flaxmill Bay (60 Mins)
Some great swimming opportunities and beautiful views all around this historic site from the days of Captain Cook. A 30 minute side trip up Shakespeare Bluff provides some great views.
Whitianga Rock (10 Mins)
An impressive pa site which is an easy walk from ferry landing.
Opoutere Beach (20 mins)
A pleasant walk through pine forest and by the estuary to a great ocean beach. If it is dotterel nesting time, please watch out for birds.
Poutere Lookout (20 Mins)
Through old Pohutukawa and Puriri trees, then up, steeply in parts, to enjoy impressive views for this important pa site.
Te Ananui Beach (15 Mins)
From Onemana Road, turn right to head south along the unsealed Peninsula Road in the forestry area (check first that access is possible). A short but steep track leads down to an attractive secluded beach.
Pakahakaha Lookout (20 Mins)
From the end of the Peninsula Road with some excellent views from a loop track around the bush-clad hillside.
Pokohino Beach (15 Mins)
From Onemana Road, turn left to head 4kms along an unsealed forestry road (check first that access is possible). A well-graded track drops down through pines to this very pretty sheltered beach.
Wentworth Valley whangamata (90 Mins+)
A gentle riverside walk through beautiful bush then a steeper climb up for a fine view of the waterfall.
Parakiwai Valley whangamata (90 Mins+)
A well-formed bush track following an old bush tramway route, then a steeper loop through an old gold-mining area up to impressive falls. Check out the unique rock formations to the right after crossing the bridge.