Tairua Surf Beach
A stunning ocean surf beach, a delight for surfers, swimmers, kayaker's, paddle boarders, boogie boarders, sun bathers, beachcombers, old and young alike. Over summer the beach is well patrolled with surf life savers, it is safest to swim between the flags.
Learn more about our iconic surf beach at Surfseeker - Tairua.
Mt Paku
Get your heart rate up with a bit of a climb up Mt Paku. Various routes from the ocean beach or the esplanade, lead you to panoramic views from the summit (179m) or for an easier option, park at the car park next to the kids' playground and to follow the signs to the summit and walk from there for about 10 minutes each way.
Learn more here: Mount Paku Summit Walk
The Pepe
The Pepe Harbour really sits right in the heart of Tairua and is able to be enjoyed in so many ways. The playground and BBQ area is a great place for the whole family to hang out, eat an ice-cream, take on the challenges of the playground, dine on a package of fish and chips from one of the local takeaway outlets, or cook up some sausages on the free BBQ.
The water is a great place to take a dip, kayak and paddle board or when the tide is out, take a walk out onto the mudflats. It's a particularly favoured swimming hole by families of young children as the currents are generally tame. It's also a great spot for some evening flounder fishing.
For those brave enough, jumping off the Pepe Bridge is a rite of passage! Please note this is safe at high tide only for confident swimmers, and not recommended for small or unsupervised children.
The Pepe Loop Walk is a lovely gentle walk around the edge of the estuary and over the golf course.
Tairua Wharf and Ferry
The wharf is a short walk from the campground and is the local ferry terminal, where you can jump on for a short burst across the harbour to visit neighbouring Pauanui. Explore the timetable at Tairua Ferry.
Take the kids (or the grown-ups) for a spot of fishing off the wharf; with rod holders and bait boards at the ready, all you need is a packet of bait - available from Dutchy's Tairua or the local gas station - and your fishing rod.