Find Your Escape: 10 Best Things To Do In Tairua, New Zealand

things to do in tairua nz
Rofiq
Rofiq 
Updated
| 3 min read

Sitting exquisitely on the east piece of the Coromandel Peninsula, Tairua is where you can initiate your North Island adventure. New Zealand’s pearl has a dazzling array of natural views from the bearish Aldermen Islands to the unspoiled Coromandel Forest Park. Aside from becoming a paradise for nature fanatics, it’s also the lively mecca for water sport buffs.

Here are 10 great things to do in Tairua you need to discover:

1. Climb Mount Paku

NZ110415 Mount Paku 03
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Oren Rozen used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Exploring Tairua seems a bit incomplete without scaling the Paku summit, located on the southern tip of Tairua beach. Once you try its gorgeous trail, you will be welcomed by the native trees lining along your way like Mahoe and Kawawa, rocks overgrown by dark green moss, and the charming birdsongs. At the peak, the panoramic views of Tairua and Pauanui will leave everybody speechless.

Mount Paku

Website: Mount Paku

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2. Hit the Sailors Grave

Sailors Grave Historic Reserve
Source: Photo by Flickr user russellstreet used under CC BY-SA 2.0

The Sailors Grave is one of the oldest burial sites of the first European settlers stepping on New Zealand’s soil - most of them were sailors, whalers, and sealers. The historical sandy area matches with the spectacular view of Coromandel Peninsula and the Pacific Ocean. Other than reminiscing about the ancestors, you can do beach hopping, swimming, and kayaking.

Sailors Grave

Address: Sailors Grave Road, Tairua, New Zealand

Website: Sailors Grave

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3. See the fascinating Kauri trees at Twin Kauri Scenic Reserve

Twin Kauri
Source: Photo by Flickr user studio tdes used under CC BY 2.0

If you love either walking or tracking in Tairua, don’t doubt exploring the Twin Kauri Scenic Reserve. It features two fantastic gargantuan Kauri trees, worthy for a photo opportunity. To reach there, you just take a 10-minute drive from the city center. Before going into the depths of the jungle, check out the trail at the Tairua information center first.

Twin Kauri Scenic Reserve

Website: Twin Kauri Scenic Reserve

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4. Find a getaway in Te Karo Bay

Sailor's Grave Historic Reserve
Source: Photo by Flickr user russellstreet used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Get your own memorable getaway experience by hitting Te Karo Bay (at the same area of the Sailors Grave). The bewitching spot merges the beauty of fresh water estuary, the blue-green ocean, the dramatic golden sand beach, and not to mention the captivating Pohutukawa trees. For bay exploration, start your walk from the Otara Bay track.

Te Karo Bay

Website: Te Karo Bay

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5. Go surfing at Tairua beach

Tairua Harbour 03
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Krzysztof Golik used under CC BY-SA 4.0

To perfect your Coromandel adventure, there is nothing more awesome than trying the easterly swells of Tairua beach with your surf board. It offers varied levels of waves from light to wild - the beginners are also encouraged to try this thrilling experience. Other water activities you can do here include kayaking and swimming.

Tairua beach

Address: 223 Main Road, Tairua, New Zealand

Website: Tairua beach

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6. Go fishing with Epic Adventures Fishing Charters


Are you passionate about fishing at sea? Prepare your rods, reels, and bait, get on the boat, and down the blue water with Epic Adventures Fishing Charters. Catch the most likable fish, the Hapuka and Kingfish. Once you’re about to lure the hungry fish, you will be impressed by a school of enthusiastic dolphins following your wobbly barge.

Epic Adventures Fishing Charters

Website: Epic Adventures Fishing Charters

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7. Visit the Little Gallery


Tairua is definitely not just about the big trees and water, it’s also home to the Little Gallery. The hidden gem displays a vast array of artworks made by the award-winning local and national artists. From colorful paintings to astonishing sculptures, you will find the extraordinary area worth visiting. Here, you can also purchase the artistic pieces to take home.

The Little Gallery

Address: 226 Main Rd, Tairua 3508, New Zealand

Website: The Little Gallery

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8. Have brunch in the Old Mill Cafe


Seeking a chic venue for having brunch in Tairua? Be sure to take some bites of the local cuisine at the Old Mill - people say the old place is great for your Tairua time. It offers delectable food, great coffee, nice quiches, pizzas and other lovely pastries. The best dishes to try are Risotto of the Day and Mills Club Sandwich.

The Old Mill Cafe

Address: 1 The Esplanade, Tairua 3508, New Zealand

Website: The Old Mill Cafe

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9. Enjoy coffee and sweets at Out of the Blue Cafe


The next “where to eat” place having good value for money would be the Out of the Blue Cafe (the locals usually refer to it as “the Pepe Cafe”). Although the offbeat spot for hanging out is overrun by tourists during the weekends, its vibe remains unaffected - the coffee is excellent and the collection of eye-catching sweets is pretty fabulous.

Out of the Blue Cafe

Address: 227 Main Road, Tairua, New Zealand

Contact Number: +64 78648987

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10. Drink beer at Punters Bar and Grill


End your tiring day and cool off with a glass of New Zealand’s beer at Punters Bar and Grill. But wait, don’t get drunk before trying your hand at gambling for your ultimate night out of fun. If you want to feel the evening breeze, take a seat at the picnic table outside or if your stomach needs some fuel, just order the Waldorf salad and tasty steak.

Punters Bar and Grill

Address: 226 Main Rd, Tairua 3508, New Zealand

Facebook Page: Punters Bar and Grill

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Enjoy your fun moments in Tairua!

Tairua literally brings all types of travelers into complete excitement - the incredible nature, various water sports, pristine beaches, mind-blowing gallery, and delicious coffee are the highlights. Go explore Tairua!

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Rofiq, hailing from East Java, Indonesia, is a passionate explorer who thrives on discovering new places, encountering diverse people, and immersing himself in various languages and cultures. His...Read more

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