Exploring Pauanui: A Unique Beachside Town
Pauanui is located on the southern side of Tairua Harbour, directly across from the town of Tairua and the volcanic cones of Paku. This purpose-built holiday town, developed in the 1970s, is unique in New Zealand, with a carefully planned layout and upmarket beachside charm. One of the standout features of Pauanui is its white sand beach, considered one of the finest on the Coromandel Peninsula.
Beach Activities and Features
The beach in Pauanui is a central attraction, offering freedom camping at both ends and a large reserve that provides a buffer from nearby houses. The beach is relatively safe for swimming, especially on an incoming tide, thanks to the shelter provided by offshore islands. For added safety, a surf patrol operates towards the southern end. Pauanui is also one of the few places in New Zealand ideal for cycling, with the added benefit of a track along the harbour's southeast side.
The harbour offers boat access and moorings, making it a popular destination for boaters. Once through the harbour mouth, you have access to the magnificent Alderman Islands.
Walking Tracks and Scenic Views
One of the most rewarding walks in the area is the Pauanui Summit Track, which begins at the northern end of Pauanui Beach. This short but steep 380-metre climb leads through coastal forest to a lookout that offers spectacular views over Pauanui, Tairua, and the Pacific Ocean. The track takes around 1 to 1.5 hours return and is ideal for those wanting a quick adventure with a big payoff.
Back down the road into Pauanui, there is a little-known walk in Gumdigger Gully, which takes you to Tangitororia Stream Waterfall.
Gentler walking options include the reserve above the beach, along the edge of the harbour and around the Pauanui Waterways.
How to Get There
From Hikuai, take Hikuai Settlement Road from State Highway 25, then turn right onto Pauanui Boulevard. It’s an easy sealed road drive.
Other places to explore from Pauanui include Broken Hills Recreation Area in the Puketui Valley, a lesser-known gold mining area with several historic trails. To the south of Pauanui, about 25 minutes away, is Opoutere Beach, while Tairua Ocean Beach and Sailors Grave are options to the north.
