Discovering Pauanui's Sunrise Beauty
Located on the east coast of the Coromandel Peninsula, Pauanui Beach is a captivating spot for witnessing stunning sunrises. One of the best ways to experience this is by taking a dawn walk to the ancient volcanic rock platform at the southern end of the beach. As the tide recedes, the large rock pools on this platform capture the morning light, creating a striking visual display. The rock formation itself is intriguing, and the small bay below is unusual, composed of smooth, rounded stones and pebbles.
A Scenic Morning View
An early morning storm over nearby Tairua and the twin peaks of Paku can enhance the view from Pauanui, adding dramatic skies to the already picturesque scene. The combination of natural elements makes for a memorable sunrise experience, perfect for photography or simply enjoying the tranquil beauty of the area.
How to get there
Pauanui Beach is approximately two hours from Auckland by car (150 km). Once in Pauanui, head to the southern end of the beach to find the volcanic rock platform.
From the rock platform, you can continue south along the rocky shore to connect with the east side of the loop track that takes you to the top of Mount Pauanui. Nearby places to visit include Tangitororia Stream Waterfall, Hikuai, Tairua River and Broken Hills.
