Tairua is a small holiday town which lies adjacent to an attractive shallow harbour and is situated on the eastern coasts of the Coromandel Peninsula.  It is located 37km south of Whitianga, 69km north of Waihi, 46km east of Thames.  To the east of the township Tairua has a dominant hill called Paku, to the west it is dwarfed by the rugged Coromandel range.  This was formed by volcanic activity some eight million years ago.

Tairua is a place where one can do whatever one pleases without having to travel great distances.  It is also a central meeting point for a lot of travellers and tours experiencing the Coromandel Peninsula.  Surrounded by DOC Farm Parks, it also boats a large amount of  lookouts and tramping walks. 

Places of interest around Tairua include Mount Paku the doouble headed knoll (179m) which dominates the skyline on the north side of the Tairua Harbour.  A short climb up the well defined track at Tirinui Crescent, will take you to the top and boasts 360 degree views of Tairua Beach, Alderman Islands, Mayor Island, Shoe Island, Slipper Island, Pauanui, Tairua Harbour and the Coromandel Ranges. 

Twin Kauris is a little reserve just about 5 mins north of Tairua, which is well worth a stop to experience the large twin trees.  Kiwi walks are a popular activity in the area and maps can be provided through the Tairua Information Centre.  Te Karo Bay (Sailor`s Grave) This is the site of the grave of a young sailor from the British Naval Ship HMS Tortoise, who drowned on the 6th May 1842 when the "jolly boat" in which he was landing in capsized in the breakers.  Surfing here is a popular activity with good waves. 

For the small amount of full time residents here in Tairua there is an endless amount of activities to experience.  From Cafes, Restaurants, Art Galleries, Ice Cream Parlours to Clubs and organisations all ages can be included in.  Golf Course, Indoor and Oudoor Bowls, Croquet, Sewing Clubs,  Tennis, Rugby, Soccer, Yoga, Volleyball.  There is a Medical Centre and Pharmacy in the town centre, a Physio, Osteopath, Massage, Beauty Clinics, Hairdresser, Gym.  Tairua also has a Vet, Post Office, Internet Cafes, Library, Petrol Station, Supermarket, Organic Produce Shop, Real Estate Agents, Hardware Store, Laundromat and others.

With a small local Primary School servicing roughly 90 students at present Tairua school holds a self managed fundraising activity every year call the Food and Wine Festival which attracts people from throught New Zealand and is well worth sopping by for if you are in the area it is usally held at the beginning of January.

Marine and water activities are very popular in this area, with an abudence of marine life around.  If its deep sea fishing on charter boats or beach fishing with the kids you can experience it all in Tairua.  Game Fishing is popular in the area around the Alderman Islands, game fish aswell as Snapper, Kahawai, Gurnard, Tarakihi and Hapuka are all found in these waters.  Scuba Diving and Snorkelling is also extremley popular.   With a regular ferry crossing the harbour daily you can pop across to Pauanui for the day.

Experience the Coromandel, Experience Tairua, Experience Paradise.