Tairua

A town that you'll actually notice when you pass through it, Tairua is one of the larger communities along the coast. Because State Highway 25 is the town's main road, it's convenient for a bite en route to the prettier seaside spots around Whitianga and Hahei. In Tairua, the twin volcanic peaks of Paku rise up beside the harbor. The short ferry ride from Tairua across the harbor to Pauanui, which is an upmarket area, takes you to the immediate area's best beach; the ferry runs continually October through April, and six times a day during the rest of the year ($4 round-trip). For activities and maps check out the Pauanui and Tairua information centers.