Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
new and spotless backpackers lodge, and stylish villas with arched ceilings crafted from
New Zealand timber.
Hot Water Beach B&B
B&B $$$
$$$
( 07-866 3991;
www.hotwaterbedandbreakfast.co.nz
; 48 Pye Pl; r $260)
This hillside pad has
priceless views, a spa bath on the deck, and attractive living quarters.
Hot Waves
CAFE $
(8 Pye Pl; mains $12-26; 8.30am-4pm, to 8.30pm Fri & Sat Dec-Feb)
In summer everyone
wants a garden table at this excellent cafe. It also hires spades for the beach ($5). Ask
about occasional Sunday-afternoon music sessions from 1pm.
Getting There & Away
The Hahei bus services Tairua Bus Company (
Click here
)
and Cathedral Cove Shuttle
(
Click here
)
stop here, but usually only on prebooked requests.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Tairua
POP 1270
Tairua and its twin town Pauanui sit either side of a river estuary that's perfect for wind-
surfing or for little kids to splash about in. Both have excellent surf beaches (Pauanui's is
probably a shade better), but that's where the similarity stops. Where Tairua is a func-
tioning residential town (with shops, ATMs and a choice of eateries), Pauanui is an up-
market refuge for wealthy Aucklanders. Friendly Tairua knows how to keep it real. Both
are ridiculously popular in the summertime.
Sights & Activities
Various operators offer fishing charters and sightseeing trips, including
Pauanui
Charters
(
021-227
4354;
www.epicadventures.co.nz
)
.
Paaku
MOUNTAIN
Around seven million years ago Paaku was a volcanic island but now it forms the north
head of Tairua's harbour. Ngati Hei had a
pa
here before being invaded by Ngati Maru in
