Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
the 17th century. It's a steep 15-minute walk to the summit from the top of Paku Dr, with
the pay-off being amazing views over Tairua, Pauanui and the Alderman Islands. Plaques
along the way detail Tairua's colonial history, with only one rather dismissive one de-
voted to its long Maori occupation.
Tairua Dive & Marine
DIVING
( 07-864 8800;
www.tairuadiveandmarine.co.nz
;
7 The Esplanade; boat dives from $200, PADI
Discovery $25; 7.30am-5pm)
A solid operator with reliable service. Also hires snor-
kelling gear, kayaks and paddle-boards ($25 to $40 per hour).
Sleeping
Tairua Beach Villa Backpackers
HOSTEL $
( 07-864 8345;
www.tairuabackpackers.co.nz
; 200 Main Rd; dm $25-28, s $60-73, d $70-86;
)
Rooms are homely and casual at this estuary-edge hostel in a converted house, and
the dorm scores great views. Guests can help themselves to fishing rods, kayaks, sail-
boards and bikes.
Pacific Harbour Lodge
HOTEL $$$
( 07-864 8581;
www.pacificharbour.co.nz
; 223 Main Rd; chalets $144-233; )
This 'island-
style' resort in the town centre has spacious self-contained chalets, with natural wood
and Gauguin decor inside and a South Seas garden outside. Discount packages are usu-
ally available online.
Eating
Old Mill Cafe
CAFE $
(
www.theoldmillcafe.co.nz
;
1 The Esplanade; mains $12-33; 8am-4pm daily, from 5.30pm Fri &
Sat)
Zooshed up with bright-pink feature walls and elegant verandah furniture, Old Mill
Cafe serves interesting cafe fare as well as dinner on Friday and Saturday. There's some-
times live music on Friday nights too.
Manaia Kitchen & Bar
CAFE $$$
( 07-864 9050; 228 Main Rd; breakfast $11-17, lunch $17-24, dinner $24-33; 8.30am-late)
With courtyard seating for lazy summer brunches and a burnished-copper bar to prop
yourself up on later in the night, Manaia is the most cosmopolitan spot on the Tairua
