Tairua Beach is a surf beach on Ocean Beach Road in Tairua, on the Coromandel's east coast, rated 4.8 from 168 Google reviews. A beach guide describes about 1,800 metres of beige sand and turquoise water, with Paku Hill, a volcanic cone, at the southern end, views across to Pauanui, free parking on Ocean Beach Road and the township just behind the dunes. It says the beach is patrolled with flags marking safe swimming zones, and that rips at the harbour estuary mouth should be taken seriously. Reviewers call it a safe, quiet, scenic beach for swimming and walking.
A good beach is easy to reach, has parking and facilities, and is clear about the hazards. Swim between the flags when the beach is patrolled, stay away from the harbour entrance and check tides and surf conditions, since flows near estuary mouths can be strong. Take sun protection and shade, since open sand has little shelter, and bring water, towels and sturdy shoes if you plan to climb Paku Hill, which suits older children at dusk. Summer weekends and holidays are busiest, so arrive early for parking, and take rubbish home.
For Coromandel holidaymakers and day-trippers from Thames and Auckland, it is a family-friendly