# Tairua

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Town in Waikato, New Zealand

Place in Waikato, New Zealand

Tairua Tairua from Paku Hill Tairua Coordinates: 37°00′23″S 175°50′56″E / 37.00639°S 175.84889°E / -37.00639; 175.84889 Country New Zealand Region Waikato Territorial authority Thames-Coromandel District Named around 1800 Founded by Hongi Hika Named after Tairua translates to Two Tides Electorates Coromandel Hauraki-Waikato (Māori) Government • Council Thames-Coromandel District Council • Regional council Waikato Regional Council • Mayor of Thames-Coromandel Peter Revell[1] • Coromandel MP Scott Simpson[2] • Hauraki-Waikato MP Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke[3] Area [4] • City 4.17 km2 (1.61 sq mi) • Urban 5.45 km2 (2.10 sq mi) Population (June 2025)[5] • City 1,479 • Urban 1,640 • Urban density 301/km2 (779/sq mi) • District 32,200 Time zone UTC+12:00 • Summer (DST) UTC+13:00 (NZDT) Postcode(s) 3508 Area code 07 Local iwi Ngāti Hei

**Tairua** is a beachside town located on the east coast of the [Coromandel Peninsula](/source/Coromandel_Peninsula) in the [North Island](/source/North_Island) of New Zealand in the [Thames-Coromandel District](/source/Thames-Coromandel_District). It is located 150 kilometres (93 miles) east of [Auckland](/source/Auckland) and 125 kilometers (78 miles) north of [Tauranga](/source/Tauranga). It lies at the mouth of the [Tairua River](/source/Tairua_River) on its north bank and on the small Paku Peninsula.[6] As the [2023 census](/source/2023_New_Zealand_census), the town had a permanent population of 1,630. Tairua is a [Māori](/source/M%C4%81ori_language) name which translates literally as *tai*: tides, *rua*: two.[7]

Directly opposite Tairua on the south bank of the river's estuary is the smaller settlement of [Pauanui](/source/Pauanui). The two settlements are 30 kilometres east of [Thames](/source/Thames%2C_New_Zealand) although the town has closer connections with the sea side resort town [Whangamatā](/source/Whangamat%C4%81). Several islands lie off the mouth of the river, notably [Slipper Island](/source/Slipper_Island) to the southeast and the [Aldermen Islands](/source/Aldermen_Islands) 20 kilometres to the east. Mount Paku is an extinct volcano that lies by Tairua Harbour. It was thought to have formed the Alderman Islands.

## History and features

The earliest occupation of the area was once thought to have been by early [Polynesian](/source/Polynesians) explorers based on the discovery of a pearl-shell (not native to New Zealand) lure shank found here[8] and originally carbon-dated to the 11th century.[7] Subsequent reassessment of the archaeological site has resulted in dates in the 14th century.[9]

In 1769, Lieutenant [James Cook](/source/James_Cook) sailed past the coast of Tairua, and named many of the off shore islands after members of his crew and the shapes of the islands.[10] European settlement first took place in the 1830s.

Early European settlers to the area, in the late 19th century, were primarily drawn by timber stocks (predominantly [kauri](/source/Agathis_australis)) and gold prospecting.[11]

From the late 1960s Tairua has become a holiday destination,[11] with major activities including [game fishing](/source/Game_fishing), [scuba diving](/source/Scuba_diving), and [surfing](/source/Surfing).

Radio Tairua is an independent radio station on frequency 88.3FM, which has broadcast to the area since May 2007.[12]

The local [Oturu Marae](/source/Oturu) is located in Tairua. It is a tribal meeting ground for [Ngāti Rautao](/source/Ng%C4%81ti_Maru_(Hauraki)) and includes the [Ngatau Wiwi](/source/Ngatau_Wiwi) meeting house.[13][14]

## Demographics

Tairua covers 4.17 km2 (1.61 sq mi)[4] and had an estimated population of 1,640 as of June 2025,[15] with a population density of 393 people per km2.

‹ The [template](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Template) *[Historical populations](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Historical_populations)* is being [considered for merging](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Templates_for_discussion/Log/2026_June_24#Template:Infobox_demographics). ›

Historical population Year Pop. ±% p.a. 2006 1,266 — 2013 1,227 −0.45% 2018 1,479 +3.81% 2023 1,653 +2.25% Source: [16][17]

Mount Paku

Tairua had a population of 1,653 in the [2023 New Zealand census](/source/2023_New_Zealand_census), an increase of 174 people (11.8%) since the [2018 census](/source/2018_New_Zealand_census), and an increase of 426 people (34.7%) since the [2013 census](/source/2013_New_Zealand_census). There were 813 males and 840 females in 708 dwellings.[18] 2.2% of people identified as [LGBTIQ+](/source/LGBTQ). The median age was 59.1 years (compared with 38.1 years nationally). There were 213 people (12.9%) aged under 15 years, 135 (8.2%) aged 15 to 29, 663 (40.1%) aged 30 to 64, and 645 (39.0%) aged 65 or older.[17]

People could identify as more than one ethnicity. The results were 91.8% [European](/source/European_New_Zealanders) ([Pākehā](/source/P%C4%81keh%C4%81)); 12.2% [Māori](/source/M%C4%81ori_people); 2.7% [Pasifika](/source/Pasifika_New_Zealanders); 4.5% [Asian](/source/Asian_New_Zealanders); 0.4% Middle Eastern, Latin American and African New Zealanders (MELAA); and 2.2% other, which includes people giving their ethnicity as "New Zealander". English was spoken by 98.5%, Māori language by 1.6%, and other languages by 8.3%. No language could be spoken by 1.1% (e.g. too young to talk). [New Zealand Sign Language](/source/New_Zealand_Sign_Language) was known by 0.4%. The percentage of people born overseas was 21.6, compared with 28.8% nationally.[17]

Religious affiliations were 29.8% [Christian](/source/Christianity_in_New_Zealand), 0.9% [Hindu](/source/Hinduism_in_New_Zealand), 0.4% [Māori religious beliefs](/source/M%C4%81ori_religious_beliefs), 0.7% [Buddhist](/source/Buddhism_in_New_Zealand), 0.4% [New Age](/source/New_Age), and 1.8% other religions. People who answered that they had [no religion](/source/Irreligion_in_New_Zealand) were 56.6%, and 9.6% of people did not answer the census question.[17]

Of those at least 15 years old, 309 (21.5%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, 780 (54.2%) had a post-high school certificate or diploma, and 354 (24.6%) people exclusively held high school qualifications. The median income was $29,100, compared with $41,500 nationally. 96 people (6.7%) earned over $100,000 compared to 12.1% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 429 (29.8%) people were employed full-time, 252 (17.5%) were part-time, and 33 (2.3%) were unemployed.[17]

## Climate

Tairua features an extremely mild [oceanic climate](/source/Oceanic_climate) ([Köppen](/source/K%C3%B6ppen_climate_classification): Cfb) with no month having an average temperature above 20 °C or below 10 °C. As a result of this, temperatures above 30 °C or below 0 °C are almost unheard of with the town being a popular holiday location because of its mild weather, beautiful beaches and rugged hills and mountains. These surrounding hills and mountains also cause the city to see significant rainfall throughout the year, especially in winter which can often lead to flooding and slips which isolate the community (almost annually) for a day or two at a time. This high rainfall also leads to lush temperate rainforest vegetation surrounding the city.

Climate data for Tairua, New Zealand (1981–2010) Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 24.2 (75.6) 24.3 (75.7) 22.9 (73.2) 20.5 (68.9) 17.6 (63.7) 15.4 (59.7) 14.7 (58.5) 15.3 (59.5) 16.7 (62.1) 18.4 (65.1) 20.5 (68.9) 22.3 (72.1) 19.4 (66.9) Daily mean °C (°F) 19.4 (66.9) 19.6 (67.3) 18.4 (65.1) 16 (61) 13.1 (55.6) 11.1 (52.0) 10.3 (50.5) 11 (52) 12.5 (54.5) 14.1 (57.4) 16.1 (61.0) 17.8 (64.0) 14.9 (58.9) Mean daily minimum °C (°F) 14.7 (58.5) 15 (59) 13.9 (57.0) 11.5 (52.7) 8.7 (47.7) 6.9 (44.4) 5.9 (42.6) 6.8 (44.2) 8.3 (46.9) 9.9 (49.8) 11.7 (53.1) 13.3 (55.9) 10.6 (51.0) Average precipitation mm (inches) 131 (5.2) 122 (4.8) 189 (7.4) 152 (6.0) 164 (6.5) 211 (8.3) 184 (7.2) 199 (7.8) 158 (6.2) 121 (4.8) 125 (4.9) 129 (5.1) 1,885 (74.2) Source: NIWA[19]

## Tourism

The town is a resort popular with domestic tourists, especially people who own a [bach](/source/Bach_(New_Zealand)) in the town. It has several beaches around the town that are popular for [surfing](/source/Surfing) and the harbour attracts [kayaking](/source/Kayaking) and [jet skiing](/source/Personal_watercraft). A pathway allows visitors to walk from the centre of town to the top of Mt Paku.

The area is noted for its fishing, with big [kahawai](/source/Arripis_trutta), [snapper](/source/Australasian_snapper) and [kingfish](/source/Yellowtail_amberjack) being the most prominent fish in the waters surrounding the town.[20] The abundance of rocky islands also make Tairua a popular place for scuba diving and snorkelling. Most diving is done at the [Alderman Islands](/source/Aldermen_Islands), 20 kilometres from the town and is stated as a marine reserve. Native rainforests are nearby, and areas such as the [Coromandel Forest Park](/source/Coromandel_Forest_Park) and its Broken Hills are within easy reach of the town.

## Education

Tairua School is a coeducational full primary (years 1–8) school[21] with a roll of 133 as of March 2026.[22]

Central Kids Tairua Kindergarten provides early childhood education for children aged 2–5 years.

## Notes

1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** ["Declaration of Results of Election and Poll"](https://www.tcdc.govt.nz/files/assets/public/v/1/our-council/public-notices/governance-pn/thames-coromandel-district-council-declaration-notice-tcdc.pdf) (PDF), *www.tcdc.govt.nz*, Thames-Coromandel District Council, 17 October 2025

1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** ["Coromandel - Official Result"](https://www.electionresults.govt.nz/electionresults_2020/electorate-details-07.html). [Electoral Commission](/source/Electoral_Commission_(New_Zealand)). Retrieved 27 February 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** ["Hauraki-Waikato – Official Result"](https://archive.electionresults.govt.nz/electionresults_2023/electorate-details-66.html). New Zealand Electoral Commission. Retrieved 27 February 2025.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Area_4-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Area_4-1) ["Stats NZ Geographic Data Service"](https://datafinder.stats.govt.nz/data/). Urban Rural 2023 (generalised). Retrieved 3 March 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-NZ_population_data_2018_5-0)** ["Subnational population estimates - Aotearoa Data Explorer"](https://explore.data.stats.govt.nz/?fs%5b0%5d=Society%2C1%7CPopulation%20estimates%23CAT_POPULATION_ESTIMATES%23%7CSubnational%20population%20estimates%23CAT_SUBNATIONAL_POPULATION_ESTIMATES%23&pg=0&bp=true&snb=10&isAvailabilityDisabled=false). [Statistics New Zealand](/source/Statistics_New_Zealand). Retrieved 29 October 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** Peter Dowling, ed. (2004). *Reed New Zealand Atlas*. Reed Books. pp. map 17. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [0-7900-0952-8](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-7900-0952-8).

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-WisesTairua_7-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-WisesTairua_7-1) Wises New Zealand Guide, 7th Edition, 1979. p. 412.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** [University of Auckland Library: Anthropology Photographic Archive](https://magic.lbr.auckland.ac.nz/dbtw-wpd/exec/dbtwpub.dll?BU=http%3A%2F%2Fmagic.lbr.auckland.ac.nz%2Fdbtw-wpd%2Fanthpd%2Fbasic.htm&QF0=Record-ID&QI0=1596&TN=anthpd&MR=50&RF=full&NP=3&AC=QBE_QUERY)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** [Archaeological Monitoring at T11/62, The Tairua Site (Report to Heritage New Zealand)](http://www.cfgheritage.com/2009_14tairuabollards.pdf)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** ["Heritage"](https://www.tairua.co.nz/history). *Tairua Information Centre*. Retrieved 8 March 2024.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-TairuaHistory_11-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-TairuaHistory_11-1) ["Tairua History"](https://web.archive.org/web/20100602150854/http://www.thepeninsula.co.nz/tairua/moreinfo.htm). Archived from [the original](http://www.thepeninsula.co.nz/tairua/moreinfo.htm) on 2 June 2010. Retrieved 1 June 2010.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** ["Radio Tairua"](https://web.archive.org/web/20100526072130/http://www.radio.tairua.org.nz/home.html). Archived from [the original](http://www.radio.tairua.org.nz/home.html) on 26 May 2010. Retrieved 1 June 2010.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-tkmentry_13-0)** ["Te Kāhui Māngai directory"](http://www.tkm.govt.nz/). *tkm.govt.nz*. [Te Puni Kōkiri](/source/Te_Puni_K%C5%8Dkiri).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-maorimaps_14-0)** ["Māori Maps"](https://maorimaps.com/map). *maorimaps.com*. Te Potiki National Trust.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-NZ_population_data_2023_SA2_15-0)** ["Subnational population estimates - Aotearoa Data Explorer"](https://explore.data.stats.govt.nz/?fs%5b0%5d=Society%2C1%7CPopulation%20estimates%23CAT_POPULATION_ESTIMATES%23%7CSubnational%20population%20estimates%23CAT_SUBNATIONAL_POPULATION_ESTIMATES%23&pg=0&bp=true&snb=10&isAvailabilityDisabled=false). [Statistics New Zealand](/source/Statistics_New_Zealand). Retrieved 29 October 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Census_2018_16-0)** ["Statistical area 1 dataset for 2018 Census"](https://www.stats.govt.nz/information-releases/statistical-area-1-dataset-for-2018-census-updated-march-2020). Statistics New Zealand. March 2020. Tairua (168100). [2018 Census place summary: Tairua](https://www.stats.govt.nz/tools/2018-census-place-summaries/tairua)

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Census_2023_17-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Census_2023_17-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Census_2023_17-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-Census_2023_17-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-Census_2023_17-4) ["Totals by topic for individuals, (RC, TALB, UR, SA3, SA2, Ward, Health), 2013, 2018, and 2023 Censuses"](https://explore.data.stats.govt.nz/vis?fs%5b0%5d=2023%20Census%2C0%7CTotals%20by%20topic%23CAT_TOTALS_BY_TOPIC%23&pg=0&fc=Variable%20codes&bp=true&snb=9&df%5bds%5d=ds-nsiws-disseminate&df%5bid%5d=CEN23_TBT_008&df%5bag%5d=STATSNZ&df%5bvs%5d=1.0&dq=hq011%2Bhq010%2Bhq009%2Bhq008%2Bhq007%2Bhq006%2Bhq005%2Bhq004%2Bhq003%2Bhq002%2Bhq001%2Bhq000%2Bws1%2Bsp99%2Bra80%2Bra08%2Bra07%2Bra06%2Bra05%2Bra01%2Bra04%2Bra03%2Bra02%2Bra00%2Brb1%2Bls66%2Bls03%2Bls02%2Bls05%2Bls04%2Bls01%2Beg6%2Beg5%2Beg4%2Beg3%2Beg2%2Beg1%2BbiTotal%2Bbi0%2Bbi1%2BasTotalLG%2Bas4%2Bas3%2Bas2%2Bas1%2Bws4%2Bws3%2Bws2%2Bge3%2Bge2%2Bge1%2Brc%2BasMed%2BegTotal%2BlsTotal%2BgeTotal%2BrbTotal%2BraTotal%2BhqTotal%2BibTotal%2Bib7%2Bibmed%2BwsTotal.1143.2013%2B2018%2B2023&to%5bTIME%5d=false&ly%5brw%5d=CEN23_TBT_IND_003&ly%5bcl%5d=CEN23_YEAR_001). Stats NZ – Tatauranga Aotearoa – Aotearoa Data Explorer. Tairua (1143). Retrieved 3 October 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-18)** ["Totals by topic for dwellings, (RC, TALB, UR, SA3, SA2, Ward, Health), 2013, 2018, and 2023 Censuses"](https://explore.data.stats.govt.nz/vis?fs%5b0%5d=2023%20Census%2C0%7CTotals%20by%20topic%23CAT_TOTALS_BY_TOPIC%23&pg=0&fc=Variable%20codes&bp=true&snb=9&df%5bds%5d=ds-nsiws-disseminate&df%5bid%5d=CEN23_TBT_005&df%5bag%5d=STATSNZ&df%5bvs%5d=1.0&dq=doTotal%2Bdo1.1143.2023&ly%5brw%5d=CEN23_TBT_DWD_003). Stats NZ – Tatauranga Aotearoa – Aotearoa Data Explorer. Retrieved 3 October 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-climate_19-0)** ["Climate Data and Activities"](https://en.climate-data.org/location/108846/). NIWA Science. Retrieved 15 October 2013.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-20)** ["Tairua Fishing Spots"](https://tairua.net/tairua-fishing-spots/). *Tairua.net*. Retrieved 10 March 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-21)** ["Tairua School - Education Counts"](https://www.educationcounts.govt.nz/find-school/school/profile?school=1975). *www.educationcounts.govt.nz*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-NZ_school_roll_data_22-0)** ["New Zealand Schools Directory"](https://www.educationcounts.govt.nz/data-services/directories/list-of-nz-schools). New Zealand Ministry of Education. Retrieved 1 March 2026.

## External links

Wikivoyage has a travel guide for ***[Tairua](https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Tairua#Q2388791)***.

- [Radio Tairua 88.3FM](https://web.archive.org/web/20090523075849/http://www.radio.tairua.org.nz/)

- [Tairua.net](http://www.tairua.net/)

v t e Thames-Coromandel District, New Zealand Seat: Thames Populated places Coromandel-Colville Ward Cape Colville Colville Coromandel Kennedy Bay Manaia Motutakapu Mercury Bay Ward Cooks Beach Coroglen Hahei Hot Water Beach Kūaotunu Matarangi New Chums Beach Otama Beach Rings Beach Te Rerenga Whangapoua Whenuakite Whitianga Thames Ward Hikutaia Kauaeranga Valley Kopu Matatoki Ngarimu Bay Puriri Tapu Te Mata Te Puru Thames Thornton Bay Waiomu South West Ward Whangamatā C.B. Onemana Opoutere Whangamata Tairua-Pauanui C.B. Hikuai Pauanui Tairua Islands Aldermen Islands Castle Island Mahurangi Island / Goat Island Mercury Islands Motueka Island / Pigeon Island Motukawao Islands Poikeke Island Slipper Island Whanganui Island Geographic features Cape Colville Castle Rock Cathedral Cove / Te Whanganui-A-Hei Colville Channel Firth of Thames Hauraki Gulf Kauaeranga Valley Mercury Bay Moehau Range Thames Valley Whangapoua Harbour Facilities and attractions Coromandel Forest Park Driving Creek Railway Hauraki Rail Trail Kopu Bridge Pauanui Aerodrome Siamese Kauri Square Kauri Thames Aerodrome Thames railway station Thames School of Mines Whangamata Beach Hop Whitianga Aerodrome Whitianga Festival of Speed Government District Council Mayor Regional Council Organisations The Mercury Bay Informer Ngāti Rongoū Thames High School

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Tairua](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tairua) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tairua?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.