Our clean and uncrowded beaches are the perfect spot for visitors of all ages.
For a relaxing family swim, game of beach cricket with friends, or snorkeling in a protected bay, the perfect beach is just waiting to be found.
Our magnificent river system offer saltwater estuaries and freshwater swimming holes that are world class. Crystal clear water surrounded by stunning scenery.
Beaches in and around Tairua
Ocean Beach
Ocean Beach is a stunning long surf beach. The beach is over 1km in length and is a very popular beach, especially in the summer time. The beach has lifeguards patrolling it during the summer time and during this time it is essential to swim between the flags. 
The surf life saving club is next to the main entrance for the beach, there are public toilets located across the road from the life saving club and there is even freedom camping spots located nearby.
This is a surf beach and as such can be dangerous especially in areas that are not patrolled by life guards. If there are no life guards there and you are not a good swimmer, we suggest that you dont swim in this area.
Sailors Grave (Te Karo Bay)
This surf beach is on the outskirts of town. About 5 minutes drive out. It is a really nice beach but please be aware that it is not patrolled by lifeguards.
There is a long drop toilet located at the car park.
Tairua Estuary and River Swimming Spots
Pepe Reserve
This is a popular high tide swimming spot during summer. Lots of children (and adults) jump from the bridge. Both sides of the bridge are popular but be careful on the inner estuary side as the corner of that reserve was an old bottle dump in the 1800’s and it can have broken glass at times.
This is a relatively safe area to swim with children as long as they have adult supervision.
There is toilets at the reserve and there is also BBQ facilities and a playground. A cafe is right next door and is a great place to grab a coffee or some ice creams for the kids. 
Mud Slide Water Hole
This swimming hole is probably one of the most popular freshwater swimming holes near Tairua. It is actually a 15 minute drive from Tairua and is half way between Pauanui and Tairua so it is frequented by people from both towns.
There was a really good rope swing here but as of February 2020, it has been broken. It may return if someone finds a way to put one up again.
There is also a mud slide here, its like a water slide but its made out of mud. It has been here for over 10 years and has provided a lot of fun over the years.
The water here is deep but there are shallow areas.
This place gets extremely busy in summer. There are swimming holes further up that road that are often a lot less frequented.
PATRICK HEATH MEMORIAL RERSERVE
Located at 141 PEPE ROAD, TAIRUA. There is a swimming hole here that is frequented by locals in the summer. There was a water slide here but it has been removed.
It is a great close place for a quick dip on a hot summer day. it can be accessed by a walkway at the end of pepe road. (dont drive onto the private road, park before that).
This resever was donated by the Heath family to the residents of Tairua.
It does not matter if it is high tide or low tide here but high tide the water will be a bit deeper.
