Pauanui is a buzzing place. This is partly due to the influx of summer visitors increasing the local resident population from 1,200 to 12,000; and the 4 kilometer long golden sand beach; and the city that has excellent restaurants and casual cafes for almost every sporting and outdoor activity imaginable.
But what really makes Pauanui ring is the sound of private planes coming in and out of the airport, as Pauanui is a playground for the rich. The Pauanui waterways were the first in New Zealand; a purpose-built community with marinas, apartments, residential homes, private slips and your own private beach.
But Pauanui is more than just a vacation spot for the rich and famous. This is a place where ordinary people have been coming for years to enjoy the sea, the surf, the sun and the lifestyle. That’s the good thing about Pauanui; the lifestyle as Pauanui caters for everyone, whether you arrive by plane or combi van. Park your car and hop on your bike (or rent one), as Pauanui’s compact size means biking is the perfect mode of transportation for getting around this beachside resort.
The first place to start is the beach. 4 kilometers of golden sand that is not only safe for swimming, but also has great surf breaks. This is also an excellent beach for walking, running and cycling and at the southern end of the beach, there is also wheelchair access. Stretching along the beach is a large grassy area with many trees, ideal for picnics or catching some shade from the sun.
The Pauanui community loves to visit with families and has done everything possible to make Pauanui a fun place for children. The skate park is a favorite hangout for skateboarders and skaters to pull off tricks with nearby outdoor basketball courts to shoot some hoops. There are 16 tennis courts around Pauanui, all of which are accessed by placing a token in an honesty box. Kite flying, children’s cricket and rugby are favorite activities at Kennedy Park. The Pauanui Mini Golf Course opened in 1975 and is as popular as ever with families. Head to Tairua Harbor (which sits between Pauanui and Pauanui’s twin resort, Tairua) for sailing, fishing, windsurfing, jet skiing and kayaking. You can also take the kids on a ferry trip across the harbor to visit Tairua, a quaint town and beach resort with a laid-back, laid-back vibe.
However, Pauanui does not forget about adults. There are two 9-hole golf courses and the magnificent Lakes Resort 18-hole golf course. The climb to the top of Mount Pauanui is not for the faint of heart, but it is worth it for the incredible 360° views. Then indulge (after that climb you’ll know you’ve earned it) with a visit to the Grand Mecure Puka Park Resort. Miha restaurant is highly recommended by locals and renowned for its excellent cuisine. Surrounded by lush plants and trees, dine al fresco on the large outdoor terrace and feel like you’re on vacation. Or pamper yourself at the Puka Park spa complex. Take a dip in the spa pool, relax in the sauna or pamper yourself with a treatment or facial with a natural touch.
If you’re looking for something to really get your heart racing, head to the airport and go tandem diving. This is an amazing way to see Pauanui and one you will never forget. If staying inside a plane is more to your liking, take one of the regular scenic flights and get a bird’s-eye view of Pauanui and the Coromandel. Back on land, head over to Johnasen’s Adventures to practice skeet shooting, and try your luck (you’ll probably need both) at the Confidence Range.
Like everything else, food is also something that Pauanui does very well. Head straight to the Pauanui Mall as it’s all here; from great shopping to fabulous dining.
For coffee lovers, your first stop is Chocolate Pretzel as it has the best coffee in town. Like its name, this place is a true delight with indoor and outdoor seating and a lovely casual dining setting. If you’re hungry, look no further than the melt-in-your-mouth salmon frittata.
For something cheap and cheerful, a visit to the 19th hole is a must. Popular for its light bites and pizza, the 19th Hole comes alive at night with big screen TVs for live sports, poker nights and live music.
Styles Restaurant and Bar is the ideal place for evening dining. With an a la carte menu and outdoor barbecue and garden bar, locals recommend Styles for its fish, lamb and chicken dishes.
There is so much to do in Pauanui, it’s easy to see why people return here year after year and never go anywhere else. So come and visit Pauanui and see what makes it such a great place.
