Pauanui

This white-sand Pacific beach, forested hills with scenic viewpoints, and a harbour-side setting make this little holiday village on the Coromandel Peninsula one of New Zealand's more sought-after summer retreats. Sitting at the mouth of the Tairua River, Pauanui is known for game fishing, diving, and surfing, and draws a well-heeled seasonal crowd. An airstrip serves light-aircraft arrivals, and a canal housing development adds an unusual residential character to the area.

• Population1,090
• Nearest water1.2 km
• Nearest mountain1.3 km