Surf Play and Stay

Hi, I’m Zoanne. I’m married to Spence, and although I’ve been lucky enough to live in some amazing places, including London and Hong Kong, and have travelled extensively, Tairua is home.

Spence and I love the outdoors and everything this beautiful part of New Zealand has to offer. We love to fish, dive, surf and swim, and one of the things we love most about Tairua is that there really is something for everyone. You can hike the incredible Pinnacles, go hunting, fishing or diving, catch a wave, play a round of golf, swim at one of our gorgeous beaches, or simply find a quiet spot and read a book.

Our home is right beside the Tairua Golf Course and is a wonderful base for exploring the Coromandel. We also love that Tairua feels like a true escape while still being an easy trip from Auckland and Auckland Airport.

We might be a little biased, but we think this is one of the most beautiful parts of New Zealand. Tairua has everything we love about the Kiwi lifestyle – the ocean, the bush, adventure, relaxation and a wonderful community – and we’re delighted to share a little piece of it with you.

I chose this area because, quite simply, the setting is incredibly picturesque. From the house you can look across towards the Pinnacles, while on the other side you have beautiful views towards Paku, Tairua Harbour, the East Coast and Slipper Island. It’s the kind of outlook I never get tired of.

I also love how easy it is to get around. The area around the house is flat and easy to walk, whether you’re heading out for a stroll, going to the golf course or simply exploring Tairua.

One of my absolute favourite features of the house is our six-person therapeutic massage spa. Each seat is slightly different and offers its own massage experience, so you can find your favourite spot, sit back and enjoy the view across the harbour. It’s particularly lovely first thing in the morning or at the end of the day.

We also have wonderful birdlife around the property. Tūī and native wood pigeons (kererū) are regular visitors, and the tūī are especially chatty and active most mornings but not always here. Sitting outside with a coffee, listening to the birds and looking out over the water is one of those simple things that makes this place feel very special.

For me, it’s the combination of the views, the water, the native birds, the easy lifestyle and the peaceful surroundings that made this the perfect place to call home – and I hope our guests fall in love with it too.

What makes our home special is really the combination of space, location, views and everything you need to feel at home. It’s a large, two-storey home with plenty of room for families to spread out and relax. While the house is a little dated in places, it is very much our home rather than a clinical holiday rental, and we want our guests to be able to settle in and enjoy it as we do.

The kitchen is fully equipped for people who genuinely love to cook. You’ll find everything from pots, pans and a slow cooker to an air fryer, kettle, Parmesan grater and plenty of other kitchen essentials. Our pantry also contains everyday staples such as salt, pepper and other bits and pieces, so you don’t have to bring absolutely everything with you to prepare a wonderful family meal.

Then there’s the six-person therapeutic massage spa, beautiful views and fantastic location. You can relax in the spa overlooking the harbour and surrounding scenery, yet you’re still within easy, flat walking distance of Tairua township and right beside the golf course.

The house itself sits on a rise, which is what gives us those lovely elevated views. This does mean the driveway is uphill, and there is a flight of stairs to reach the main living, dining and kitchen area, so guests should be comfortable with stairs.

For us, it’s the whole package that makes this home unique – a spacious family home, an incredibly well-equipped kitchen, spa pool, beautiful views and one of the best locations in Tairua. It’s a place where you can arrive, unpack, relax and truly feel at home.