Pauanui, with its long white sandy beach, is the pick of the Coromandel. Great surfing, body surfing and wind surfing, or just a relaxing swim in the beautiful blue waters are offered. Around to the estuary side, water skiing and jet skiing are favourite sports for the thrill seekers.

For those who like dine out Pauanui has a range of restaurants from bistro to fine dining.
Pauanui offers scenic bushwalks, includes historical walk through old Gold Mines, two nine hole golf courses, tennis courts, parachutting, scenic aerial flights, pig hunting, clay bird shooting, absailing, outdoor bowls, mini golf, canoeing and push biking.