Around seven million years ago Paaku was a volcanic island, but now it forms the northern head of Tairua’s harbour. Ngati Hei had a pa here before being invaded by Ngati Maru in the 17th century. It’s a steep 15-minute walk to the summit from the top of Paku Dr, with the pay-off being amazing views over Tairua, Pauanui and the Alderman Islands. Plaques along the way detail Tairua’s colonial history; only one is devoted to its long Māori occupation.
