A extinct volcanic remenant towers over the coast of Tairua, which is otherwise flat and sandy.

Shoe Island and Slipper island are not far offshore, also made by volcanic forces.

Tairua has a large shallow habour that almost empties at low tide but provides a safe mooring for boats.

The opposite headland is a seperate settlement called Pauanui, sepearated from Tairua by a tiny boat trip, or a long drive. 5 metre high waves crash onto the beach at Pauanui after travelling uniterrupted for thousands of miles across the Pacific Ocean.

Inland the incredibly jagged peaks of the Corromandel tear the horizon, also formed by ancient volcanic activity.

Located in the North Island of New Zealand.

See my Panorama of a similar volcanic remenant on a sandy coastal area from below.