Pakiri is named after the Maori chief  Te Kiri, and is 12 kilometres from Leigh. To the north, the white sands of Pakiri Beach extend for 14 kilometres towards Mangawhai, at its northern end is Te Arai Point which is a popular location for sightseeing and fishing. Inland from Te Arai are the well-known freshwater lakes – Slipper, Spectacle and Tomarata.

Pakiri Beach itself is popular for a wide range of recreational activities from surfing, surfcasting, and walking, to horse riding.  Pakiri Hill provides stunning views from its higher reaches over Whangateau Harbour, Omaha, Little and Great Barrier islands and the Coromandel Peninsula.
 
The township of Pakiri is small but still has a school, a hall, and a lovely historic church which is a popular back drop for weddings.

Pakiri is close to several popular destinations – there is the Iconic Leigh Sawmill Café with its micro-brewery, restaurant and accommodation, Goat Island Marine Reserve which is a mecca for snorkelling and scuba diving, and where the glass-bottomed boat operates, enabling its passengers to view the spectacular marine life.

Whilst being secluded and unspoilt, Pakiri is within easy reach of other amenities and attractions – such as the Matakana Farmers Markets, and a variety of restaurants and vineyards.