Explore Otama & Opito

White sands and clear waters offering timeless appeal.

Take a slow deep breath in and inhale the sights of these very special places because it is supremely worth it.

All About Otama & Opito

Otama Mercury Bay

How to get there

By car

To get to Otama and Opito Bay by car follow SH25, turn off into Kuaotunu Village and travel along Blackjack Road to reach Otama Beach. To get to Opito Bay continue on along Blackjack Road to Opito Bay Road located in Opito. A note for drivers that Blackjack Road is metalled, windy and narrow in places so take care. Watch out for logging trucks and vehicles towing boats coming the other way.

Other transport

See the Getting Around Guide for a range of options.

Things to do for the kids

It’s all about the beach and the swimming so come prepared with beach equipment, picnic supplies and a pop up shelter as additional cover along the beaches. These beaches provide the family with safe swimming and fantastic clear water to enjoy a swim or a paddle.

Where to grab a bite and drink

Bring your own supplies or stock up at nearby Kuaotunu on your way. Check out our Local guide for options nearby.

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Places to stay

Check out a range of options in our Accommodation Guide.

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Shopping

There are no shops at Otama and Opito so bring your own supplies or stock up at nearby Kuaotunu on your way. Check out our Local guide for other options nearby.

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Must Do's

Perfect beaches to swim, snorkel, waterski (Opito Bay) and just paddle your feet.
Grab a shady hat for a bit of sun protection and walk the length of the beach to admire the views.
Use the pull over areas before you reach Otama and Opito Bay and you will be rewarded with some amazing views out to the Mercury Islands.

Local Tips

At Otama grab a snorkel and paddle around the rocks at the corner of the beach as you first enter Otama by road.
At Otama there is a lagoon at the Black Jack scenic reserve that is tidal dependant and is popular with families when it is full.
At Opito Bay take a 10 minute walk along the beach from the car park to view the Opito Point headland pa where earthworks are mainly intact and can be clearly viewed.
The reserve at the far end of Opito Bay is a great place to enjoy the view and to take a picnic and set up on the tables provided or spread out a blanket on the grass.

Reserve

Otama Reserve, Blackjack Road.
Opito Reserve at the far end of Opito Bay.

Public Toilets

Blackjack Road, Otama.
Stewart Stream, Opito Bay Road.
Moore Crescent, Opito East.

More About Otama & Opito

Otama and Opito Bay are nestled at the Southern end of the Kuaotunu Peninsula and provide visitors with sandy white beaches and safe waters that just invite enjoyment to be had.

Part of the beauty of Otama and Opito Bay is that even the journey across the metalled Blackjack Road to get there is an adventure. With each twist and turn you are rewarded with some spectacular views out to the Mercury Islands and beyond. An annual pilgrimage of family and friends are attracted to these special places and their waters as they provide a great playground for swimming, snorkelling, diving and a raft of boating activities.

Otama has a long north facing beach crammed with large white sandy dunes and very few houses which gives Otama the thumbs up as a place that provides natural beauty in abundance. This beach is a popular spot where many couples have tied the knot on its beautiful sandy shores.

Opito Bay hosts some significant local Ngati Hei, Maori history at Opito Point headland Pa, which dates back to 1500. Opito Bay is now home to a very small resident population and visitors during summer who are accommodated in a raft of holiday homes ranging from modest to more upmarket.