Opito Bay
Skip to main content

Made in Whitianga

Explore
Opito Bay
Opito Bay

Opito Bay

Hot

Location

Opito Bay
New Zealand 3592

Quick Facts

Māori Meaning:
At the farthest end (of the headlands)
Proximity:
35 min (26 km) from Whitianga
3 hr 10 min (214 km) from Auckland
Road on the way to Opito

Even the journey to Opito Bay 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.

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.

If you like
Opito Bay
please share it!

Help get the
word out!

Map

Swap Start/End
Useful Visitor Information

Local Tips for Opito Bay

VW Combi van icon with surfboard on roof

Getting to Opito Bay

To get to Opito Bay by car follow SH25, turn off into Kuaotunu Village and travel along Blackjack Road through to Otama Beach, then continue along Blackjack Road to Opito Bay Road. A note for drivers that Blackjack Road is a winding and narrow gravel road so take care. Watch out for logging trucks and vehicles towing boats coming the other way.
View in map.

Shopping bag icon

Shopping

There are no shops in Opito Bay so bring your own supplies or stock up at nearby Kuaotunu General Store on your way, or Whitianga township for more shopping options.

Sign post icon

Must Do's

  • Perfect beaches to swim, snorkel, waterski, 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 Opito Bay and you will be rewarded with some amazing views out to the Mercury Islands.
  • 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.
Burger and drink icon

Where to grab a bite to eat

Bring your own supplies or stock up at nearby Kuaotunu on your way.

Restroom sign icon

Public Toilets (restrooms)

  • Stewart Stream
    Opito Bay Road
  • Moore Crescent
    Opito East

Tides

Download and print our Tides PDF file for local tide times.

Picnic table icon

Reserve

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.

Where to stay

Renting a bach is a way of enjoying a stay at Opito Bay.

Local Tips

Next Events in Mercury Bay

28 October - 11 November! Once again Mercury Twin Cinemas in Whitianga is hosting ...
Scheduled
Event Date
November 11, 2026
New
Help protect and restore the beautiful Coromandel coastline. Get involved in one o...
Scheduled
Event Date
November 13, 2026 - 9:00am to 12:00pm
NewHot
Weekly events and activities at various times run at the Mercury Bay Library throu...
Scheduled
Event Date
November 16, 2026 - 10:00am to 3:30pm
Hot
Initiated by the Hauraki Gulf Forum, this free online hui is an opportunity to sha...
Scheduled
Event Date
November 17, 2026 - 1:30pm to 3:00pm
What's on

Latest Stories

C
Community
November 12, 2026
Featured
This article shares a summary of updates for community and business provided by th...
CK
Cathy Klouwens
October 24, 2026
Featured
Car enthusiasts and fans of retro vehicles are in for a treat this summer as the W...
CK
Cathy Klouwens
November 12, 2026
New
Grass carp have been released at Cooks Beach, marking a long-awaited milestone for...
CK
Cathy Klouwens
November 12, 2026
New
More than 100 local dancers are preparing to take to the stage at Whitianga Town H...
Whitianga's popular online newspaper
Explore more of
The Coromandel
Quick facts, local tips and photos to plan a road trip to remember.
Adding markers to the map ...

A big thanks to local photographer Dmitri from Fern Vision, for supplying epic Coromandel Peninsula photography.