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

This iconic Mercury Bay event is held each year in early March. This first Art Esc...
Scheduled
Event Date
March 01, 2025 - 10:00am to 4:00pm
Mercury Bay Library run activities throughout the year and over the school holiday...
Scheduled
Event Date
March 07, 2025 - 10:30am to 11:30am
Hot
The Kubota Billfish Classic in March 2025 is now sold out! 
Scheduled
Event Date
March 12, 2025
Hot
In 2025 A Taste of Matarangi celebrates 10 years of this fabulous event! Get your ...
Scheduled
Event Date
April 05, 2025 - 10:00am to 4:30pm
What's on

Latest Stories

CK
Cathy Klouwens
December 04, 2024
Featured
The Government has announced the delivery on its promise to restore public walking...
CK
Cathy Klouwens
December 04, 2024
Featured
The summer season is sweetened by a garden full of fresh crops and flowers. For ga...
CK
Cathy Klouwens
December 10, 2024
Featured
Most areas of the Coromandel, including Mercury Bay, will have additional Kerbside...
CK
Cathy Klouwens
February 12, 2025
New
The A Taste of Matarangi Festival is back  5 April 2025 with a fabulous day of foo...
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.