Opito Bay
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Opito Bay
Opito Bay

Opito Bay

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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.

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Useful Visitor Information

Local Tips for Opito Bay

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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.

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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.

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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.
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Where to grab a bite to eat

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

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Public Toilets (restrooms)

  • Stewart Stream
    Opito Bay Road
  • Moore Crescent
    Opito East

Tides

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

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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

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