Otama
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Otama
Otama beach

Otama

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Location

Otama
New Zealand 3592

Quick Facts

Māori Meaning:
Place of Tama
Proximity:
30 min (20 km) from Whitianga
3 hr (208 km) from Auckland
Otama beach steps

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.

Otama is nestled at the Southern end of the Kuaotunu Peninsula and provide visitors with sandy white beaches and safe waters that just invite isolated enjoyment. It has a long north facing beach with large white sandy dunes and very few houses which gives Otama the thumbs up as a place that provides natural beauty in abundance.

The southern end of the beach is a popular wedding spot for couples to tie the knot in marital bliss on stunning sandy shores.

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Useful Visitor Information

Local Tips for Otama

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Getting to Otama

To get to Otama and by car follow SH25, turn off into Kuaotunu Village and travel along Blackjack Road to reach Otama Beach. 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.

Tides

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

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Must Do's

  • Perfect beaches to swim, snorkel, 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 you will be rewarded with some amazing views out to the Mercury Islands.
  • Snorkel around the rocks at the corner of the beach as you first enter Otama by road.
  • There is a tidal lagoon at the Black Jack Scenic Reserve that is popular with families when it's full.
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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)

  • Blackjack Road
    Otama
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Things to do with 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 stay

Renting a bach is a way of enjoying a stay at Otama.

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Shopping

There are no shops in Otama 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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