Otama
Skip to main content

Made in Whitianga

Explore
Otama
Otama beach

Otama

Hot

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.

If you like
Otama
please share it!

Help get the
word out!

Map

Swap Start/End
Useful Visitor Information

Local Tips for Otama

VW Combi van icon with surfboard on roof

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.

Sign post icon

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.
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)

  • Blackjack Road
    Otama
Bike icon

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.

Shopping bag icon

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.

Local Tips

Next Events in Mercury Bay

Hot
Members of the American Muscle and Custom Car Club Whitianga will be gathering for...
Scheduled
Event Date
February 01, 2026 - 10:00am to 11:00am
FeaturedHot
Looking for movies times in Whitianga to watch at the cinema this week and weekend...
Scheduled
Event Date
February 01, 2026 - 10:00am to 10:00pm
New
Weekly events and activities at various times run at the Mercury Bay Library throu...
Scheduled
Event Date
February 02, 2026 - 10:30am to 3:30pm
Activities are coordinated as part of Seaweek - events to celebrate the moana-sea ...
Scheduled
Event Date
February 28, 2026
What's on

Latest Stories

C
Community
January 31, 2026
Featured
27 January 2026 update. The information in this article is a running record of upd...
C
Community
January 29, 2026
Featured
This article shares a summary of updates provided by the New Zealand Transport Age...
CK
Cathy Klouwens
January 30, 2026
Featured
The Thames Coromandel District Council Mayoral Disaster Relief Fund is now open fo...
CK
Cathy Klouwens
December 09, 2025
Featured
If you need to know when the weekly 2025, summer and 2026 council rubbish and recy...
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.