Opoutere Beach

Enjoy nature at its best with over 5km of unspoilt white sand, rolling surf and tranquil waters of the Wharekawa Harbour. This relaxed coastal hideaway is a haven for exploring beautiful forest, beach and harbour.

There are numerous harbour and reserve walks and easy walks along the beach to Ohui rockpools at the northern end of the beach and into the state forest to visit the historic Phoenix goldmine. If you want a bit more of a challenge a track winds up Maungaruawahine Pa hill through native bush from Opoutere Road to the lookout vantage point on the top. There are still some stone ramparts that formed part of the Maori fortifications to be seen in some places near the summit. The walk is well worth the effort for the view across the harbour to the site of the sister Pa on Ruahiwihiwi point and the elevated view of the sandspit, harbour and outlying islands.

You could also try surfcasting at the beach and harbour mouth or snorkelling around Hikunui Island and south coastline to Pokohino (when conditions permit) and there are plentiful cockles and pipis in the harbour and tuatua in the surf.

The harbour is perfect for a leisurely sea kayak and the mountain biking options are endless. Or just come & chill out.