Location: Opotiki
Top Things to do in Opotiki
Top Restaurants in Opotiki
Countries
What to do and see in Opotiki, North Island: The Best Free Things to do
Opotiki /ɔːpɔːˈtɪki/ (Māori: Ōpōtiki) is a small town in the eastern Bay of Plenty in the North Island of New Zealand. It houses the headquarters of the Opotiki District Council and comes under the Bay of Plenty Regional Council.
Restaurants in Opotiki
1. Waiotahe Beach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 62 reviews
Reviewed By Timtimwils81 - New Zealand, null
Very nice beach to swim at, very safe. Lifeguards were also on the beach every Sunday from Nov - Feb.
2. Motu Trails
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 31 reviews
The Dunes Trail is part of the Motu Trails Cycleway. It's a shared-use (bike, walk, run) trail that undulates 10km along the Pacific coast east of Opotiki. The riding is easy, the views sensational. Cruise just a few kilometres, or ride on to the Motu Road and Pakihi Track.
Reviewed By R298YWpetert
Well worth the effort if you are half fit and love back country bush and scenery. Started at Opotiki and rode Dunes trail then Motu road. Tougher first climb to Meremere Hilltop but pretty reasonable after that. Motu Village cafe well worth the visit - great service and home baking. The motu falls are nice but not spectacular. stayed at camp ground in Matawai in one room cabin - just fine for bikers!
3. Hukutaia Domain
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 48 reviews
The Hukutaia Domain ranks as one of Opotiki's main attractions. It is a 5 hectare remnant of extensive native forest that was set aside as a reserve by one of the original owners Mr E.M Hutchinson in the early 1900's. Mr Norman Potts was instrumental in developing the reserve with walking tracks and touring all over New Zealand (plus outlying islands) gathering rare and endangered plants some of which now form a very valuable botanical collection. Mr Marc Heginbotham followed on with Mr Potts work. Of particular interest is the 2000/5000 year old giant Puriri tree. Being hollow the tree was used as a resting place for the bones of Distinguished Dead of the Upokorehe. The tree named Taketakerau was highly Tapu. Local resident Marnie Anstis has written a book entitled the Millennium Tree which is based on the life of Taketakerau. The Domain is owned by the Opotiki District Council. A Care Group looks after the Domain by way of maintenance, pest control and development with generous help from the Council and Environment Bay of Plenty. Brochures, information sheets and notices about various topics are available in the Domain. There is no charge to visit the Domain. To get to the Domain turn left immediately on leaving the Waioeka bridge (heading west) on to Woodlands Road and drive about 7 kilometers to very near the end where you will find the Domain sign. The Domain is looked after by the Hukutaia Domain 'CARE GROUP' a small group of volunteer locals with a keen interest in the welfare of the Domain. Work includes track maintenance and improvement, pest control, signs, information and data.
Reviewed By ChrissieMurray - Morayfield, Australia
Hukutaia domain is significant on so many levels. The details have been shared in the other reviews. I love this place - I grew up visiting this domain often. The latest activity is painted rocks.People hide them and it becomes an activity to find them and re-hide. As long as everybody involved in this activity obeys the rules: use a sealant on the painted rocks to prevent paint leaching, do not hide rocks off track to avoid people damaging plants and roots - then it becomes a good reason for more people and families to enjoy this beautiful domain, to take their time to look around and observe this wonder. So if you wonder what all those colourful rocks are - just leave them for the kiddies to find if you are not participating in the activity.
4. Motu Trails
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 39 reviews
Reviewed By Tess041 - Tauranga, New Zealand
We did the 18km return bike trip to Waiaua along the ocean (kids 10 & 12 and all on normal bikes, not ebikes). What a truly beautiful track, such a stunning part of the country and beach & surf the whole way along. Good track, nice board paths, up and down but nothing too strenuous. Lots of places to stop. Only grumble would be those blasted bikestops you have to go through as have to keep getting off your bike, pity there isn’t another way to keep the horses/motorbikes out. Would definitely do this trail again, and easy drive from Ohope where we were staying. Loved the bridge too. Would thoroughly recommend.
5. Pacific Coast Macadamias
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By gillyhed - Whitley Bay, United Kingdom
We stopped off for a coffee and macadamias on our East Coast tour. This café and shop was just so beautiful, the views from the café garden were just so amazing. The coffee was so smooth and I am incredibly fussy and their slice was the best I have had. The apricot and macadamia was just so tasty. Friendly, kind service. The spicy macadamias we bought to takeaway, I so wish I had bought more they really were best nuts I have ever eaten. We did a 3 week tour and I have lots of reviews to write, but did this one first as it is a must stop if you are in the area. I would do the long drive just to come here.
6. Waioeka Gorge Scenic Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 38 reviews
Reviewed By BrendaMatamata_N_Z
This piece of road has always been one of our favourites but recently after a long time we were lucky enough to be able to travel through here from Gisborne to Opotiki, once again. A gently windy road, following a beautiful river with every b end seeminly like a painting scene ahead of you. So very , very pretty that it doesn't seem to take long at all. No cafe's etc going through but there are cafes before and after it . Photographers will want their cameras handy and be prepared for lots of stops as you view the stunning scenes, of river, bush, waterfalls and cliffs.
7. Christ Church Raukokore
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 53 reviews
Reviewed By 290carstenf - Munich, Germany
You know you are on the right track when you see the church coming up. It's beautiful location takes your breath away. Go there, stay for a while and walk around. And when you're at a distance, look back and take some pictures.
8. Opotiki i-SITE Visitor Information Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By XmasEveBabe
Had a lovely time in Te Kaha and surrounds ! We appreciated the i-Site team's advice and effort so much, they really added value to our brief visit to celebrate my parents recent 60th Anniversary. The Te Kaha Holiday Park was incredibly laid back, nearby to where our parents stayed at the Te Kaha Resort with equally friendly staff and AMAZING sunset views across the bay from their room. We LOVED the Pacific Coast Macadamias lunch in their shady gardens..thank you for assuring us by placing a call ahead of time that they were happy to host with our little dog. We enjoyed all their freshly baked goodies and purchased a ton of chocolate and honey baked macadamias to bring home. We hope to revisit the area again sometime soon, plus we discovered the pop up seriously great coffee cart in garden (off main street of Opotiki)...which provided shade, water in bowl for the (spoilt) dog lol The toilets provided at rear of Opotiki i-Site were clean and we thank you for the warm and friendly welcome to my elderly Mother when she popped in on our way home....who, it has to be said LOVED her few days in stunning BOP/Pacific Coast Highway road trip. Please know that you are doing an excellent job, our grateful thanks.
