KUAOTUNU / OTAMA / OPITO / MATAPAUA BAY
KUAOTUNU
Once a thriving gold mining town, Kuaotunu is located approximately 15kms north of Whitianga on SH25. North facing beach has clean, safe, white sandy beaches, is also handy to many other beautiful spots with good swimming, snorkelling, and the surf can be excellent off the Blackjack Point. The rocky outcrops can be good for shell collecting, the 2kms stretch of beach is popular for walks. There is a boat ramp, and some excellent fishing, surfcasting and diving spots. Bush walks via a walkway on the Waitaia Road leading to an abandoned gold mine with glow-worms and the Kiwi Sanctuary. The river and lagoon is ideal for children. A general store including liquor, petrol, LPG and dive tank refill facilities.
Otama, Opito & Matapaua Bay are approached by the Blackjack Road. Beautiful white sandy beaches offer good swimming & surfcasting.
OTAMA
A stunning white sandy beach accessed via a gravel road over the Blackjack Hill approximately 5kms from Kuaotunu, on the way to Opito Bay. A relatively small settlement of houses, quiet and private, a natural ecosystem exists here with conservation sand dunes and nesting native birds. Good swimming although a steeper shoreline than Opito, excellent fishing and diving The lagoon is great fun and very safe for children. Nearest shop is in Kuaotunu.
OPITO
Featuring an idyllic white sandy beach accessed via a gravel road over the Blackjack Hill passing through Otama approximately 10kms from Kuaotunu. A popular holiday destination offering excellent fishing and diving, there is no boat ramp but boats can be launched from the beach by 4WD vehicles. East facing and close access to the Mercury Islands. Good boogie-boarding, swimming and surf-casting. Nearest shop is in Kuaotunu.
