Opoutere Beach

Situated on the eastern coast of the Coromandel Peninsula facing out into the depths of the Pacific Ocean, Opoutere comes from the Maori for “place of floating posts” and boasts five kilometres of white sand.

At its southern end visitors will discover the picturesque harbour of Wharekawa, protected by a curving natural sand spit. It forms a lagoon-like appearance and is an important breeding site for many native and endangered New Zealand bird species.

Splitting Opoutere into an estuary and ocean beach, the estuary is best enjoyed just before or after high tide, although the current is stronger here than on the ocean side of the beach. There’s a limited lifeguard patrol during the summer.

At the northern end of Opoutere lie Ohui rockpools, with relaxed walks leading here as well as into the surrounding landscape of sweeping hills and forest. While not being known as a surfing destination, Opoutere offers a beach break and right point bar.

Fires of all kinds are strictly prohibited during the summer months, because of the risk to the nearby flora.