At the southern end of Opoutere Beach lies the winding entrance to the Wharekawa Harbour which is protected by a spectacular sandspit. The spit is a breeding ground for several endangered species of native sea birds including the New Zealand Dotterel
  • Activity
  • Whangamata

NOTE: From the 20th Nov 2023 for three weeks, a section of the Hauraki-Coromandel’s Opoutere Beach Recreation Reserve will be temporarily closed for the felling of more than 350 pine trees. While the work is being undertaken, part of the reserve will be closed to the public. This will include the currently closed area at the southern end of the reserve, the main DOC track to the beach, and the northern side of the main track where some pines also need to be felled.

There are numerous harbour and reserve walks right from the camp and there are 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.

Directions: From Whangamata drive north on SH25 for 11kms until you reach the turnoff to Opotuere. The carpark to access the walk is approximately 4kms from the turnoff. The track starts by crossing a wooden footbridge and following a track through well-established pine trees. On reaching the beach turn right and walk along the shore. After approximately 500m, a boarded walkway crosses the sandspit. If it is low tide walkers can follow the estuary most of the way back to the carpark. Time: 45mins return

NOTE: This beach is not patrolled by Surf Life Saving NZ and can be effected by dangerous condition. Check our local patrolled beaches https://www.safeswim.org.nz/

Where to Find Us
Location

Whangamata
New Zealand