Otama Beach & Opito Bay – beaches worth the detour

Otama Beach & Opito Bay

To get there, you’ll pass through Kūaotunu, a charming little village that deserves a stop of its own. Just before you climb up Blackjack Road, drop into Luke’s Kitchen. Their wood-fired pizzas have a following, and if you time it right, you might catch live music spilling out into the evening air. Sundays are a safe bet, though in summer the schedule changes often. Either way, it’s the ultimate pre- or post-beach stop — especially if you linger for sunset.

Follow the winding coastal road out of town and you’ll reach two of the Coromandel’s best-kept secrets: Otama Beach and Opito Bay. These quiet stretches of sand feel worlds away, the kind of places where you think you’ll stop for half an hour but end up losing an entire afternoon. The water is crystal clear and short coastal tracks lead to viewpoints perfect for catching your breath and a photo. At Otama Beach, you’ll find wide-open space for swimming or just wandering barefoot along the sand. A little further on, Opito Bay feels even more secluded. At the far end, take the short Opito Pā Walk. The climb is just a few minutes up a set of stairs, leading you onto a grassy headland where a historic Māori pā site once stood. From the top, the views stretch across the bay’s curve, out over the cliffs, and deep into the Pacific.

Best time to visit? Sunrise. The beaches glow golden, the sea is calm, and more often than not, you’ll have the place to yourself.

Opito Pā walk viewpoint