Things to do near Kuaotunu and Otama

Our 14 picks of beaches, cafés and day trips near Kuaotunu and Otama Beach, from New Chums Beach to Whitianga, with the drive time from each of our four homes.

Drive times are approximate: worked out by route from each home's area, rounded up to the nearest five minutes. Allow longer in summer traffic and on the winding coast roads.

Kuaotunu village

Luke's Kitchen

A surfer-themed bar and restaurant in the middle of Kuaotunu village, known for its wood-fired pizzas. Opening days change with the season, so check before you head out for dinner. Luke's Kitchen website

Approximate drive: The Wow House 10 min · Kuaotunu Escape 5 min · Kuaotunu Beachfront 5 min · Otama Beachfront 10 min

Kua Kawhe café

The village café, next door to Luke's Kitchen, for good coffee and something to eat after a morning on the beach. Kua Kawhe café website

Approximate drive: The Wow House 10 min · Kuaotunu Escape 5 min · Kuaotunu Beachfront 5 min · Otama Beachfront 10 min

Beaches nearby

Kuaotunu Beach

Kuaotunu Beach on a summer afternoon, with swimmers and the headland behind

The local beach and the closest to our Kuaotunu homes: white sand, calm water on most summer days, and room to swim, kayak, fish and walk end to end.

Approximate drive: The Wow House 10 min · Kuaotunu Escape 5 min · Kuaotunu Beachfront 5 min · Otama Beachfront 10 min

Otama Beach

Aerial view of Otama Beach: a long curve of white sand and clear green water

About two kilometres of white sand backed by dunes, and often almost empty. Watch for tūturuwhatu, the New Zealand dotterel, which nest here, and give them plenty of space. Otama Beach website

Approximate drive: The Wow House 15 min · Kuaotunu Escape 5 min · Kuaotunu Beachfront 10 min · Otama Beachfront 5 min

Opito Bay

Looking out over the Opito coast to the offshore islands

A sheltered bay at the end of the road east of Otama, good for swimming and a picnic. Walk up to the pā site on the headland for views along the coast. Opito Bay website

Approximate drive: The Wow House 20 min · Kuaotunu Escape 15 min · Kuaotunu Beachfront 15 min · Otama Beachfront 10 min

Matarangi Beach

Matarangi Beach at low tide, with the headland and houses behind
Photo: Floyd Wilde, CC BY-SA 2.0, resized.

A long beach on a sandspit west of Kuaotunu, with a village shop and a golf course behind it. Matarangi Beach website

Approximate drive: The Wow House 15 min · Kuaotunu Escape 15 min · Kuaotunu Beachfront 10 min · Otama Beachfront 20 min

New Chums Beach

New Chums Beach: golden sand between bush-covered headlands
Photo: Piotr Zurek, CC BY 2.0, resized.

An undeveloped beach reached only on foot: park at Whangapoua and walk from the north end of the beach, about 30 minutes each way over rocks that are easiest at low tide. There are no facilities, so take water and take your rubbish home. New Chums Beach website

Approximate drive to Whangapoua: The Wow House 20 min · Kuaotunu Escape 20 min · Kuaotunu Beachfront 15 min · Otama Beachfront 25 min

Further afield

Whitianga

Yellow flowers on the dunes above Buffalo Beach, Whitianga, looking across Mercury Bay

The main town of Mercury Bay, with bars and restaurants, supermarkets, shops, the marina and fishing charters. Stock up here before a long stay. Whitianga website

Approximate drive: The Wow House 25 min · Kuaotunu Escape 20 min · Kuaotunu Beachfront 20 min · Otama Beachfront 25 min

The Lost Spring

Hot and warm geothermal pools, a day spa and a restaurant in Whitianga, set in gardens that feel like a Pacific island. It's aimed at adults: check the age limit and book ahead. The Lost Spring website

Approximate drive: The Wow House 25 min · Kuaotunu Escape 20 min · Kuaotunu Beachfront 20 min · Otama Beachfront 25 min

Glass Bottom Boat

A boat trip from Whitianga around Mercury Bay and the marine reserve to Cathedral Cove. It shows you far more of the coast than the walk if you have limited time. Glass Bottom Boat website

Approximate drive to Whitianga wharf: The Wow House 25 min · Kuaotunu Escape 20 min · Kuaotunu Beachfront 20 min · Otama Beachfront 25 min

Cathedral Cove

The rock stack at Cathedral Cove, seen through the arch
Photo: Mike Bordignon, CC BY 3.0, resized.

The famous rock arch and beach, reached by walking track from Hahei or by boat. Check the Department of Conservation's latest track and parking information before you go. Cathedral Cove website

Approximate drive to Hahei: The Wow House 50 min · Kuaotunu Escape 45 min · Kuaotunu Beachfront 45 min · Otama Beachfront 50 min

Hot Water Beach

People digging their own hot pools in the sand at Hot Water Beach
Photo: W. Bulach, CC BY-SA 4.0, resized.

Hot water from natural springs rises through the sand. Go within two hours either side of low tide and dig your own pool. The surf here has strong rips, so don't swim. Hot Water Beach website

Approximate drive: The Wow House 50 min · Kuaotunu Escape 45 min · Kuaotunu Beachfront 45 min · Otama Beachfront 50 min

Coromandel Town

Shops and verandas along Kapanga Road, Coromandel Town
Photo: Ulrich Lange, Bochum, Germany, CC BY 3.0, resized.

A historic gold-mining town on the west coast, with cafés, galleries and craft shops. The road over the range is winding, so take it slowly. Coromandel Town website

Approximate drive: The Wow House 25 min · Kuaotunu Escape 25 min · Kuaotunu Beachfront 25 min · Otama Beachfront 35 min

Driving Creek Railway and zipline

The Driving Creek Railway train waiting at the station
Photo: Symac, CC BY-SA 3.0, resized.

A narrow-gauge mountain railway just north of Coromandel Town, climbing through regenerating native bush, plus a zipline. Well worth the trip. Book on their website; bookings are essential. Driving Creek Railway and zipline website

Approximate drive: The Wow House 30 min · Kuaotunu Escape 30 min · Kuaotunu Beachfront 30 min · Otama Beachfront 35 min

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