Things To Do In Opunake

1. Opunake Walkway

The Opunake Walkway is a great way to make the most of your stay in Opunake. Discover some of the city's most important landmarks on this 7-kilometer one-way walk with many entry points that you may take as long as you choose to complete. Circumnavigating Opunake Lake, the Old Armed Constabulary Cemetery with tombs dating back to 1850, Opunake Shore, and the spectacular lookouts on the coastal cliffs on either side of the beach are all highlights of the walk.

2. Opunake Beach

Opunake Beach, one of Taranaki's most popular beaches, is a safe bathing beach and popular surf area. There are also free barbecues, picnic tables, and a children's playground, so there are lots of reasons to settle in for the day! The beach is made mostly of refined volcanic black sand with big rock pools at the north-west end to paddle and rest in. At low tide, the summit of our magnificent Maunga Taranaki can be seen and admired!

3. Explore the Town

Although a stroll around Opunake won't take long, it's still worthwhile to stop for a coffee in one of the charming cafés, load up on surf gear at the surf shop, and browse the op shops. But the experience won't be complete unless you get some fish and chips and enjoy them on the beach!

4. Mural Trail

The Opunake Mural Trail is a collection of over 20 murals across the town that portray historical pictures and modern work. Many of these paintings depict our diverse history, from early Maori through today's dairying and natural gas and oil extraction on Maui.

5. Sandfords Event Center

Sandfords Events Venue is headquartered in Opunake and is South Taranaki's top sports, recreation, events, and function center! Indoor stadium sports, Squash Courts, Tennis Courts, and a Health & Fitness Gymnasium are all available.

6. Fishing

Off the beach or a short walk to the Waiaua River's mouth, Opunake Beach offers a variety of fishing opportunities. Drive to Middleton Bay to launch your boat and have a fun relaxing day fishing on the jetty or the sand.

7. The Coastal Walkway Taranaki

The award-winning Coastal Walkway has got to be at the top of your bucket list. It's a 13.2km path that runs from Pioneer Park in Port Taranaki to the eastern side of Bell Block Beach, forming an expansive sea-edge promenade.
This beginner level walkway is paved, with some gentle slopes. It is excellent for walking, running, cycling, skateboarding, skating and scooting.

8. The Forgotten World Highway

This quiet route includes a number of interesting stops along the way. It passes through four mountain saddles, Tangarakau Gorge, and a 180-meter single-lane tunnel. After 50 years in the construction, the Forgotten World Highway was finally completed in 1945.

The Forgotten World Highway connects Stratford with Taumarunui and is 150 kilometers long. It's more than just a route connecting two towns; it's a comprehensive experience, packed with heritage and historical insights. The journey is twisty and secretive, and the sights of pristine native bush are breathtaking; it's unusual to come across a country that has been unaffected by the modern world.

The Matemateonga Track, located off the Forgotten World Highway at Stratford and leading into Whanganui National Park, is a 3- to 4-day hike for the adventurous to tackle.

9. Hike the Pouakai Crossing, Mount Taranaki

The Pouakai Crossing route, which is part of the multi-day Pouakai Circuit, is a 19-kilometer, eight-hour trek that is one of New Zealand's top one-day walks. On the top slopes of Mount Taranaki, the track passes through a series of unspoilt vistas. Lush native woodland, volcanic cliffs, marshes, and a small mountain lake or tundras that perfectly reflects the mountain top are among the highlights. A decent degree of fitness and adequate gear for the shifting mountain conditions are usually required for a summer trek.

10. The Three Sisters

Take a picnic lunch and visit the Three Sisters at Tongaporutu. You can find the formations by walking alongside the river and around the point at low tide.

A rock etching of a strange six-toed foot can also be found in neighboring caverns. But check the tides first, as the formations are only accessible during low tide.