Opunake

Located in South Taranaki on Surf Highway 45, Opunake has a reputation for hospitality, safe swimming beaches, great surfing breaks and a beautiful camping ground right on the beach. The main beach is a crescent-shaped bay great for family days on the coast.

The town offers a great selection of funky cafes with good-quality food served in a pleasant atmosphere. The fish and chip shop is considered one of the best in the region. There's a variety of gift shops and an art gallery displaying work from many of the local artists.

At Lake Opunake there's a picturesque walk stretching for 7km. Waiaua River Mouth and historic Te Namu Pa are popular tourist attractions. The Surf Highway 45 is a beautiful scenic drive following the coastline. The hemispherical coast collects 180 degrees of ocean swells, so you’re guaranteed surf while exploring the area. Opunake is a leisurely 15 minute drive to some of the area's best breaks.

Just south of Opunake on the most westerly point of Taranaki is the Cape Egmont lighthouse. You’ll often see woolly sheep following the path just below the lighthouse. Opunake is a modest but pretty coastal town, rich in Maori culture and positioned at the base of Mt Taranaki and the Egmont National Park.