New Zealand Walks for Wimps: The Pā at Opito Bay

The New Zealand Walks for Wimps series provides essential information about short, relatively easy hikes around New Zealand. Today we visit the Opito Point Pā, in Opito Bay on the Coromandel Peninsula. Click on the map markers at the bottom of this post for more great easy NZ walks!

The view of the beach, bay, and surrounding hills from Opito Point Pa Site — Super clear water at Opito Bay, New Zealand

Opito Bay doesn’t seem to get mentioned much on the Coromandel. I don’t know why; it’s gorgeous! A long, curving expanse of sandy beach with super clear blue water leads to a pā (fort) site on a huge headland at the end.

A stream crosses the beach and drains into Opito Bay

To get there, take SH25 to Kuaotunu, between Coromandel Town and Whitianga. Take Black Jack Road past the wee village, and it very shortly turns into a gravel road which winds up and over the hillside to Otama, where sand dunes line yet another long sandy beach.

Sunset on the beach driving out of Opito Bay — Sunset view at Otama Beach

From here the road keeps going, winding over another hill to Opito Bay, where a decent sized community of baches (NZ holiday homes) resides.

The view of hills, trees, farms, and sea taken from along the road into Opito Bay — View of Opito Bay from Black Jack Road

Right at the end of the road is a grassy area where self-contained vehicles can camp in a very limited space.

Late afternoon light shines on a tree overlooking Opito Bay — View from the carpark at the end of the road in Opito Bay

The rest is carpark. From here go down to the beach and scramble over the rocks to the right to get to the next expanse of beach. I’m pretty sure this is doable at high tide but it could be a bit close.

Steep stairs lead up to Opito Point Pa from the shimmering water below. — Looking down the steep stairs into Opito Bay

Once you get down to the end of the beach a steep staircase goes up the hill, zig zagging back on itself once or twice and finally leading to a relatively flat track out to the end of the headland. Don’t worry, it’s steep but not long!

A grassy trail leads out onto Opito Pa for views out to sea. — The walk to the end of the pa.

From here there are spectacular views out to some outlying islands, back to the far side of the headland, and straight down into the ultra-clear blue waters of the bay you just walked along.

The Pa site is high, with steep cliffs falling down to the sea on all sides.

Because this is a pā site, there are earthworks to explore, including terraces, pits, and defensive ditches. Be careful as you walk through the long grass, as it can easily hide holes!

The end of the point is a great spot to sit in the sun and contemplate life for a while. I guess if you’re lucky you might spot some dolphins or even whales but I never seem to be that lucky!

The view out to sea, with sea stacks and islands from Opito Point Pa.

Go back the same way you came and enjoy the sunshine and views!

A view of rocky and sandy beach, Opito Bay, and surrounding hills.

There’s another side track off the beach a little before the stairs, across a farm to Crayfish Bay. I didn’t go because I was running out of daylight and the bay would have been in shade anyway, but I would love to go back and check it out!