What to do in Opito Bay

Activities, attractions and tours

OPITO BAY, COROMANDEL PENINSULA, NEW ZEALAND, Panoramic view of a coastal town nestled beside a beautiful beach. Houses line the shore, with a sailboat visible on the water. Tranquil seaside scene.
OPITO BAY, COROMANDEL PENINSULA, NEW ZEALAND, Panoramic view of a coastal town nestled beside a beautiful beach. Houses line the shore, with a sailboat visible on the water. Tranquil seaside scene.
, OPITO BAY, COROMANDEL PENINSULA, NEW ZEALAND, Aerial view of a tranquil beach, houses nestled in the hills above. Sunny day, gentle waves.
OPITO BAY, COROMANDEL PENINSULA, NEW ZEALAND, Aerial view of a pristine beach, nestled between rolling hills and turquoise water. Coastal landscape with a sailboat in the distance.
Amazing day in Optio Bay, NZ - much quieter place to visit (not as many tourists) with some great little hikes (shown in picture), great swimming and kayaking!

Opito Bay Attractions

Let Expedia help you to experience the best that Opito Bay has to offer! If you’re planning a trip to Opito Bay, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling to Opito Bay with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Places of interest in Opito Bay

Opito Bay is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay in Opito Bay, and make it a breeze to explore Opito Bay and the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Opito Bay to make sure that you enjoy your holiday to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit to Opito Bay, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights in Opito Bay.

Opito Bay attractions

Opito Bay has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions in Opito Bay to keep you entertained. Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Opito Bay.

Looking for things to do in Opito Bay can be time-consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine of Opito Bay or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Opito Bay attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season. Happy trails!

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Top places to visit

1. Cathedral Cove

New Zealand is full of spectacular scenery, and the Cathedral Cove Marine Reserve in the Coromandel Peninsular is no exception. White rock cliffs, a large pumice island, and a naturally formed archway joining Cathedral Cove Beach to Mares Leg Cove give this beach a distinct look.
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Cathedral Cove Beach

2. Hahei Beach

Situated on the majestic Mercury Bay, the tiny settlement of Hahei Beach becomes a bustling tourist town in the summer months. Its 350 permanent residents will welcome you to their town, ready to show you their beautiful pink-shell beach, the protected marine reserve and the pods of dolphins that live off shore. Enjoy a round of golf, browse for souvenirs at local gift shops and enjoy a pint at a local craft brewery as you indulge in the offerings of the Coromandel Peninsula.
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Hahei Beach showing a beach, a bay or harbour and a sunset

3. Hot Water Beach

Grab your bucket and spade and head to Hot Water Beach at low tide to find two natural warm water springs. Dig a pool and mix the hot water with just the right amount of seawater to create your perfect bath. Enjoy a relaxing stroll along this beautiful stretch of sand and find a quiet place to rest with a good book. Enjoy a meal in the oceanfront café and shop for souvenirs in the shops behind the beach.
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Hot Water Beach featuring general coastal views, a sandy beach and rocky coastline

4. Cooks Beach

Relax on the white sands of Cooks Beach, hike over the headlands to the secluded Lonely Bay, cast a line or take a game fishing trip.
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Cooks Beach

5. Driving Creek Railway

Take a journey on the Driving Creek Railway to zig-zag up a hill through the bushland on the Coromandel Peninsula in a fun and original way. This narrow gauge railway was originally built to supply wood and clay to the adjoining potteries, but it now mainly serves to take tourists on scenic rides.
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Driving Creek Railway which includes railway items and forest scenes

What to do in Opito Bay

Popular places to visit

Opito Point Historic Reserve

You can take time to visit Opito Point Historic Reserve during your travels to Opito Bay.

Opito Point Historic Reserve

Moore Park

Explore the great outdoors at Moore Park, a lovely green space in Opito Bay.

Moore Park

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Opito Bay

Coromandel Peninsula which includes forest scenes

Coromandel Forest Park

Frequently asked questions

Is Opito Bay worth visiting?
Opito Bay offers a unique blend of local charm, culture and attractions. Whether you're into history, nature or local culinary flavours, there's plenty you'll find here.
How do I spend a day in Opito Bay?
Buffalo Beach and Matarangi Beach are two excellent places to begin your holiday adventures. Be sure to check out the dining and shopping options in Opito Bay while you're in town too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Opito Bay?
You can't go home without exploring Buffalo Beach, rated the top tourist attraction in Opito Bay.
Is three days enough to stay in Opito Bay?
Three days is plenty for a short trip to Opito Bay — you'll tick off the main spots and get a good feel for the local vibe. But if you want to truly experience it all, stay for at least a week to explore the surrounding areas too.
What are some activities to do in Opito Bay with kids?
Planning what to do in Opito Bay with kids is easier than ever. Whether you're getting away with teenagers or toddlers, there are lots of family-friendly sights and activities to keep them entertained here.

What to do in Opito Bay for adults?
Captain Cook's Memorial is one of the top things to do in Opito Bay. With plenty of activities available, there's something here for everyone to explore.
Are there free things to do in Opito Bay?
In Opito Bay, Otama Beach is a top spot for anyone planning to experience the city without opening their wallet. Also, stroll around the local parks and neighbourhoods, and ask a local tour guide for tips. It's a great way to explore the best free things to do in Opito Bay.

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