The town is a popular summer holiday destination, lying about 60km east of Whakatane.
The area was once a large Maori settlement and their strong presence here is best reflected in the proliferation of
Maori settlements throughout the town.
Opotiki is located at the confluence of the Waioeka and Otara
Rivers. The town marks the fork in the road where SH 2 continues
for 147km via the magnificent, native bush-lined Waioeka Gorge
with numerous short and multi-day walks and tracks. Hikutaia Domain
is one of New Zealand's finest reserves of native plants and rees,
including the historic puriri tree Taketakerau, estimated to be
over 2000 years old and guardian to an ancient sacred burial site.
Inside Hiona St Stephens woven tukutuku and painted kowhaiwhai
panels portray Maori spirituality. The work of local Maori, distinguished
carvings created from locally grown native timber and the local
museum depict the area's history, colonization and development.
If there's a place you've stayed or something you've done, but we haven't listed, review it for us!
OPOTIKI
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