5 Best Things to Do in Opunake

Last Updated: 8 August, 2022

What to Do in Opunake, Taranaki

If you’re planning a road trip down Surf Highway 45, then you are in for a treat. The cool little surf/beach town of Opunake is sure to draw you in with its excellent Opunake Walkway with stunning views of the coast and Mt Taranaki, as well as a black-sand beach, tucked in between two headlands. Stop here for surfing, swimming, grabbing fish and chips, a coffee in a quirky cafe, or even catch a movie at the boutique cinema. We’ll go through some of your best options in this list of things to do in Opunake, Taranaki!

While you’re here, check out our 6 Towns You Can’t Miss in South Taranaki, as well as 10 Taranaki Must-Dos.

1. Walk the Opunake Walkway

Make the most of your time in Opunake by doing the Opunake Walkway! Discover some of the key sites of the town on this 7km (4.3 miles) one-way walk, which you can take as short or as long as you want with several access points. Highlights of the walk include circumventing Opunake Lake, the Old Armed Constabulary Cemetery with graves from as far back as 1850, Opunake Beach and the stunning lookouts on the coastal cliffs on either side of the beach. For more walks in the area, see 5 Walks You Can’t Miss in South Taranaki.

Location: There are several access points, but the best place to start is on Layard Street by Opunake Lake.

2. Watch a Movie at Everybody’s Theatre

The theatre building is a standout of the town with murals of movie stars adorning the walls. Everybody’s Theatre is a community boutique cinema showing both blockbuster and arthouse films. Catch a movie on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.

Location: 72 Tasman Street

3. Surf, Swim or Relax at Opunake Beach

One of the most-loved beaches of the Taranaki region, Opunake Beach is a safe swimming beach and popular surf spot. The beach is patrolled by lifeguards in summer. Plus, there are free barbecues, picnic benches and a children’s playground – so there’s plenty of reasons to make yourself comfortable for the day!

Location: Beach Road

4. Explore the Town

It won’t take you long to have a look around Opunake, but it’s still worth the gander to have a coffee at one of the quaint cafes, stock up on gear at the surf shop and have a look around the op shops (secondhand stores). Picking up some fish & chips to eat down by the beach is also a must!

Location: Opunake town centre

5. Do Paintball, Clay Shooting and Archery at Actionaki

Finally, if you’re travelling as a group, get competitive at Actionaki! There’s paintball, archery, frisbee golf and clay bird shooting to try. Or for something a little more relaxing, do one of their fishing tours for surfcasting or trouting. Make sure to book ahead.

Location: Surf Highway 45

More Things to Do Near Opunake

Sources:

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2025])
Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2025])
AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2025])
Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2025])
NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2025])
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (Road and transport tips - Updated [2025])
DriveSafe (Road safety - Updated [2025])
Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2025])
Safe Travel (NZ travel advisories - Updated [2025])
Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2025])
TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2025])
Visit Taranaki (Regional tourism website)
Taranaki Regional Council (Local council website)
New Plymouth District Council (Local council website)
South Taranaki District Council (Local council website)
Stratford District Council (Local council website)

Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About The Author

Don Benny V. & DOC

This article was supplied by the Department of Conservation (DOC) and reviewed and published by Don Benny.

The DOC is the government agency charged with conserving New Zealand’s natural and historic heritage.

Don is a seasoned travel editor with a deep passion for exploring New Zealand, Asia and the Pacific. Having explored much of New Zealand’s North Island first-hand, from the cultural heart of Rotorua to the wine country of Wairarapa and the capital charm of Wellington, he brings local insight and a traveller’s eye to every piece he writes. Don Benny’s travel advice is shaped by real experiences, and he loves helping visitors uncover both iconic highlights and hidden gems throughout Aotearoa.

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