Opunake, Taranaki, NZ - Attractions
The Opunake Walkway
Is one of 11 walkways in the Taranaki/Wanganui region. It is 7 kms long and takes about 2 1/2 hours to complete. Start at the Opunake Lake boat ramp and head around the lake anti-clockwise before heading toward the Opunake Beach. It ends north of the town at the Te Namu Pa site beside the Opunake cemetary.
Mt Taranaki
Stands 2518 mtrs above sea level on the West Coast of the North Island of New Zealand. It has a symmetrical cone shape with a smaller cone protruding from its South western side called Fanthams Peak. It is surrounded by 33,534 hec of rainforests called Egmont National Park. It is the source for over 50 rivers and streams round Taranaki. The soil type is volcanic loam which is great for dairy farming. There are many walking/tramping tracks throughout the park catering for all fitnesses.
Opunake Beach
Is one of the safest swimming beaches in New Zealand offering a great holiday spot for families. It is patrolled by surf life savers throughout the summer months. There is a children's playground and paddling pool for the little ones. The beach has two massive headlands which provide shelter and protection from winter storms.
Opunake Lake
Has two purposes, to produce electricity for the national grid and to provide a recreational sport for boating, water skiing, trout fishing, for walkers or just feed the ducks. In the summertime the lake is as busy as the nearby Opunake Beach and every weekend the sound of pleasure craft zooming around the lake can always be heard. The history of the lake goes back to the early 1900s, when it was first muted that electricity would be a necessity for the growing town and surrounding districts. A chunk of land beside the Waiaua river, which formed a natural basin, was considered suitable to store water from the river for the purpose of making electricity. This area once was the vegetable garden for the Armed Constabulary.
Surf Spots
Can be found down most roads that head to the sea along Surf Highway 45. The most popular and easy access is Opunake Beach, where an artificial reef is being constructed. Other popular spots along the coast are: Green Meadows, Arawhata Road, Dumps and Mungas, all these spots are within 10 mins of Opunake.
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