Oakura between beach, nature and culture

Oakura combines a sandy beach with walking tracks through bush and a place of special cultural significance. Offshore rock reefs lie at the southern end of Oakura Beach; a wetland shapes the walking opportunities in Matekai Park. There is also Te Koru Pā, a historic site of significance to the Ngāti-Tairi hapū. You can discover Oakura with a variety of interests in mind: by the water, outdoors on the tracks or exploring the area's history.

Sandy beach and surfing at Oakura Beach

Oakura Beach is a sandy beach. The offshore rock reefs at its southern end are also part of its character. The beach is particularly suitable for families and beginner surfers. Surf lifesavers patrol it during the summer months. This is useful guidance when planning your day; note that patrols are specified for summer only.

Corbett Park Recreation Reserve also offers access to the beach: you can walk along the shoreline to Back Beach. Swimming and surfing at the beach are accessible from the reserve. If you are looking for activities by the water during your stay, you can take these options into account. The beach combines sand, surfing and walking opportunities, while the rock reefs are another distinctive feature at its southern end.

Te Koru Pā: cultural significance

Te Koru Pā is a Category 1 historic site. The place holds cultural, traditional and spiritual significance for the Ngāti-Tairi hapū. This connection adds another dimension to a visit to Oakura, alongside its beach and nature: Te Koru Pā is not only a historic site, but also a place of special significance to the hapū. If you are interested in cultural history, you can take this into account when choosing the focus of your holiday.

Tracks, views and wetland

A track in Corbett Park Recreation Reserve leads to a hilltop viewpoint. From there, you can see across Oakura Beach and the town. This is a different option from walking along the shoreline to Back Beach; both are available in the reserve. When planning your day, you can choose between the uphill track to the viewpoint and a walk along the shoreline.

Matekai Park has walking opportunities through bush. The loop track is complemented by three grassy paths with rustic bridges. They cross the wetland between the upper and lower tracks. The wetland is a habitat for several rare bird species. The Department of Conservation has classified it as an area of national significance. If you are interested in landscapes and birds, you will find a natural environment here that is quite different from the open beach. Dogs may be off leash on the loop track.

Activities for different kinds of holiday days

Families can also bring different interests together when planning their stay. Shearer Reserve has a well-equipped playground and a skatepark. The Oakura Boardriders Club gives children with disabilities a safe and positive surfing experience. There is also a Carnival on New Year's Day, attracting thousands of people and raising money for the Surf Life Saving Club. These activities range from playing and skating to surfing and a major New Year's Day event.

When looking for a holiday rental or holiday home in Oakura, you can start by thinking about which aspects of the area you want your trip to focus on: the beach and surfing, tracks through nature, or a holiday that also includes cultural history. This gives you a concrete framework for choosing your destination without assuming a particular accommodation or location.

Discover more places

If you would like to extend your travel plans to include other places, you can also find Egmont Village, Hillsborough and New Plymouth here.

For the wider travel overview: New Plymouth District.