Ōtaki
A small town with a big heart full of manaakitanga.
The northernmost town on the Kāpiti Coast, Ōtaki proudly stands as one of Aotearoa’s most bilingual towns, offering a soul-warming mixture of traditional taonga, manaakitanga, and outdoor experiences.
About our town
Rich in Māori heritage
At the heart of township lies the Māoriland Hub, a unique space dedicated to celebrating Māori and Indigenous storytelling.
The hub serves as the headquarters for the renowned Māoriland Film Festival - the largest international Indigenous film festival in the Southern Hemisphere and beacon of indigenous storytelling and creativity. Inside, you’ll also find the Toi Matarau Gallery, a creative space showcasing Māori and Indigenous art.
Ōtaki is also home to the historic Rangiātea Church, one of New Zealand’s oldest Māori Anglican churches, tragically destroyed by fire in 1995 but lovingly rebuilt to preserve its cultural significance.
Nearby is Te Wānanga o Raukawa, a Māori university dedicated to nurturing Māori identity and preserving te reo Māori.
Gateway to outdoor adventures
Embraced by the beach, the river and the rugged Tararua Forest Park, Ōtaki is a hidden gem for outdoor enthusiasts.
Whether its fishing, surfing, hiking or rafting there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the great outdoors.
Shop till you drop
Ōtaki is a well-known shopping destination where long-haul travellers can stop to peruse a variety of boutique and outlet stores.
For those looking to indulge their creative side, Ōtaki also boasts an impressive selection of art galleries including Toi Matarau, Hori Gallery, the Old Courthouse Gallery and the Tote Modern Gallery.
Walks in Ōtaki
You pick your pace from easy to epic. Wind through coastal dunes or climb our foothills for spectacular views. Here are some of the best tracks to explore during your stay in Ōtaki.
Know before you go
- Check track status
- Please ensure you are prepared and have packed what you need for the day
- Kāpiti Coast trails can be shared pathways. Be mindful of other uses as they maybe on bikes or horse back.
- Help protect our natural environment by taking your rubbish with you
Places to eat, stay, play in Ōtaki