This section gives you answers to a range of common questions. If you can’t find the answer you want, please visit or contact the Ōpōtiki isite, and we’ll be pleased to help.

What is the river flow at the moment?
Where is the cemetery?
Where is the police station?
Which roads are open?
What do the Maori carvings mean?
Where is the hospital?
Where is the council?
Is there a passenger service to go up the coast (SH35) and on to Gisborne?
Where are the local bush walks?
Where is the Taketakerau tree?
Where are the best fishing spots?
How long does it take to drive to Gisborne around the East Cape?
How do you get to the beach?
Where are the public toilets?
Where do you find important Opotiki phone numbers?

 

What is the river flow at the moment?

Water levels for different rivers throughout the region can be found on the Bay of Plenty Regional Council website. Be aware that willow trees are a hazard for any kayak, especially at low flow. The ideal river level in the Waiwoeka River is 1.6m - 2.2m. You can kayak Ōhiwa Harbour and the Waioweka from Ōpōtiki wharf at almost any time.

Where is the cemetery?

Waitangi (Ōpōtiki Lawn Cemetery) is our largest cemetery. The Ōpōtiki Lawn Cemetery is on the southern end of St John Street, State Highway 2 (Ōpōtiki to Gisborne road).

The Te Ranginui Cemetery (Woodlands Public Cemetery) is located on Dip Road, woodlands.

Get directions from Google Maps.

Where is the police station?

You can find the Ōpōtiki Police Station at 29 King Street, Ōpōtiki. Phone 07 315 1110.

Get directions from Google Maps.

Which roads are open?

Who can provide you with details on what roads are open or closed. Contact Ōpōtiki isite - Phone Works on 07 315 3031.

What do the Maori carvings mean?

The Main Street Carving

This carving depicts the historic lifestyle of the age, from the arrival of white people. It portrays the progress of civilisations introducing agriculture, horticulture and trading. Schooners and scows were the main mode of transport.

Get directions from Google Maps.

Entrance to the Main Street

The essences of these carvings is survival, the eastern one being a bird, the western, Pikopiko (frond) - the food of our forefathers.

Get directions from Google Maps.

Pouwhenua at Waiotahi Beach - TE ARA KI TE RAWHITI

The Pouwhenua carvings at the Waiotahi Beach also known as the Totem poles were carved by Heke Collier, they are TE ARA KI TE RAWHITI “The Pathway to the Sunrise”. A full description on the meaning of the Pouwhenua can be found at the Ōpōtiki isite.

Where is the hospital?

You can find the Ōpōtiki Community Health Centre on King Street.

Phone 07 315 8500.

Get directions from Google Maps.

Where are the Ōpōtiki District Council headquarters?

You can find the Opotiki District Council office at 108 St John Street, Ōpōtiki.

Is there a passenger service to go up the coast (SH35) and on to Gisborne?

For all your bus and forward travel enquiries, please contact the Ōpōtiki isite.

Where are the local bush walks?

For more information on the many bush walks around our district, contact the Department of Conservation or your friendly Ōpōtiki isite.

Where is the Taketakerau tree?

Taketakerau, the 2000+ year-old Puriri tree, is in Hukutaia Domain, Woodlands Road. It’s under 10 minutes’ drive from Ōpōtiki town centre.

Where are the best fishing spots?

You’ll find excellent fishing spots on the gravel beaches along State Highway 35 (Ōpōtiki - Te Kaha).

How long does it take to drive to Gisborne around the East Cape?

It generally takes six hours to drive around the East Cape although an overnight stop is highly recommended.

How do you get to the beach?

You can access the beach on State Highway 2 (Ōpōitiki - Whakatane) here: Waiotahi Beach & Ōpōtiki Surf Club - For directions, click here

You can access the beach on State Highway 35 (Ōpōtiki - Te Kaha) here: Hukuwai Beach - For directions, click here

Where are the public toilets?

There are toilets available at the Ōpōtiki isite at 70 Bridge Street, also showers are available for $3 - open 9am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday, 9am to 1pm, Saturday and Sunday.

Other toilets can be found near the base of the town clock in the central business district on Church Street.

After hours toilets are located at Memorial Park, Albert Street, Ōpōtiki.

3km out on State Highway 35 there are toilets at Hukuwai Beach.

Where do you find important Ōpōtiki phone numbers?

Below is a list of often-requested phone numbers. If you can't find what you're looking for in here - try the Community Directory or contact the Opotiki i-SITE Visitor Information Centre.

Ōpōtiki isite Visitor Information Centre - 07 315 3031
Ōpōtiki Health Centre - 07 315 8500 
Work and Income New Zealand (WINZ) - 0800 559 009
Corrections Department - 07 315 1070
Ōpōtiki Court House - 07 315 6137