Ōpōtiki sits near the meeting point of the Waioeka and Otara Rivers. There’s family-friendly walking, running  and riding, all along the river stopbanks. You’ll enjoy peaceful views of river and estuary, with the chance to spot wetland birdlife. The best place to start is Memorial Park, where there’s parking, and toilets.

Unless you want to ride or walk the Dunes Trail, don’t cross the Pakowhai ki Otuaopuku bridge over the Otara river. Instead, from the bridge, head either southeast up the Otara or southwest to the Waioeka.

> Get there: In Ōpōtiki, take St John Street to Memorial Park.