Ōtaki, New Zealand

Ōtaki is famous for its beach, for stunning views of Kāpiti Island, its beautiful backdrop of the Tararua Ranges and for its active community. It is in the Wellington region, at the southern end of the North Island of New Zealand. It is part of the Kāpiti Coast District and sits adjacent to the main trunk rail line and the State Highway, and is linked by Kāpiti Airport to Auckland and Christchurch.

Ōtaki is one of the oldest towns in New Zealand. Its history is grounded in the experiences of the five Ngāti Raukawa hapu of; Maiotaki, Ngāti Pare, Ngāti Koroki, Ngāti Huia ki Katihiku and Ngāti Kapumanawawhiti. Raukawa marae lies at the heart of the town with Tainui marae situated on the historic Old Coach Road, now known as Te Rauparaha Street. Visit the Ōtaki Pipi Trail to find out more about that important street with its beautiful churches and marae buildings.

There is a strong Chinese presence with many of the old Chinese families having been fruit and vegetable growers in the area for years.  Many early settlers are linked to surrounding farms and business in the town.

Ōtaki is a university town with Te Wananga o Raukawa providing advanced learning opportunities across a wide range of subject areas.

The Greater Ōtaki Vision, developed as part of the Greater Ōtaki Project, gives an insight into the aspirations of the community which wishes to keep the low-key rural town feel while developing a new economic focus on sustainable technologies and local food production. The Clean Technology Park and the Clean Technology Centre located in the towns industrial area reflect a key initiative for the future.

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    7 Main St, Ōtaki
    Tue-Thu, 10am-2pm