For various reasons, Opoutere Beach has been largely protected from development over the last several decades. Much of the beach is fringed by a small number of private properties. This restricts public access to a 15-minute walk from the modest car park on Wharekawa Harbour at the south end of the beach or a shorter walk from the commercial campground.
Most people congregate in the section of the beach nearest to the campground, leaving about five km of white to golden sand relatively untouched to the north and one km to the south. If you are so inclined, you can also walk further around the stony coast beyond the beach all the way to Pauanui.
Access is signposted from State Highway 25, about 15 km north of Whangamata.
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