Otito Track
Track category
Walking track
Time:
30 min
Distance:
1.2 km loop
Description
Secluded beach along the Otito Track
This is a stunning loop track that leads you to wonderful small and secluded, sandy beaches. Much of the track meanders through forest, where the shady canopy provides a refreshing reprieve from the sun during the height of summer, and the beaches provide great opportunities to cool off.
Getting there
Located 35 km north-east of Whangarei, the settlement of Matapouri boasts a picture-postcard sandy beach set in an inviting rocky coastline. The track starts at the top of the hill north of Matapouri Road. From Matapouri the track links to a Whangarei District Council track which extends to Whale Bay.
Activities
Diving and snorkelling
Diving and snorkelling
The estuary of the Matapouri River is rich in marine life, much of it not seen elsewhere in the bay. Many of the organisms are residents while others are regular visitors that come to feed on the incoming tide. There is plenty for a careful observer armed with mask and snorkel to discover. An hour each side of high tide is the best time for exploring the Matapouri estuary.