Opunake Overview

The closest thing to a metropolis on the coast, Opunake (pop. 2091) is home to the cliffs of Middleton’s Bay and the Opunake Beach, with its teeming holiday park 1. (☎761 7525; opunakebeach@xtra.co.nz. Powered tent and caravan sites $12, children $6. Min. site charge from Boxing Day-Jan. $21. MC/V.) The town’s main attractions are its coastal walkway and easy access to other beaches. For Taranaki views and a good night’s sleep, head to the Opunake Motel and Backpackers 2, 36 Heaphy Rd., an often-deserted but comfortable hostel with nary a bunk-bed in sight. (☎761 8330; opunakemotel@xtra.co.nz. Free laundry. Dorms $22; motel units $55, $70 for 2 people, $15 per extra person; 2-person self-contained units $80. MC/V.) Prepare to surf the waves or the net at Dreamtime Surfshop, at Tasman Pde. and Havelock St. (☎761 7570. Surfboard rental $45 per day. Internet $5 per hr.) The smoothies are as delicious at  Sugar Juice 1, as the odd pair of legs on their sign is eyecatching. Great for a picnic at the beach. (Smoothies $4.50; snacks $5-14. Cash only.) Buy supplies and snacks at Beau’s Supermarket, 77-79 Tasman Pde. (☎761 8668. Open M-Sa 7:30am-6pm, Su 7:30am-5pm.)