Otama Beach

Otama Bay lies 20 kilometres north of Whitianga, on the northeast coast of the Coromandel Peninsula. Its white sands stretch for two kilometres, protected on the landward side by low dunes. At its northernmost end there is a small stream and a rocky outcrop with some shady trees. The sands have a pleasing squeak when you walk over them, and are as close to pristine as its possible to get.

A nesting site for the endangered dotterel, one of New Zealand’s native birds, it is a protected area with little in the way of development. One of the country’s wildest and most secluded stretches of coastline for that reason, there are no stores immediately on the bay, although a campground and café can be found in nearby Kuaotunu.

Although there is no lifeguard presence, Otama Bay is generally considered a good place to swim safely.