The town centre, the Rangiātea Church, and the museum are all within easy walking distance of each other. The beach is about 3 km west — a 15-minute cycle or short drive. The Ōtaki Forks area for Tararua walks is 18 km east and requires a car.
Cycling is a practical option for getting between the town and the beach; a flat coastal cycle path links much of the Kāpiti Coast. There is no local bus service within Ōtaki itself.