Ōtaki Beach

The beach is about 3 km west of the town centre — driveable or cycleable on a good day. The stretch of black sand and dune is typical Kapiti Coast: wild, windswept, and with a quality of light that comes from the combination of sea air and the Tararua Ranges behind you.

Kapiti Island rises steeply from the sea about 5 km offshore and dominates the view from the beach. Access to the island requires a permit and advance booking through the Department of Conservation — it's one of New Zealand's most important bird sanctuaries. Beach Road, Ōtaki Beach settlement.

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A story
Ōtaki Beach is an exposed surf beach on the Kapiti Coast, backed by low dunes and with views across to Kapiti Island. The beach is long and rarely crowded even in summer, and the surf can be powerful enough to make swimming cautious business. Kapiti Island, visible from the beach, was Te Rauparaha's strategic fortress before it became a wildlife sanctuary.

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