Adventures in paradise
Vacation in Paradise
Adventures in paradise
Fishing, diving, surfing, boating, sailing, walking, climbing, relaxing - you will never run out of things to do when you are living at Opito Bay. Whether your preference is for high levels of activity or for sheer relaxation and rest, you will be catered for.
Scuba diving and snorkelling
Opito is famous for its diving. Being located at the end of a long promontory, the Bay juts right out into the clear blue south pacific ocean. The water in the Bay itself is almost always clean and clear, with visibility of up to 80 feet, with 40-50 feet being common. The best visibility is generally in the New Zealand Fall/Winter/Spring - May through october.
In the fold of Opito Bay (about three miles across the mouth) there are extensive scallop beds (open season from July 14th - February 15th) and plenty of reefs which are home to a prolific population of spiny lobsters, which are often shallow enough to be caught on snorkel. If spearfishing is your sport, just wait till you see the huge New Zealand "Kingfish" (seldom shot at less than 15 pounds of superb feasting) and many other varieties. Add abalone and mussels (both only to be taken with snorkel) and you start to understand that Opito is truly a diver's paradise.
Dolphins are frequent visitors to the Opito area and it is sometimes even possible to swim with them.
There are many offshore islands (the Mercury Group -about 20 minutes by boat), where the diving can be even better.
Swim with dolphins at Opito Bay Back to Top
Fishing
Whether from the shore (surfcasting) or from a boat, the fishing is usually very productive. The most common eating fish in the northern parts of New Zealand is called "snapper" - a type of bream. WIth clean, firm, sweet white flesh, it is indeed a delicacy and is never better than when self caght and absolutely fresh.
However, there are many other species to be caught and fishermen seldom go hungry.
Surfing
Opito faces the South Pacific Ocean, with only a few offshore islands as protection. With 2.5 miles of clean white sandy beach, the surf is often large enough (beach break) to offer good quality surfing.
Wind Surfing
There is usually enough wind to provide for excellent wind surfing. This Vacation in Paradise supplies a beginner's board for use by tenants.
Walking
With 2.5 miles of clean sand, walking on the beach ans soaking up the beautiful surroundings, is a favourite pastime. However, there are also coastal and bush walks available at Opito. Further afield, on other parts of the Coromandel Peninsula, there are spectacular mountainous bush walks and climbs, for more experienced trampers.
Tennis
There are public tennis courts 15 minutes away at Kuaotunu and Matarangi See Map
Golf
There are beautiful 9-hole golf links (soon to be 18 holes) just 20 minutes away at Matarangi. Designed by Bob Charles, they offer superb scenery and pine lined fairways.
Relaxation
Why not just settle back with a good book (excellent library at Whitianga) and some soul-healing music. You will be asleep before you know it.