Otaki

Otaki is a town in the Kapiti Coast District of the North Island of New Zealand. It is located on New Zealand State Highway 1 and the North Island Main Trunk railway between Wellington and Auckland and marks the northernmost point of the Wellington Region.

The town is sited close to the banks of the Otaki River, 4 kilometres from its outflow into the Tasman Sea. There are recreational walks and cycling along the river and north of the mouth of the river is Otaki Beach. The safe sandy beach is popular as a swimming and fishing destination. 

Otaki is home to Te Wānanga o Raukawa a Tikanga Māori university. It also hosts the annual Maoriland Film Festival and Otaki Kite Festival.

Otaki Forks is the western gateway to the Tararua Forest Park. It offers recreational activities ranging from short walks, swimming, rafting and kayaking to advanced tramps of 3 – 5 days duration, including the Southern Crossing that ends at Kaitoke 45 km northeast of Wellington.