Ōpunake

Ōpunake is particularly well known for its beautiful black-sand beach, a popular spot for swimming, surfing and recreation. The beachfront is home to a campground and surf lifesaving club, while the annual Ōpunake Beach Carnival is a highlight of the local calendar, attracting thousands of people each year.

The township is well serviced with a Four Square supermarket, cafés, healthcare facilities, LibraryPlus, swimming and recreation facilities, and a small theatre showing movies. Families are also well catered for, with several education options available from early childhood through to Year 13.

Ōpunake has produced several notable New Zealanders, including Olympic running legend Sir Peter Snell, former All Black captain Graham Mourie and former Prime Minister Jim Bolger.

History: On the coast just north of the town is Te Namu pa. In 1833 local chief Wiremu Kingi Moki Matakatea held off a war party from Waikato for several weeks with a single musket, and eventually triumphed. In 1865 the Ōpunake redoubt was established by the 70th Regiment, but little trace now remains.

Ōpunake Bay is a popular holiday spot and camping ground. The Egmont County Council was based in Ōpunake until it became part of the South Taranaki District Council in 1989.

A branch railway to Ōpunake from the New Plymouth–Wellington line was laid in 1926, but the section between Ōpunake and Kapuni was closed in 1976.