Opua: Coastal Walks, Ferry and Historic Architecture

Opua brings together several distinct points to consider when planning your trip: a coastal walkway ending at Ōpua Wharf, other walking options near the settlement, and a car ferry connection to Okiato. There is also the Opua Store, a historic building with distinctive architecture. If you are looking for a hotel in Opua, you can weigh up these options according to whether your trip is focused on a coastal route, a longer walk, a ferry crossing or architecture.

Coastal Walks and Their Different Planning Considerations

The Paihia to Ōpua Coastal Walkway runs east along the coast from the southern end of Haumi Bay to Ōpua. Its southern end is at Ōpua Wharf, a clearly named landmark on this route. Distinct from this is the Bay of Islands Coastal Walkway, a full-day circuit that connects Paihia, Opua, Okiato and Russell. You can start at any point, complete it as a full-day route or divide it into sections. The distinction is practical: the Paihia to Ōpua Coastal Walkway lets you follow the coastline to Ōpua, while on the Bay of Islands Coastal Walkway you can choose between a full day of walking and individual sections.

Another option is the Opua Kauri Walk. It begins on Oromahoe Road, about four kilometres from State Highway 11 and near the settlement of Opua. From the area around this walk, the Oromahoe Traverse eventually leads to School Road in Paihia; this adds approximately two more hours of walking. This additional time applies to continuing along the Traverse and should not be confused with the duration of the Kauri Walk. Together, these details offer different measures for planning your day: the Kauri Walk starting point and the additional time needed for the Traverse.

Ferry Crossing to Okiato

Car ferries cross from Opua to Okiato in ten minutes. This refers to the crossing, not the time needed for a walk or the entire trip, so plan for these separately. If the connection is important for your stay, check the timetable before departure.

The Opua Store as a Historic Landmark

The Opua Store offers a local point of interest independent of the routes. John Raymond Morris built the building in 1914 in the late Victorian style, on piles over the water. Both aspects are relevant to its architectural character: the style identifies its formal influence, while the pile construction is part of the building’s described structure. Alongside the coastline and ferry connection, the building’s construction date, builder and method therefore offer specific historical points of reference.

Historical Perspectives in the Far North District

Across the wider Far North District destination, individual examples offer further historical perspectives. The former Mangonui Courthouse in Mangonui was built in 1892; the well-preserved building is an unusually intact example of a small courthouse of national significance. The Stone Store in Kerikeri was built from 1832 to 1836 and is New Zealand’s oldest intact stone building as well as its oldest surviving warehouse. Pompallier in Russell was built from 1841 to 1842 and is among New Zealand’s earliest surviving French colonial buildings. These examples offer a broader view of the history of the Far North District, while the Opua Store brings the architectural interest right into the settlement.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Okaihau, Opononi, Kaitaia, Te Tii, Waipapakauri, Coopers Beach, Kawakawa, Broadwood.

For the wider travel overview: Far North District.