Experience Ōtaki - Littel Ōtaki

Experience Otaki

Ōtaki and its’ surrounds have an abundance of cool things to amuse from the outdoorsy, to cultural and historical, foody, to retail. Here are some of our favourites and links to the must-sees.

Festivals & Outdoors

Ōtaki Kite Festival

Planned for February, an amazing day spent with the whole town. Voted by Lonely Planet as one of the coolest things to do in the Asian Region. We’re not joking, the proof is here.

Dirt Farm

Only the best mountain bike experience in the whole freaky world.

Te Horo Equestrian

If you prefer the company of the four-legged variety then Te Horo Equestrian is your friend. And if horsing is not your thing then there is also wheels and feet.

Lavender Creek

Home of the Lavender Festival in January. Try the Lavender ice cream.

Ōtaki Maori Racing Club

Established 1886, the only Maori horse racing club in New Zealand.

Ōtaki Forks

Walks for everyone and it’s a seriously nice drive getting there! Check for road closures.

Chrystalls Bend

See the amazing work that the Friends of Ōtaki River have done on an easy walk along our beautiful river.

A sanctuary for over 60 bird species, 700 native plants species and all sorts of native animals just wandering around. This is a real first hand nature experience. See kiwi in the nocturnal house and make sure you stay for the eel feeding.

Otaki Pottery Club

If you’re in to lovingly hand crafted art then the Tote Modern Gallery hosted by the famous Otaki Pottery Club is a must visit. And do not forget the Festival of Pots in January each year.

The Kapiti Arts Trail

Run over two weekends throughout Kapiti every November for over twenty years. Show casing the best of local.

Kapiti Island Nature Tours

Kapiti Island is one of New Zealand’s oldest and most important nature reserves, and a place rich in human history. Go for a day trip or spend the night. Absolutely one of the highlights for anyone visiting the region. And the family who run the tours are awesome people full of stories and hospitality.

Ōtaki Beach

No link because it’s just that undeveloped. Don’t get any ideas, it’s perfect as it is. Just go there.

Cycleways and walkways

Check out these map for loads of treks and trails.

And if that doesn’t fill your weekend then just go for the motherload:

Top Things to Do on the Kapiti Coast

Culture & History

Maoriland Hub

Famous for the Aotearoa’s international indigenous film festival, but that’s not all. They also have a fantastic gallery and creative space showcasing local indigenous art. Go see what’s currently on the calendar.

Ōtaki Players

Local theater group performing known favourites for over 70 years.

Te Wānanga o Raukawa

Check out the unique and pioneering Maori university and its’ amazing campus.

Heritage Trail

Locally called the Pipi Trail and a brillaint walking tour of Otaki’s historical highlights.

The Ōtaki Museum

Run by super passionate locals! True story . . . when we were building Littel we found a really old, locally produced cordial bottle buried way underground. It’s now on display upstairs at the Museum!

The Hori Gallery

Head down to the beach to find visit the creative space of one of NZs most controversial artists. 84 Moana Street. Hori is often around and engaging for a yarn. Good coffee also.

Rangiātea Church

Otaki is blessed for this wonderful church to have withstood the ravages of time.

Otaki Heritage

Otaki’s historical back-story summarised.

Coffee, Breakfast & Brunch

Something for everyone. All of it good. Here’s a selection of our favourites.

Riverstone Café

Quality home-made food in a family friendly environment. Opens really early, a good breakfast option. 2 minutes walk.

Reds Café

Great coffee and a good selection of sweet and savory. Plenty of room to sit inside and out. Less than 2 minutes walk.

Hi Mate!

Just around the corner in Riverbank Road.

Ozs Bakery and Dice

Totally world famous in Ōtaki. Really lovely people. The custard pinwheel is a Littel favourite.

Te Church

The best spot at the beach for a coffee and a browse of passionate art at the Hori gallery. Iconic favourite with locals.

Bus Stop Café, Te Horo Beach

Definitely one of a kind with an amazing eclectic garden setting where you’re welcome to bring your dog or horse.

Streetwise

No time to sit? Then Streetwise is the answer. Text in an order and pick it up on the fly. Two locations in Otaki to choose from.

Dinner Time!

Curry Town

Cosy restaurant with takeaway options serving both Indian and Malaysian cuisine. 5 minutes drive.

Salt & Wood Collective

Awesome craft brewery and restaurant. Fantastic burgers, smoked meats and beers on tap. Waikanae Township, 12 minutes drive.

You will definitely not be disappointed with any of the following options in Waikanae. All highly recommended.

Long Beach

Waikanae Beach, 14 minutes’ drive.

Hey Coastie

Waikanae Beach, 14 minutes’ drive.

Tuk Tuk Thai Waikanae

Best ocean views ever. Waikanae Beach, 14 minutes’ drive.

Retail therapy

Ōtaki has two retail areas, each with its’ own special vibe.

If shopping for clothes and shoes, homewares, leathergoods, outdoor equipment, a spa pool, gumboots or a new hairdo is your thing then the ‘outlet’ stretch, known locally as the Railway precinct, is the place to start. New World supermarket is also situated at the south end. Two minutes walk from Littel. Also heaps of carparking at the historic Ōtaki Railway Station.

Following the road towards the beach leads to the heart of our town on Main Street, known as Ōtaki Township. If you’re looking for the post office, medical centre, pharmacy, a bank, a haircut, museum or the library this is for you. If you want a tie or socks you need to go to Sanders – totally mind-boggling selection of men’s ties.

Local produce, farmers markets and PYO

If you’re looking to buy fresh, pick your own, or source local here’s a short artisan’s tour guide. You can also drive the back roads, especially around Te Horo, and you’ll find numerous road side stalls with seasonal produce.