Littel Ōtaki
Ōtaki Attractions
Ōtaki has an abundance of cool things to amuse from the outdoorsy, to cultural and historical, to retail. Here are some of our favourites and links to the must-sees.
But first, get some perspective on our town from someone unbiased here.
Festivals and Outdoorsy Stuff
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 that's not enough horsing about then there's more.
Lavender Creek. Home of the every expanding annual Lavender Festival in January. Try the Lavender ice cream.
Ōtaki Maori Racing Club. Established 1886, the only Maori horse racing club in New Zealand. Check their calendar here for upcoming events.
Ōtaki Forks. Walks for everyone and it’s a seriously nice drive getting there!
Chrystalls Bend. See the amazing work that the Friends of Ōtaki River have done on an easy walk along our beautiful river.
Ngā Manu. 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.
The Kapiti Arts Trail. Run over two weekends throughout Kapiti every November for over twenty years. Showing case the best of local. Read more here.
Kapiti Island 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 this 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.
Coffee, Breakfast & Brunch
It's no secret that there is a lot of coffee in Ōtaki. All of it good. Here's a selection of our favourites.
Gorge. Shhh, don’t tell anyone, the locals want this gem to themselves. Great coffee and food concoctions you won’t get elsewhere. Served by a dedicated team of fun foodies. 3 minutes drive.
Ruth Pretty. Intimate café in scenic surroundings. Amazing selection of cakes changing daily. Sign up at the cooking school while you’re there. 6 minutes drive.
Riverstone Café. Quality home-made food in a family friendly environment. Opens really early, a good breakfast option. 2 minutes walk.
Ozs Bakery. 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.
River Cottage Café. Friendly café in a nice garden setting. 2 minutes drive.
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. Read about it here or here.
Dinner Time!
Antonio's Otaki - Innovative pizza made from local fare, dine in or takeaway, and a bar. Say no more. Two minutes walk around the corner.
Reds Café. Open for evening meals Friday, Saturday & Sunday or park yourself in the bar. 2 minutes’ walk.
Otaki Kitchen. Cosy spot on Main Street with interesting and tasty twists on favourite dishes. Read more here.
Salt & Wood Collective. Awesome 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.
The Front Room. Waikanae Beach, 14 minutes’ drive.
Tuk Tuk Waikanae. Waikanae Beach, 14 minutes’ drive.
Culture & History
Maoriland Hub. Famous for the Aotearoa’s international indigenous film festival, but that's not all. Go see their Events to see what else is on.
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!
Rangiātea Church. Otaki is blessed for this wonderful church to have withstood the ravages of time.
Otaki's historical back-story summarised.
Shopping
Ōtaki has two retail areas, each with its’ own special vibe.
If shopping for clothes and shoes, homewares, leathergoods, outdoor equipment, a spa pool or gumboots 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 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.
Penrays. Huge selection of fresh produce and what seems like a constant something to PYO. Nice little gift shop too.
Te Horo Harvest. Certified organic range of amazing jams, sugar-free fruit spreads, chutneys, tapenades and sauces, fresh produce, and coffee in the garden on fine days.
Waikawa Blueberries. Organic PYO blueberries in season and award winning olive oils.
Windsor Park Orchard. Pick your own. Crazy selection of plums. Seasonal.
Te Horo Country Market. 40+ stalls selling food, crafts and plants, much of which is grown or produced locally. First Sunday of every month at the Te Horo Community Hall.
Kapiti Farmers Market. A new but growing gathering of local producers. Check here for upcoming events.
Littel Ōtaki
42 Dunstan Street
Ōtaki 5512
New Zealand
0800 LITTEL (548835)
Reservations can only be made via our website and prior to arrival as we do not operate a reception.
© Littel Ōtaki