Opunake: Murals, Theatre and Coast

Opunake brings together murals and film with coastal activities, as well as walks by the lake and along the cliffs. If you’re looking for a hotel in Opunake, considering what you’re most interested in can help you get a sense of the destination: are you particularly interested in art and history, or would you like to include coastal activities and walking routes? Other cultural destinations in the wider South Taranaki District are in Pātea and Hawera.

Murals and theatre in town

The Ōpunakē Mural Trail features 23 murals spread throughout the town. Historical depictions sit alongside contemporary works. This blend of past and present gives the trail a broad cultural focus rather than limiting it to a single period. For visitors interested in mural art, both the number of works and their varied depictions are part of what the trail offers.

Everybody’s Theatre is an elegant historic theatre that has been restored and screens a range of films. Alongside the murals, it offers another cultural attraction in town. The programme and screenings may change; if you’re planning to see a film, check the current schedule.

Lake, walks and coastal activities

Ōpunakē Lake lies above Ōpunakē Beach and beside Ōpunakē Cottage Rest Home on Layard Street. The Ōpunakē Loop Walkway runs along the lake and over the cliffs. The lake is also part of the Ōpunakē Loop Trail. These two named routes offer different points of reference for getting your bearings: the Loop Walkway is described as passing the lake and cliffs, while the Loop Trail is linked to the lake. As track conditions can change, check the latest information before setting out.

Opunake is a coastal town where visitors can surf, swim, windsurf and fish. Nearby, Ōpunakē Beach is used for swimming and is patrolled by lifeguards during the summer months. Lifeguard patrols are seasonal; check local information about patrols before swimming. This allows you to consider beach use alongside the information relevant to your visit.

Culture in the South Taranaki District

In the wider South Taranaki District, museums and historic attractions in Pātea and Hawera complement Opunake’s cultural offerings. The Aotea Utanganui – Museum of South Taranaki in Pātea is purpose-built and embodies the spirit and energy of the South Taranaki region. It provides a regional perspective, while the murals and theatre represent the cultural offerings in Opunake itself.

The Tawhiti Museum in Hawera tells the story of Taranaki through thousands of life-size models and scale figures. On the museum grounds, Traders & Whalers presents the Taranaki coast in the 19th century and includes an underground canal boat ride. The Tawhiti Bush Railway in Hawera focuses on Taranaki’s historic logging railways. These varied attractions offer different ways to explore regional history: figures and models, a portrayal of the coast, and the history of logging railways.

Mr Badger’s Cafe in Hawera is also among the offerings at Tawhiti Museum. It serves fresh homemade pastries and coffee. Check before your trip whether the café will be open.

Discover more destinations: Hawera, Awatuna, Patea.

Return to the wider travel overview: South Taranaki District.