The Opito Bay walk in Northland, also known as the Akeake Historic Reserve Track is a short trail with some incredible views.
Located in the North Island of New Zealand, this scenic route leads to Tareha Point Scenic Lookout, offering panoramic views of Moturoa Island, the Te Puna Inlet, and the surrounding Bay of Islands.
If you’re looking for an easy walk with stunning scenery, this walk should definitely be on your list.
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The Opito Bay Walk is located in the Bay of Islands Northland, within the Akeake Historic Reserve, a protected area that preserves native bushland.
Opito Bay itself is a quiet coastal area known for its calm waters and scenic surroundings. Whilst we were in the are we saw it as a popular spot for kayaking, fishing, and swimming–perfect for a combination different activities.
HOW TO GET TO OPITO BAY
The easiest way to reach the Opito Bay walk in Northland is by car. It is about a 15 minute drive from Kerikeri town centre. The drive takes you through picturesque rural landscapes, before arriving at the bay.
Also best to note that public transport options are limited, so having your own vehicle is the best choice. However, if you have access to a boat, you can reach the shore directly, bypassing the drive altogether.
Parking tips for Opito Bay
Parking is available along the coastline, close to the entrance of the walk.
However, keep in mind that this area is right next to the boat ramp, so there can be a lot of activity with trailers—especially in summer when people are making the most of the warm weather.
We found that arriving a little later in the day wasn’t as busy so we found a park quite easily.
You can find the location for parking at Opito Bay on Google Maps, here.
KEY INSIGHTS FOR THE TAREHA POINT SCENIC LOOKOUT WALK
Distance: 2 km | 1.2 miles
Elevation: 46 meters
Duration: 30 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Trail Type: Loop
Open: Year-round
Since the Opito Bay walk in Northland is a loop track, you can choose which direction to start. If, like us, you follow the AllTrails recommended route from Akeake Road, you’ll begin with a short climb up wooden stairs, leading through lush New Zealand native bush. After about 5 minutes, you’ll reach a junction with three paths.
Left leads along the coastline ending further up Opito Bay Road. Going straight descends to Lizard Bay Beach, a secluded spot with a rocky shore. Finally, turning right leads to Tareha Point Scenic Lookout—arguably the highlight of the walk.
We explored both Lizard Bay Beach and Tareha Point Scenic Lookout. The beach section involves a few additional stairs but was alive with the sounds of many cicadas. In the afternoon, you’ll also find much of this spot shaded as the sun dips behind the hills. However, once you make your way up to the lookout, you’ll enjoy plenty of sunlight and breathtaking views that stretch across turquoise waters and rocky headlands that make the Bay of Islands.
The remainder of the walk follows the coastline, offering even more scenic views before ending back at Opito Bay.
* Kindly note that this is a kiwi zone, so we recommend leaving dogs at home.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Any time of year is great for this Northland walk, but I would highly suggest the warmer months. Summer is ideal for combining the hike with a swim at Opito Bay or Lizard Bay. However, if you can’t make it in summer; autumn, winter, and spring, on a crisp, clear day will still provide the same incredible views.
In terms of the best time of day, mornings offer the chance to catch the sunrise and avoid the midday heat. Afternoons can be harsh due to strong sunlight, but if it’s more towards the evening, the lighting will soften closer to sunset and be beautiful during golden hour.
HOW CROWDED IS IT ON THE OPITO BAY WALK
We passed a few others along the trail, but when we reached Tareha Point Scenic Lookout, we had the space to ourselves for about 15 minutes. Weekends and holidays may see slightly more foot traffic, but it remains a quiet and enjoyable experience.
IS IT SAFE TO WALK OPITO BAY ALONE
Yes! The Opito Bay walk in Northland is a short, well-maintained trail with plenty of other visitors. The loop design also means you’re never too far from the starting point, and the terrain is manageable for all fitness levels, making it perfectly safe for solo walkers.
PHOTOGRAPHING THE OPITO BAY WALK
As we visited in the afternoon when the lighting was harsh, it made capturing some of the landscape details challenging. That said, it did enhance the ocean’s vibrant hues, and luckily, we arrived as the light began to soften.
If you’d like to ensure the best lighting at the viewpoint, sunrise offers some beautiful hues. Sunset does as well, though you’ll lose light earlier as the sun dips behind the hills.
Also keep in mind that since the trail alternates between shaded native bush and full sunlight, be ready to adjust your camera settings accordingly.
SUMMARY
In this post, we explored the Opito Bay walk in Northland, a scenic loop track offering stunning views of the Bay of Islands. We covered the trail’s location, key trail insights, and the best times to visit. Whether you’re looking for some stunning views or just looking for an easy walk to stretch your legs, this trail is a must-visit and one ultimate New Zealand destinations that you don’t want to miss out on.
For more tips and insights, check out our comprehensive travel guides to top destinations around the world.