Opunake, Taranaki Map

About Opunake, Taranaki

Opunake is a locality in the Taranaki Region of New Zealand. It has a population of approximately 1,495. It sits at an elevation of around 32 m above sea level. It lies approximately 47 km south-southwest of New Plymouth, the regional capital. Opunake is located at 39.4556°S, 173.8583°E. It observes New Zealand Time (NZST/NZDT). Statistics New Zealand classifies the area as a small urban area.

Opunake sits on Taranaki’s western flank, a place where the land rolls in gentle, verdant waves towards the Tasman Sea. It lies 47.4 km south-south-west of New Plymouth (from New Plymouth: bearing 204°T), and is situated 14.5 km south-south-east of Rahotu. The air here carries a perpetual tang of salt, a subtle reminder of the restless ocean just a kilometre away, while the fertile soil, a deep, dark loam, promises abundance. To the north, the Waiaua River, a slender ribbon of freshwater, carves its path through pastures before meeting the sea, its banks often fringed with native bush that hums with unseen life. The light at dusk can be extraordinary, a painterly wash of apricot and rose that softens the edges of the rolling farmland and casts long shadows from the occasional lone tree.

The history of Opunake is as deeply rooted as the dairy herds that graze its hills, a legacy of hard work and the pioneering spirit that shaped this coastal district. For generations, dairy farming has been the economic lifeblood of Opunake, the rich pastures supporting a thriving industry that sends its creamy bounty far and wide. While agriculture forms the bedrock, the town also draws travellers with its quiet charm and proximity to the dramatic coastline. The land itself, shaped by volcanic forces long ago, now yields its bounty to those who work it with diligence and respect, a testament to the enduring connection between people and this particular corner of Taranaki.

About This Opunake Map Page

This page provides an embedded street and satellite map of Opunake, Taranaki, New Zealand — switch between views using the small square in the bottom left-hand corner of the map. Coordinates: -39.45556, 173.85833. Live weather conditions with current observations and a 7-day forecast are powered by Open-Meteo. Real-time New Zealand and world news feeds keep the page current, while an editorial description provides background on Opunake.

Opunake sits within the Taranaki Region. Location data is drawn from the GeoNames geographical database and verified by coordinates, ensuring the correct Opunake is identified even where the name is shared across multiple New Zealand localities.