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50 COROMANDEL LIFE LATE SPRING / HOLIDAY 2018
Considered one of the best destinations on
the peninsula, coming here will evoke many of
those memories. While there are many more
‘flash’ houses than old baches now, the area
still offers astounding views, safe swimming
and crystal clear waters where dolphins are
often seen frolicking and sightings of orcas and
other wildlife are not uncommon.
This 8km arc of white squeaky sand flanked at
each end by headlands is ideal for the whole
family. Relax on the beach or put your boat in
for a fish. Launch a kayak or SUP, snorkel or
dive around the ‘Mercs’ (Mercury Islands). Have
a swim, ride a boogie board, zip around on
your jetski or experience the thrill of waterskis
or a biscuit behind the boat. Good surf is also
on offer. And the easy slope of the beach is
ideal for launching a Sealegs boat.
And much like those ‘olden’ days, getting there
is part of the adventure. You can’t beat the
breathtaking views from the top of Blackjack
Road as you traverse the hill from Kuaotunu
through Otama to Opito. Although steep and
winding, the road is now mostly sealed, making
the journey much smoother and less dusty! It
is worth the effort to enjoy a ‘double-dip’ of
these remote beaches. You’ll think Otama’s
lovely long beach cannot be surpassed, but
the pristeen seclusion of an end-of-the-roader
like Opito does just that. It has a certain special
something about it. So does having an entire
beach to oneself... almost.
Accommodation options range from self-
catering holiday homes to B&Bs. There are no
shops, restaurants or petrol stations, so stock
up before you come. This just adds to the
blissful feeling of isolation, reminiscent of those
old fashioned holidays at the beach.
FOURTH GENERATION LOCAL
DEVELOPS SEASIDE PROPERTY
Developer Sue Edens’ family has farmed this
Skippers Rd land for four generations, but
it was time to put the property to another
use. A stunning coastal subdivision, Opito
Sands, has been sensitively created offering
76 beachfront and elevated sites. “This place
is dear to my heart,” shares Sue. “I grew up
here when this was an isolated bay at the end
of a challenging clay road. As children, our life
here was a charmed existence with the ever-
present ocean as our back yard. It pleases me
to know that others will now be able to bring
their children to experience the unspoiled
nature of the area.”
Coastal and holiday houses
are our speciality
With over 20 years experience, an office in Auckland,
and a satellite base in Opito Bay to better service the
Coromandel, we can meet at your convenience.
We will take care of your project through the whole
process of design, consent & construction, and help
you to create the haven you have been dreaming of...
AWARD WINNING ARCHITECTS SMITH + SCULLY
09 845 6249
Kingsland, Auckland
From the first time we made contact I
have felt that we had chosen the right
firm to design our house. Thank you for
your outstanding professionalism
and fantastic design ideas that
have turned the difficult bush
clad site into a stunning
home for my family.”
“
DUNE PROTECTION KEY TO PLANS
A backdrop of eco-sourced pohutukawa
has been planted behind the sites, while the
surrounding steep hills limit the available land
for further development ensuring that Opito
Bay retains the character and charm of a
small beachside settlement. “The importance
of preserving the natural environment has
been the goal in the development of this
subdivision,” says Sue. “Protection measures
include boardwalks and defined beach access.
Planting also helps enhance and protect areas
suitable for the endangered dotterel.” Domestic
cats and dogs have even been banned to
further protect the locally loved birds.
The care taken with the overall land use has
impressed Smith+Scully architect Carolyn
Smith, who has a family bach in Opito Bay.
Always having had a special connection to the
area, she tells us that arriving at Opito, “feels
like coming home”. One of her first projects
was actually the design of a home at Kuaotunu
almost 25 years ago.
Carolyn has designed homes from Northland
to Omaha, Mt Maunganui and the Coromandel,
and with this satellite office in Opito, she hopes
to assist new home buiders in the area realise
their dreams in this piece of paradise.
“Helping others create beachside holidays
with families and friends on the Coromandel...
idoesn’t get much better than that!”
Opito Bay may be at the end of the road, but
the fun there never ends. Take the time to make
the drive over the hill for a visit or holiday –
those beaches and sparkling waters await...
Left: Local company Hopper Construction are
progressing well with the subdivision works.
The Charm of
Isolated Opito Bay
Few settlements retain that ‘olde world’ charm that characterised the
beach destinations of our childhoods – sheltered bays with farmland
down to the shore, tractors and boat trailers dotted round, fibrolite
baches and tents, and the familiar whiff of ‘sausies’ cooking on open
wood fires. Opito Bay is one of them.