Otaki provides the Northern Gateway to the Kapiti Coast, one of the fastest developing areas in New Zealand. It is the earliest settled township in the region, rich in history, and enjoys a good climate without extremes. It is enviably sited, one hour from Wellington and 50 minutes from Palmerston North, between mountains and coastlines and with clear views.
Off the coast is Kapiti Island, one of New Zealand's most valuable nature reserves and a sanctuary for rare birds; it is possible to visit Kapiti Island.
The main communities making up the Kapiti Coast District are Paekakariki, Raumati, Paraparaumu, Waikanae, Te Horo and Otaki.
Otaki was the earliest settled area on the Kapiti Coast. Maori settlement extends back centuries with Europeans arriving in the early 1800s. The area has thrived, aided by fertile soils and an extremely moderate microclimate. Dairy farming and market gardening form the basis for the development of the area. Today farming and gardening are an important aspect of the local community but wide diversification has taken place over the years with all facets of modern farming, lifestyle units and gardening of all descriptions.
The climate and ease of living attract people, whether they come to work, retire or purchase a 'lifestyle' block. The district has interesting surroundings, notably the Tararua Ranges for hunting, hiking, bush walking and mountain biking and the Otaki River for rafting, kayaking, fishing and whitebaiting. The coastline provides boating, line and net fishing and swimming. There are several holiday cottages at Te Horo and Waikawa Beach settlements.
The proximity of Otaki to Wellington and Palmerston North gives many residents an opportunity to reside in the district, enjoying the environment and commuting to their choice of employment within an hour.
The Otaki Racecourse is a popular venue, as is the local golf course. Tennis, squash, rugby, soccer, bowls and bridge are among the many clubs available.
Otaki's population is 8,000 and the town is well-resourced for shopping and other services, including churches. It is an easy journey to the cities of Wellington or Palmerston North for a more extensive range of specialist shopping and just 20 kilometres away is the very popular Coastlands Shopping Centre in Paraparaumu.
The district has five pre schools, four primary schools and one high school (Otaki College), with others in the region accessible by bus. Polytechnic and university facilities are available in Wellington (Victoria University of Wellington and a campus of Massey University) and Palmerston North (Massey University).
For further information about this location, please refer to:
www.stats.govt.nz (statistics by area/community profiles/alphabetical list/o/otaki) for statistical information about the population of Otaki
The information on these pages was accurate at the time of listing. As some detail may have since changed, NZLocums recommends the information be used as a guideline only.
