Waiotahe Spit Reserve
The mouth of the Waiotahe River is a great spot for safe paddling, whether that's aboard plastic sit-ons, sea kayaks, multisport racers or tractor tyres.
Launch your boats from Waiotahe Spit Reserve, 7 km from Ōpōtiki's Waioeka Bridge. The reserve fronts onto the small estuary, a good portion of which turns to mudflats at low tide. Launch around high tide, and you'll enjoy a good-sized area of water, much of which is only a metre or so deep.
Even on a windy day the water doesn't get too choppy, so it's a great spot to safely build your skills in a tippy boat.
But perhaps the best part of this paddle is the sense of adventure. Splash across the river, and you can land on the isolated end of Waiotahe Beach and dash across to the ocean. There are usually shags and oyster catchers to spot, and the views of Moutohora (Whale Island) are superb.
Trip time
If you're wanting a hard training session, be prepared to do a few laps. The distances here are short.
Refreshment/car parking
The closest store to Waiotahe Spit Reserve is at Waiotahe Garage, 3 km towards Whakatāne on State Highway 35. Other than that, stock up in Ōpōtiki. The reserve is a lovely picnic spot dotted with pohutukawa trees, and it has a large grass area, tables and toilets.
Other paddles
Near high tide, you can paddle around 60 minutes up the Waiotahe River. You can also launch your kayak from the nearby Waiotahe Bridge - at low tide that's generally a better option.
Safety/environment
Unless you have the skills, don't venture too close to the river mouth. Take care not to disturb nesting birds in the dunes behind Waiotahe Beach.
