Sunny Otaki

Otaki Forks has been developed for a wide range of activities, there will be something for everyone to enjoy, from Historic sites, fords, swing bridges, camping, fishing, swiming, tramping and hiking!  My first stop when heading to Otaki Forks is always the road swing bridge, if your not too scared of heights or bridges and venture across the bridge either by car or foot, you'll be in for a real treat.   There are fantastic views of the amazing Otaki River from both directions. Just remember to be safe and watch out for vehicles as this bridge is used by local residents and tourists.

Otaki Beach, what can you say, it's the most beautiful beach on the Kapiti Coast. It can be wild and ruggered with an amazing collection of driftwood or smooth sand and seashell collecting.  Kapiti Island There are always fantastic views of Kapiti Island and a great place to swim with the family or your friends. (remember to always swim between the flags!)  If your taking a long stroll with your pooch across the sands or dipping your toes in the water, so much to love about Otaki Beach. And then there's also the stunning sunsets which are always different and always spectatular. So whoever your with, enjoy the view.  #Paperpeople      

My First Fishing trip at Otaki River Mouth with Nanna and Poppa, it was pretty successful, I managed to find two sticks, five rocks and Nanna and Poppa caught a bucketful of fish for my dinner. I wasn't aloud in the water, but Nanna did give me a bath when we got home, I was covered in sand and shells.

What is Summertime and Christmas without a yummy, scrummy ice cream and in Otaki we have the best ice cream in the whole, wide world!  Ice Cream, Gelato, Sorbet, in so many of your faverite flavours, Chocolate, Strawberry Ripple, Peanut Butter, Ginger Crunch, Coconut, Mint Choc Chip, Rocky Road, Blackberry, and any kind of berry, if you can dream about it, then you'll probably find it in Otaki at Koru Ice.  

I love Christmas, it's a great time of year to spend with your family, relaxing, eating yummy food, having a few drinks, and exchanging some presents, all in the beautiful surroundings of Otaki and that warm summer sun.  Using social media, I found my faverite photos that to me represent Christmas in Otaki.

Otaki has come along way, the beautiful Rangiatea Church was destroyed in a horrific fire, but rebuilt by the community, there is amazing shopping on the main highway and on Main street, the Beach Pavillion is still used the by public.   It may not be a post office anymore, but it's a well used and well loved building housing cultural art work. We've put togther a couple of then and now photographs. What do you remember from this wonderful town ?

Pavola, the traditional Kiwi Dessert, no party is a success without one!  Te Papa, New Zealand's national museum in Wellington, celebrated its first birthday in February 1999 with the creation of the world's largest pavlova, named "Pavzilla", which was cut by the Prime Minister of the time, Jenny Shipley.

Retracing your family steps and finding out where you come from can be an amazing step back into history. Otaki and Te Horo both have a wonderful and rich history, and using the local resources available you'll be able to research your family tree. Who know's who you'll find...

Otaki Township through the lens. A quick look at downtown Otaki on a slightly overcast, but still very warm day. The small rose garden by the War Memorial, the public seating, toi toi bushes, the Mural on the Civic Theatre, a small wheel barrow by Choices Art Cooperative, the Memorial Hall and the Family Hotel.

Who can resist a splash about in the ocean, especially on a night like this, what a fantastic afternoon at Otaki Beach jumping the waves, splashing Mummy, running about with Daddy and Uncle, all with the back drop of Kapiti Island, simply spectatular! There were a few tears when it was time to leave from Mr 3 1/2, who was soaked, but he had a great time splashing about.

How many different ways can you photograph the word Otaki, we've put together a few to get you started, what can you do, shells, sticks, water, leaves, people, what ever you can get your hands on, photograph the word Otaki with what you can find...

Every country develops its own slang, which can make it difficult for overseas visitors to understand. New Zealand is no exception, often the same word, for example "True" can have three very different meanings.

A year at Otaki Playcentre Friday, July 4th, 2014 Playcentre for my family started out as a choice borne out of convenience - it was the nearest early learning centre to our house - but over time came to play a large part in our lives,

Our Shopping Day to sunny Otaki!  So many shops and so little time, we love a day of shopping at Otaki Outlet stores so many lovely things to buy! Dad heads to the SciFi and Geek store, Hunting and Fishing while Mum and I always make sure we visit the Bendon Store and Pumpkin patch to pick our bargains! Check out all the Otaki Shops here . Enjoy your shopping trip!

There is an abundance of Festivals and Markets in Otaki and the Small Producers Market  is no exception. Rain or shine, every Saturday between 9.00am - 12.00pm you can head down to the Small Producers market, there you will find food stalls which are centred round the La Casa Romana restaurant.