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.

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.

"This year I was lucky enough to follow the Maoriland story for the whole week. Everyday I woke up wondering what I would see, hear, and be reflecting on by the day’s end.  Personal highlights for me would be the enthusiasm for the festival from our local schools, particularly on Wednesday morning at the Wananga where the students creations were watched, cheered and critiqued. What an opportunity, to realize that a creative act can be carved out right here at home in Otaki using just talent, enthusiasm and hard work." Simon Neale - Otaki Threads

Mr 3 1/2 discovering Te Horo Beach for the first time, what an exciting time, a wild and ruggered beach full of drift wood to climb, shells to collect, stones to throw into the puddles and waves to jump and plenty of treasures to find. A very exciting afternoon playing on the beach followed by a picnic in Nanna and Poppa's caravan.

One mum, one uncle and two nephews, our walk in the Forest at Otaki Beach near the Otaki Health Camp.  It was a beautiful day and the boys loved exploring the forest, running through the pine needles, playing in the trees, Mr 8 Months had a great time hanging out in the baby pack, first with Mum, then with his Uncle.

“The plan to provide something to ease the burden of Christmas for some of our town’s families originated from Strengthening Families in Levin, who had funding for the year left over and decided to to buy hampers or presents for families with very little. A lot of community groups donated to this as well, in particular Subway, who set up a tree in both their Levin and Otaki stores, and asked people to leave presents there. 

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.

It's the age old problem, should I eat that Pineapple Lump? Well never fear, Zilchoo is here to help you, with our scientific flowchart we'll help you take a journey of Pineapple Lump goodness.  Follow the flowchart and discover if you should eat that delicious Pineapple Lump. Pineapple  [ pahy-nap-uh l ]  noun  The edible, juicy, collective fruit of tropical bromeliaceous plant . Lump  [ luhmp ]  noun  A piece or mass of solid matter  without regular shape or of no particular shape

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!

Do you love the beach?   Spend all day there? Why not, Otaki Beach is fantastic, and Zilchoo have put together 25 signs you love Otaki Beach, do any of these look familiar? We'd like to know if any of these signs match your beach going activities...or if you'd like to any any more to the list!  Don't forget, Slip, Slop, Slap!

The Great Chocolate Debate!   10.00am Sunday 13th - Midnight Tuesday 22nd 2014  Do you prefer white Chocolate, more of a Milk Lover or do you go to the Dark Side? This Easter it's your chance to vote for your favorite Chocolate.  Let the chocolately Battle Commence !

Phileas Fogg of London and his French Valet attempted to Circumnavigate the world in 80 days on a wager set by his friends. But what he should have done was head to Otaki and Te Horo! We have some beautiful landscapes, varying wildly from Graffiti Street Art, Stone walls, beaches and mountains. You may want to have your own adventure like Phileas Fogg, but in the mean time you can visit some of the most famous locations around the globe right on your door-step!

This is an oldie but a goodie!  Can you add any more to the list, how about specific words we only use in Otaki and Te Horo?

Otaki Zilchoo is a website dedicated to Otaki and Te Horo and finding all things to see and do for free! This website was inspired by my parents Chrissy and Brian Anderson.