Ōakura
Ōakura | |
|---|---|
A view of Ōakura Beach looking toward New Plymouth | |
| Coordinates: 39°07′S 173°57′E / 39.117°S 173.950°E | |
| Country | New Zealand |
| Region | Taranaki Region |
| Territorial authority | New Plymouth District |
| Ward |
|
| Community | Kaitake Community |
| Electorates | |
| Government | |
| • Territorial Authority | New Plymouth District Council |
| • Regional council | Taranaki Regional Council |
| Area | |
• Total | 1.68 km2 (0.65 sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC+12 (NZST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+13 (NZDT) |
| Postcode(s) | 4314 |
| Area code | 06 |
Ōakura is a small township in New Plymouth District, Taranaki, in the western North Island of New Zealand. It is located on State Highway 45, 15 kilometres south-west of New Plymouth. Ōkato is 12 km further south-west. The Oakura River flows past the town and into the North Taranaki Bight. To the south is the Kaitake Range, part of Egmont National Park.
The Oakura Messenger (TOM) was a monthly publication delivered to all letterboxes in the area. It began in October 2000. It was renamed the Oakura post in June 2020.
On 5 July 2007 the town was hit by a tornado, which damaged 60 houses.
Ōakura is well known for its beach—Ōakura Beach. In 2007 it became one of the first Blue Flag accredited beaches in Oceania. Only two others—Fitzroy and East End beach in nearby New Plymouth—received the same award that year. As of 2010, Ōakura Beach has retained its blue flag status.