Ōpunakē Beach is one of the safest swimming beaches in New Zealand offering a great holiday spot for families. It is patrolled by surf life savers throughout the summer months. It offers great fishing spots and has a very popular motor camp which is busy throughout the summer holidays. There is a children's playground and paddling pool for the little ones, coin operated gas BBQs and picnic tables beside the surf life saving building for everyone to use. 

The beach has two massive headlands which provide shelter and protection from winter storms.