Opua facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Opua
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Ferry between Opua and Okiato, Bay of Islands, New Zealand, with Opua in the distance
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| Country | New Zealand |
| Region | Northland Region |
| District | Far North District |
| Ward | Bay of Islands-Whangaroa Ward |
| Community | Bay of Islands-Whangaroa |
| Subdivision | Russell-Ōpua |
| Electorates |
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| Area | |
| • Total | 5.60 km2 (2.16 sq mi) |
| Population
(June 2023)
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| • Total | 1,290 |
| • Density | 230.4/km2 (596.6/sq mi) |
Opua is a small town in the Bay of Islands, located in the warm, sub-tropical Northland Region of New Zealand. It's famous for being the first port where international yachts arrive in New Zealand after sailing across the Pacific Ocean. When the town was first planned in the 1870s, it was called Newport. The popular town of Paihia is close by, with the smaller area of Te Haumi in between.
A car ferry that takes tourists to Russell travels between Opua and Okiato. The New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage says that the name Ōpua means "place of the flower".
The Waimangaro area, which is north-west of Opua, is known as a traditional meeting place for a Māori group called Te Uri Ongaonga, part of the Ngāpuhi tribe.
Contents
What is the Population of Opua?
Opua, including the nearby area of Te Haumi, covers about 5.60 square kilometres. As of 2018, it had an estimated population of about 1,149 people. This means there were about 205 people living in each square kilometre.
| Historical population | ||
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| Year | Pop. | ±% p.a. |
| 2006 | 1,107 | — |
| 2013 | 1,020 | −1.16% |
| 2018 | 1,149 | +2.41% |
| 2023 | 1,248 | +1.67% |
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The 2023 New Zealand census showed that Opua had 1,248 residents. This was an increase of 99 people (8.6%) since the 2018 census. It was also an increase of 228 people (22.4%) since the 2013 census. There were slightly more males (624) than females (621) living in 570 homes.
The average age in Opua was 56.2 years. This is older than the national average of 38.1 years. About 11.5% of the people were under 15 years old. About 33.9% were 65 years or older.
Most people in Opua identified as European (86.3%). About 18.8% identified as Māori. Other groups included Asian (4.6%) and Pasifika (1.4%).
English was spoken by 97.1% of people. The Māori language was spoken by 4.3%. About 32.0% of the people living in Opua were born outside New Zealand.
Most people (65.4%) said they had no religion. About 22.8% identified as Christian.
The average income in Opua was $34,500. This is less than the national average of $41,500. About 40.5% of people aged 15 or older worked full-time.
Why is Opua a Port of Entry?
Opua is the northernmost official entry point in New Zealand for ships coming from other countries. This means that all international boats and yachts must stop here first. They need to clear customs and get approval from the Ministry for Primary Industries.
It's a very popular spot for yachts because its waters are calm and deep. There are many services for sailors, including:
- The Opua Marina, which has 250 places for boats.
- Ashby's Boatyard, for boat repairs.
- The Opua Cruising Club, a social club for sailors.
What is the History of the Opua Railway?
Opua used to have a train line called the Opua Branch. This line was sometimes seen as part of the main North Auckland Line. The first train connection, from Opua to Kawakawa, opened on April 7, 1884.
When the North Auckland Line was finished in 1925, a passenger train called the Northland Express ran three times a week. It went directly from Auckland to the Opua train station. In 1956, this express train was replaced by a different train service.
After 1976, the line was only used for carrying goods, not passengers. As Opua's use as a commercial port decreased, so did the amount of goods carried by train. The railway was last used in 1985.
The train line was then leased to the Bay of Islands Vintage Railway. This group runs tourist trains between Opua and Kawakawa. They are working to restore parts of the line.
What is Education Like in Opua?
Opua School is the local primary school. It teaches students from Year 1 to Year 8 and has five classrooms. The school first opened in 1886.
As of 2023, it had about 100 students. The school welcomes children from international families whose parents are staying in the Bay of Islands for a few weeks or months. This makes it a very diverse school for a small community.
Who are Some Famous People from Opua?
- Myra Larcombe (1927–2022): A well-known swimming coach and police officer.
- Harold Rushworth (1880–1950): A politician and farmer.
