Heartland - Ōpunake

Television (Full Length Episode) – 1994

Situated on the southwest coast of Taranaki, the small seaside town of Ōpunake is largely a dairy farming community. In true Heartland style, presenter Kerre Woodham enjoys a highly varied slate of activities during her visit. Woodham meets farmers and bikies, plus a dentist, theatre projectionist, lingerie seller and the local police officer. It all culminates in the Ōpunake Beach Carnival, a packed annual event that centres on the gorgeous beach. But be warned — the lifesavers clock off earlier than you might expect, as they have to make milking time back on the farm!

This is Highway 45. Not a lot of people know about this highway — it follows the coast around Mount Taranaki from New Plymouth to Hārewa. It's going to take us down to a small town called Ōpunake, whose claim to fame is that it's one of the few safe swimming beaches on this otherwise rugged coast.
– Presenter Kerre Woodham introduces this Heartland trip