Otatara
Otatara | |
|---|---|
Suburb | |
| Coordinates: 46°25′54″S 168°17′43″E / 46.4318°S 168.2953°E | |
| Country | New Zealand |
| Region | Southland region |
| Territorial authority | Invercargill |
| Electorates |
|
| Government | |
| • Territorial authority | Southland District Council |
| • Regional council | Southland Regional Council |
| • Mayor of Southland | Rob Scott |
| • Invercargill MP | Penny Simmonds |
| • Te Tai Tonga MP | Tākuta Ferris |
| Area | |
• Total | 19.95 km2 (7.70 sq mi) |
| Population (June 2024) | |
• Total | 3,460 |
| • Density | 170/km2 (450/sq mi) |
| Local iwi | Ngāi Tahu |
Otatara is an outer suburb of New Zealand's southernmost city, Invercargill. It is surrounded by the Ōreti River to the west and south, and its estuary and Invercargill Airport to the east, and West Plains to the north. Historically, it was in Southland County before it was abolished.
The main thoroughfare in Otatara is Dunns Road, which continues westward across the Ōreti River bridge to road's end at Oreti Beach, towards Invercargill it becomes Stead Street at the old city/county boundary, passing between the estuary and the airport before crossing the Waihopai River bridge into the city proper.
There are several local bush walks through tōtara forests, and numerous recreational facilities in the area including MTB tracks, rowing, speed boating, two golf courses and the nearby Oreti Beach.
The New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage gives a translation of "place of loosening" for Ōtātara.