Ōakura is a small township in New Plymouth District, Taranaki, in the western North Island of New Zealand.

The Oakura River flows past the town and into the North Taranaki Bight.

The nearby Tapuae ridge (north of Ōakura) was a continual site of conflict.

In March and April 1863, Governor George Grey established redoubts around Ōakura just prior to the start of the Second Taranaki War, as locations where British troops could be stationed to keep European settlers in New Plymouth safe, and as a base to later retake Tataraimaka to the West.

The revenge attack on the military party, escorting a British defaulter to New Plymouth for trial, reignited hostilities in the Second Taranaki War.

[12][13] South Road (better known as Surf Highway 45) is Ōakura's main street, and most local businesses and services are situated around here.

Apart from its well-known beach, Ōakura's main attraction is Butlers Reef – a bar and music venue that has showcased many well-known New Zealand and international acts, including Dave Dobbyn, Trinity Roots, Gin Wigmore, Katchafire, Supergroove and Jimmy Barnes.

Other places of interest include the township's three parks – Matekai, Corbett and the Shearer Reserve.

Also, within five minutes drive south west is Lucy's Gully, a popular beauty spot in the Kaitake ranges that hit the national headlines in 2005 when the body of murdered German tourist Birgit Brauer was discovered there.

[16] Once a year, Ōakura's artists are opening up their studios to the public in a two weekend event.