People in Ōtaki say they are in “no man’s land” when it comes to transport options. A Metlink bus service runs infrequently through the town and south to Waikanae, the time between buses generally at least 50 minutes and extending to more than two hours in the middle of the day. Meanwhile, the only rail option is the Capital Connection train service, which only runs to south in the morning, and north in the evening. \
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It also falls between the gaps when it comes to local authorities. Ōtaki is covered by Kāpiti Coast District Council and the Greater Wellington Regional Council, but when it comes to medical coverage, it falls into the Midcentral District Health Board area. No public transport connections head north.
