Ohope

Ōhope combines a long white sand beach with walking tracks, a reserve, and a range of activities on the water. The 11 km beach is easy to walk and stretches from the entrance to Ōhiwa Harbour to West End. From Ōhope Beach, you can look out to Whale Island, White Island, and the expansive East Cape coastline. Both the open coastal views and the harbour shape the landscape you can explore here.

Beach, walks, and reserve

For a manageable walk, one section of the Ngā Tapuwae o Toi Walkway runs from the West End of Ōhope Beach to Ōhope Scenic Reserve. This is an easy 30-minute walk. You can also walk the Fairbrother Loop Walk in the reserve independently; the loop takes about an hour. A traditionally carved gateway stands at the entrance to the reserve. The walkway and loop offer different options: a short link between two named points and a longer loop within the reserve.

If you are planning to walk the Fairbrother Loop Walk, note the wildlife protection rule: dogs are not allowed on this track, including to protect kiwi. The Ngā Tapuwae o Toi Walkway also includes pā sites of great historical significance. For those interested in history and landscape, the walking track network offers a cultural aspect as well as walks.

Water, harbour, and active days

Ōhiwa Harbour is considered the southern half of Ōhope. There are opportunities there to observe the surroundings, walk, fish, and kayak. At the eastern end of Ōhope is Port Ōhope Wharf, which borders Ōhiwa Harbour and is used mainly as a recreational fishing wharf. Ohiwa Fishing Charters departs from this wharf in the boat “The Cougar” for fishing trips. Fishing from the wharf and taking a boat trip are two different ways to spend time on the water.

There are also specific options on the water and along the coast: Takutai Adventure rents e-bikes and SUP boards in Ōhope. At the West End of Ohope Beach, Salt Spray Surf School offers surf lessons for individuals and groups, taught by qualified local instructors. When choosing a holiday apartment, it may help to think ahead about whether walks, a day on the water, fishing, or surf lessons are likely to shape your stay most.

Art and other impressions

Mason Place Gallery is a photography and art gallery in a residential house in Ōhope Beach. Its subjects include landscapes, native birds, and local scenes. The gallery adds an artistic perspective on the surroundings to the nature experiences. If you enjoy spending time outdoors, you might consider it alongside the beach and reserve; these are different interests, not a shared route.

The Ōhope Beach Golf Links lie between the Pacific Ocean and Ōhiwa Harbour. Along with the beach, walkway, and harbour, they offer a range of very different activities to choose from. When deciding on your trip, you can consider whether Ohope suits you best for its expansive coastal views, a walk, time at the harbour, or a mix of nature, art, and activity. Choosing where to stay in a holiday apartment can start with the experiences that matter to you during your stay.

Other places at this destination level: Matata, Taneatua, Awakeri, Whakatane, Minginui, Edgecumbe, Murupara, Nukuhou.

For the broader travel overview: Whakatane District.