Ohope: Beach, Harbour and Coastal Walks

When looking for a hotel in Ohope, it’s worth first considering which aspects of the destination you’d like to shape your stay. Ōhope Beach offers a long, easily walked white-sand beach and views of Whale Island, White Island and the East Cape coastline. There’s also Ōhiwa Harbour, walks in Ōhope Scenic Reserve, and activities including surfing, fishing and art. The differences between the beach, harbour and reserve give you practical points of reference for planning your days.

Beach, Ōhiwa Harbour and Wharf

The 11 km beach stretches from the entrance to Ōhiwa Harbour to West End; its white sand is easy to walk on. From Ōhope Beach, you can look out to Whale Island, White Island and the East Cape coastline stretching into the distance. The beach’s length and layout provide a clear reference when planning coastal walks as part of your trip.

At the eastern end of Ōhope is Port Ōhope Wharf, on the edge of Ōhiwa Harbour. It is used mainly as a recreational fishing wharf. Ōhiwa Harbour is considered the southern half of Ōhope and offers opportunities to explore the surroundings, walk, fish and kayak. Ohiwa Fishing Charters departs from Ōhope Wharf on fishing trips aboard the boat “The Cougar”. If you’re planning a charter trip, confirm the departure arrangements in advance.

Walks in Ōhope Scenic Reserve

The section of the Ngā Tapuwae o Toi Walkway from the western end of Ōhope Beach to Ōhope Scenic Reserve is an easy 30-minute walk. This time estimate applies to the named section, not to all walks in the area. This makes it easy to distinguish a short walk between the specified points from a longer loop in the reserve.

The Fairbrother Loop Walk is a self-guided circuit in Ōhope Scenic Reserve and takes about an hour. Compared with the 30-minute section of the Ngā Tapuwae o Toi Walkway, it is the longer of the two walking options. A traditionally carved gateway stands at the entrance to the Scenic Reserve. Dogs are not allowed on the Fairbrother Loop Walk, to protect wildlife, including kiwis. Factor this restriction into your plans and check current track conditions before visiting.

Surfing, rentals and other activities

Salt Spray Surf School offers surf lessons at the western end of Ōhope Beach, taught by qualified local instructors. Lessons are available for individuals and groups; confirm availability before your trip. Takutai Adventure offers e-bikes and SUP boards for hire in Ohope. Check equipment availability in advance before making firm plans to use these services.

Another activity is Ōhope Beach Golf Links, situated between the Pacific Ocean and Ōhiwa Harbour. This means Ohope offers a choice of walks, water sports and golf. The differences between lessons, rentals and a round of golf can help you decide what to prioritise during your stay.

Art and local scenes

Mason Place Gallery is a photography and art gallery in a residential house at Ōhope Beach. It displays landscapes, native birds and local scenes. It adds a cultural note to the beach and walking landscapes if you’d like to include art in your trip as well as outdoor activities. Check opening arrangements before visiting and adding the gallery to your day’s plans.

Discover more destinations: Taneatua, Edgecumbe, Minginui, Matata, Awakeri, Nukuhou, Whakatane, Murupara.

For the broader travel overview: Whakatane District.