Coastal charm
Sun, sand, strolls along the beach… Ōhope is a little slice of paradise with so many options for families, couples, and solo travellers to enjoy this summer.
Sun, sand, strolls along the beach… Ōhope is a little slice of paradise with so many options for families, couples, and solo travellers to enjoy this summer.
The beautiful Ōhope, just 6km from Whakatāne, is one of the Bay of Plenty’s hidden gems. With 11km of pristine golden sand, along with picturesque natural beauty, native birds and views of Whakaari/White Island and Moutohorā/Whale Island, it’s been voted
New Zealand’s most-loved beach for a reason.
Ōhope’s new hotspot
Situated at Port Ōhope Wharf, Wharfside is the place to be this season. Bring your family and friends and set off on a harbour cruise, hire SUP, kayaks, and e-scooters for some family fun, or sit and relax with a craft beer and bite to eat while the kids practice their manus off the wharf. This popular spot is open from December 27 through February 5, and select weekends throughout autumn. Visit the pop-up isite Visitor Information Centre to get all the inspo – and booking assistance – you need to
have an epic Eastern Bay summer.
Cruise & shuck
Discover Ōhiwa’s rich history, oyster farming, cultural significance and stunning harbour on an immersive Ōhiwa Tour. Experience the ocean’s bounty through an engaging oyster experience where you’ll learn the art of shucking oysters, followed by a tasting of delicious kaimoana. Tio Ōhiwa is more than just an oyster farm and takeaway shop; it's a community hub and indigenous-owned business that believes in bringing people together through good food and good company.
Get movin’
The calm waters, easy beach access and great scenery make VMAC Rides’ base on Wharfside, Ōhiwa Harbour the perfect place to have a go at stand-up paddleboarding. Whether you are a first-timer or a seasoned professional, VMAC Rides has the boards for you to get out there and enjoy yourself! Or if you’d rather stay on land, you can explore this little slice of paradise on an eScooter or eBike. Suitable for both adults and children, it’s a great way to have family fun together.
Mata Brewery
Mata Brewery Taproom & Eatery is a much-loved family-friendly gathering place for Whakatāne locals and visitors alike. With a selection of 12 taps and several packaged options, there’s a wide variety of beer and cider to satisfy every taste. Try a tasting tray or grab a glass – they have a good selection of wine, low-alcohol, and non-alcoholic drinks, too. At Wharfside, they'll have a pop-up brewery with all their favourite beers and ciders, bar snacks and live music. It's a great spot to sit and relax while the kids swim and jump off the wharf.
Must-dos nearby
Surf and turf
Gaze at the stellar harbour views, take in a stellar sunset, and enjoy the beachy vibe from the spacious deck of Fisherman’s Wharf Café. Surf and turf is their speciality, with excellent steaks and sumptuous seafood – try the fish tacos – and there’s a decent beer and wine selection to ease you into another relaxed Ōhope evening. If you’re wanting tasty takeaways, fish and chips are available from the handy window too.
facebook.com/fishermanswharfcafe
Take to the water
With experienced guides who know the local history and environment, KG Kayaks offers tours and freedom hires in a variety of locations around the Whakatāne and Ōhope Beach area. The relaxing, family-friendly Ōhiwa Harbour tours, and trip out to Moutohorā/Whale Island via sailing catamaran are particularly memorable, with regular wildlife encounters and a hot water beach experience making it a day to remember. Novices are welcome, and safety is always first priority – they also offer options for school and corporate days out.
On the trail
Perfect for cyclists and walkers alike, the Ōhope Harbourside Trail is a gentle amble for all ages and abilities. Winding along the shoreline of one of our most unspoiled and culturally significant estuaries, Ōhiwa Harbour, you’ll come across a multitude of birdlife, shellfish and fish species. Traversing esplanade and recreational reserves, the walk has been designed to ensure the least disruption to the natural environment while allowing for stunning views.
Take a fresh look
If you need to unplug, and reboot over summer, then head to Whakatāne, where some wild wonders and epic excursions await you.
If you need to unplug, and reboot over summer, then head to Whakatāne, where some wild wonders and epic excursions await you.
Words Shiree Schumacher
Summer feels like it’s been a long time coming and what better place to brighten the spirits than one of the country’s sunniest destinations, Whakatāne. The certified suntrap also boasts an 11km stretch of golden shoreline at Ōhope that’s been voted New Zealand’s most loved beach. But there’s plenty more to do other than feel all that sand between your toes. Whether it’s action and adventure or serenity for the soul you’re after, you can find it all around here. And for foodies, we’ve picked some of the best places to relax and reflect on your day’s activities as you dine alfresco.
PLAY
Port Ōhope Wharfside
Check out the pop-up activity hub across from Fisherman’s Wharf. Enjoy the vista of the Ohiwa harbour upon a stand-up paddle board or cruise around on an e-bike or e-scooter (ages 11+) – all for hire. Some wharf jumping will guarantee a cool down, and refreshments from one of the harbour-side food trucks are never far away.
Riverbugging
If adrenalin is your jam or you’re keen for a family-friendly adventure, take the kids (10 years+) for some riverbugging down the Rangitaiki awa. You’ll be kitted out to keep you safe as you all bob, wind and whitewater your way through pure nature, each upon your own cute “buggy”.
Moutohorā
A short boat trip from Whakatāne is the sanctuary that is Moutohorā (Whale Island). Vibrant birdsong greets you at this pest-free haven – home to some of our most endangered wildlife. Learn about the flora and fauna as you’re guided through the regenerated native bush, take in magical views across to White Island, visit a fur seal colony enroute, and finish with a dip in the waters of Onepū Bay, Moutohorā’s secluded beach where you can even dig your own geothermal spring pool.
West End
Ōhope beach’s West End has quite the reputation with surfers, yet it provides a safe, sheltered spot for swimming and kayaking, too. While you can count on catching waves here daily, they don’t break hard so surfie learners and experts alike will find their perfect possie along this stretch. Salt Spray Surf school offers lessons and surfboards for hire nearby.
Whirinaki Te Pua-a-Tāne Conservation Park.
About an hour and a quarter drive from Whakatāne is one of the world's last prehistoric rainforests. Walk the track to the picturesque Waiatiu Falls and imagine the dinosaurs of Gondwana striding among the ancient towering kahikatea, tōtara, matai and rimu. The park is valued as a taonga (treasure) containing the living children of Tāne Mahuta, the Māori god of the forest. Local iwi (tribe) Ngāti Whare is the active kaitiaki (guardian) of the park working with the Department of Conservation (DOC) to protect the natural, historic and cultural resources for the benefit and well-being of future generations of Aotearoa and visitors.
EAT
Gibbo’s on the Wharf
Taste the freshness of their daily catch or grab one of the much-loved Gibbo burgers. If you just can’t decide, then try the seafood basket: fish and chips, a crabstick, mussels, squid rings and oysters – and take away to the beach or settle into their wharf-side table to eat while it’s piping hot.
Cadera Mexican Bar & Restaurant
Little says summer more than munching tapas by the sea under one of Cadera’s yellow umbrellas. This sunny eatery at Ōhope beach offers a wide menu including succulent tacos, smoky spare ribs and an array of vegetarian and gluten-free options. Happy hour is from 4 to 5pm daily so say salud to good times with a ruby raspberry margarita or raise a glass with friends over a bucket of chilled Corona.
Fisherman’s Wharf Café
From the restaurant’s open dining deck, watch the yachts gently bobbing under the golden sunset while you sip a fine wine. The menu is worth raving about – and the desserts won’t disappoint. For oyster lovers, the harvest fresh from the sea is a must, or try them tempura battered, nestled back into their shells. Sunday brunches are sometimes available, too.
Little Havana Bar & Restaurant
Spice things up with some Cuban vibes at Little Havana where they’ll happily accommodate large groups, for a fiesta. Join friends outside with a cool jug of sangria or try one of their international red vinos. The food is an ode to Cuba’s Spanish, South American, French, African, Portuguese and Caribbean influences with a touch of familiar Kiwi fusion. From the fresh tarakihi tacos to the paella, the flavours will have your taste buds dancing the mambo.
The Craic
If you’re feeling the call of some Celtic revelry, take a pew outside the historic Whakatāne Hotel at The Craic Irish pub. You can tap your toes to one of the live bands while enjoying the pub fare – from good ol’ bangers and mash, to creamy carbonara, there’s a pleasing selection – and many a cold brew to wash it down with.
