A-Z of NZ Locations

A-Z of NZ Locations – Ohope

Suzanne

Nostalgia is the main reason for me choosing a place where real kiwis reside, and an active volcano called Whale Island is not far from the sands of Ohope Beach. There are no large apartment blocks and screeds of commercial inducements, just a real slice of Kiwiana and a laidback feeling like the 1970s.

The Campground back in the 1970s
The 1970s – the basic batches are now more like mansions, a string of cafes, shops and a more polished look. Though it still feels like my childhood haunt.  What hasn’t changed much is the actual beach, though the occasional storm does alter the beach for a time with debris and sand rearrangement.

My first introduction to Ohope Beach was in the 1970s when my family moved to Whakatane, a small town and a 10-minute drive to Ohope, driving over a hill. I have spent many hours with family and, as a roaming teenager with friends, soaking up the sun. One adventure that comes to mind is camping with friends. For a week, we lived without adults because we were in charge for a while and survived on pipis, fizzy drinks, ice cream, fresh air, little common sense and innocent romance. Life was just one big adventure, then the week finished, the reality was hard to swallow and home we went much wiser and hungry for more, apart from the pipis and fizzy drinks.

Family camping at Ohope Beach, it was the same year as the teenage adventure- when halter necks were a thing and smiling weirdly.

I digress; let me share more of this wonderful area.

Nestled among the Pohutukawa trees at the bottom of the hill, dividing Whakatane from the beautiful Ohope Beach. Some would say it is New Zealand’s worst-kept secret, legendary throughout the country for being a safe beach, flat and wide. No waiting for the low tide to wander along the 11km beach shore. You can walk the total length or just enjoy a stroll before a dip between the waves. 

There is even a slight uphill adventure over a hill to reach another idyllic beach – Ōtarawairere, which can only be assessed by foot or boat.
A recent image, taken on the way back from Otarawairere, is a little bay hidden away just 20 minutes walk from Ohope. The basic batches are now a rarity.  What hasn’t changed much is the actual beach, though the occasional storm does alter the beach for a time with debris and sand rearrangement.

Sunrise from Westend. The cover image was taken after a storm.

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Published by Suzanne

I'm a lover of creativity and movement, expressed through photography, words, travel and sports. . . . . . .

26 thoughts on “A-Z of NZ Locations – Ohope”

    1. It is a beautiful place to spend time and the big developers haved got their hands on land as of yet to develop into high rises like Mount Maunganui. Which makes it easy to keep that laid back feel to the area. The drive from there to further around the coast to Ohiwa and a very yummy fish and chip shop is a treat.

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    1. Would oysters with the fish and chips be considered better? 😉 The shop is part of the Ohiwa Oyster Farm, views over the harbour while eating. It’s been a few years since we ventured that way. One day we might return.

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    1. I honestly can’t see it being developed like Mount Maunganui. We need a contrast between the two to appreciate their differences. I am so pleased we no longer live in that area due to Les’s health and his frequent need to visit Tauranga and Auckland hospitals.

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