Life at No.22, Musings, Road Trips

Snapshots of Summer – Ohope Beach

Suzanne

Pregnant clouds followed me for a few days while walking along the beach and further afield, though they didn’t deliver until later that day when we were comfortably inside after 9 pm.

Westend Ohope – December 2024

Looking back towards Westend and Whale Island to the right

Luckily, the end of December delivered warmth, which made sitting outdoors a pleasure and one we both enjoyed. Every day, we were accompanied by birds, especially the Korimako/bellbird, which the bach was named after. Then, there was the roar of the sea and a glimpse of the waves. It was relaxing, and we spent hours just being in the present. Best of all, we had a coffee and a real fruit ice cream cart at our disposal at the beginning of the driveway.

Perfection comes in many forms.

These birds and a tui were not fazed about having us about.

Ohiwa Harbour end of Ohope Beach – January 2025

Ohiwa Harbour is a few kilometres down the road from Ohope Beach

We were literally across the road from Ohope Beach in a similar position to the beach as the stay at Westend. Another fabulous reason for us to stay at this second location was the close vicinity of Ohiwa Harbour and a particular Oyster Farm, which was on Les’s list of places to enjoy kaimoana (seafood). We headed to the Ohiwa Oyster Farm not long after arriving and had a scrumptious feed of oysters and paua.

Les at Ohiwa Oyster Farm

Next, we decided to drive alongside the harbour and visit a local potter just down the road whose property we had parked up at when we were motorhoming many years ago. Yes, we left with a flower vase, my late birthday present; why not? I thought.

On the way back, we stopped at a local Fresh Water Spring by the roadside to fill up our water bottles. Years ago, a very kind person put a tap for public use of free spring water. It’s situated approximately halfway through the Ohope to Opotiki-Taneatua turnoff Rd. Plus, it’s near the Salt Marsh Lookout. On this trip, we didn’t stop at the lookout nor venture for a walk as Les needed to rest, although we had explored this area numerous times.

As the sign from the “Water Wizards” mentions, donations go to worthy causes, such as natural disasters, locally or overseas.
A rare and beautiful environment nurtured by the Nukuhou Care Group and DOC (Department of Conservation)

Ultimately, our time at Ohope was a wonderful escape and reprieve from reality on both occasions.

The hot, sunny weather was a bonus by the end of January. However, the real highlight was the quality time we spent with family without needing constant travel, which would exacerbate Les’s exhaustion. The beach walks, dining experiences, and beautiful scenic views, while enjoyable, were secondary to precious family time.

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Published by Suzanne

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

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