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What’s so great about Ohope

  • 2 minutes

Bay of Plenty, New Zealand

Best bits your only guide to a great holiday

Ohope there are plenty of things to do. A long stretch of white sand forms part of Ohope beach. While predominantly a surfing beach the spit has the sheltered estuary as a shallow swimming option. Paddle board or kayak the estuary waterways.

Ohope Scenic Reserve entrance, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand
Ohope Scenic Reserve entrance, Bay of Plenty

WHAT TO DO IN OHOPE, HIGHLIGHTS

  • Camp by the beach indulging in a classic kiwi summer holiday
  • Explore Nukuhou saltwater marsh
  • Discover heritage site, Ohope Scenic Reserve
  • Take in the sights of Tauranga and Bay of Plenty

SALT SPRAY SURF SCHOOL will get beginners on to a board

Ohope beach surf cam – Ohope Surf Cam is fun, check the weather before you arrive at Ohope Beach.

BEACH FACILITIES IN OHOPE

Maraetotara Reserve is a popular reserve and playground at Ohope Beach. Facilities include electric barbecues, toilets, exercise equipment and overnight campervan parking for self contained vehicles. The playground has a flying fox, pirate ship, skate ramp, swings, slides and exercise equipment and much more. Maraetotara Stream mouth is suitable for toddlers and kids to enjoy their first touch of summer beach water sports.

Ohiwa Harbour Reserves

Inland from the eastern end of Ohope is the Ohiwa Harbour. There is safe swimming here and plenty of space for beach fishing. Toilets and other facilities are at Otao South Reserve, Port Ōhope Wharf Reserve and the Port Ōhope Recreation Reserve.

Ohope Beach, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand
Ohope Beach

Otao South Reserve

Located near the Port Ohope General Store is a well equipped Playground overlooking the Ohiwa Harbour. This playground is one of the smaller ones but has everything your kids need to have fun. When the tide is low many children can be seen exploring the mud flats and looking for crabs. There are also toilets conveniently located here.

Ohope Scenic Reserve plaques describing signficence of entrance design, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand
Ohope Scenic Reserve plaques, Bay of Plenty

Port Ohope Recreation Reserve

Opposite the Ohope International Golf Club you will find a reserve with a boat ramp and water ski area that is a popular summer time spot. Walking access is provided to the harbour entrance. Swimming near the car park is popular, but be aware that strong currents nearer to the harbour entrance make swimming and kayaking more hazardous as you approach this area.

The Ohope Beach Markets are held in the Hall on Bluett Road opposite the Reserve on the first Saturday of every month and more during the summer months.

OHOPE SCENIC RESERVE is a heritage site for Tauwhare Pa as well as holding significant remnants of pohutukawa trees.

OHOPE WALKS

OHOPE  HARBOURSIDE TRAIL

The Trail is 2.9-kilometres of shared-use pathway that runs along the harbour edge, from Waterways Drive in the west to Port Ōhope Wharf. The Trail takes in views of the Ohiwa Harbour and the wildlife that call it home, there is also a playground along the way that has toilet facilities.

Read more Top 10 short walks in the Bay of Plenty.

Tasman sea at Ohiwa beach in the Bay of Plenty on the North Island of New Zealand is voted as New Zealand's most loved beach. Ohope's pristine sandy beach stretches for 11km from the Ohiwa Harbour entrance in the east before gently curving around to West End beach at the foot of the Kohi Point headland.
Tasman sea at Ohiwa beach in the Bay of Plenty
Fishing Charters, New Zealand @pacificcoastadventures
Fishing Charters @pacificcoastadventures

DEEP SEA FISHING CHARTERS

Join Pacific Coast Adventures personalized Eastern Bay experience for every individual. Whether you’re a dedicated fishing buff or want to learn or want to relax on a white sandy beach, Pacific Coast Adventures will create an itinerary with you in mind.

Ohope Beach has tour operators offering scenic flights over eastern Bay of Plenty.

WHAT TO DO WITH KIDS IN OHOPE

  • Numerous safe swimming locations complete with lifeguards
  • Learn how to surf
@saltspraysurfschool
@saltspraysurfschool
Tauwhare Pa site scenic view of Ohope Beach and beyond, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand
Tauwhare Pa site scenic view of Ohope Beach and beyond, Bay of Plenty

WHERE TO TAKE THE BEST SELFIE IN OHOPE

  • Panoramic lookout at Ohope Scenic Reserve
  • Your catch of the day
  • Relaxed at the beach / Balancing on a SUP

OHOPE SOCIAL MEDIA

OHOPE FESTIVALS

  • Wild Food Challenge (February)
  • Eastern Bay half marathon
  • Classic car and caravan retro show (January / February)
  • Annual Port Ohope SUP festival (summer)
Ohope cycle trails

OHOPE POPULATION

  • 3,180 (2020)

JUDGMENT ON OHOPE

  • Classic summer holiday beach destination with plenty to do and see in the wider area. Your teenagers will not be bored and couples have lots of space to enjoy quiet times together.

Every town adds to the richness of things to do and see. For more details about the region check Tauranga & Bay of Plenty Region nearby attractions and events.

Travel pack information

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