Discover Ohope
Whakaari/White Island & Moutohora/Whale Island
There are several ways to experience the unforgettable sights of Whakaari including scenic flights, fishing charters near White Island, on land lookout points and at the Whakaari Island Experience Room at the Whakatane i-SITE.
For Scenic Flights of White Island contact White Island Flights
This eco-sanctuary is accessible by a guided tour only. This incredible wildlife sanctuary homes a number of NZ’s rare and endangered plants, birds and reptiles. Moutohora provides exceptional diving and snorkelling opportunities.
Ph: 07 308 9588 0800 733 529
Golf
Ohope International Golf Club is a few minutes’ drive from the Ohope Beach Resort. Enjoy panoramic views of Ohiwa Harbour and the Bay of Plenty together with the stunning backdrop of Moutohora/Whale Island and Whakaari/White Island.
Whakatane Golf Club and The Kawerau Golf & Squash Club are both located nearby for a change of green. Whether it’s fast running greens or the lush unforgiving fairways these clubs offer golfers a range of experiences.
Fishing
Looking for Whakatane charter boats?
Fishing Charters in Whakatane and the Bay of Plenty are among the best in the world. From Saltwater fishing to fresh water fishing for trout in rivers and lakes. Whakatane is rated by top fishing correspondents as New Zealand's best all round fishing destination.
During the summer months many different fish can be caught in the waters accessed from the port of Whakatane. These include Yellow fin, Skipjack, and Albacore tuna, along with sharks and Marlin, congregating to feed on huge shoals of baitfish from December to late April. Whakatane is the country's yellow-fin tuna "capital" but superb fighting marlin along with snapper and hapuka lurk around the many off shore reefs. Whakatane charter boats are ready and waiting to seek them out and assist with your fishing experience.
Local Fishing Charter operators Ohiwa Fishing Charters, True Blue Adventures and Pacific Coast Adventures offer public fishing charter options taking people out to the Whakatohea Mussel Farm for daily fishing trips. Get more information about Fishing Charters in Ohope Beach and Whakatane here.
Kayaking
Ohiwa Harbour offers wonderful paddling with plenty of small islands to explore. Two to three hours either side of high tide allows for paddling around the harbour, taking in the Ohiwa Oyster Farm, island exploring and bird spotting -gulls, roosting terns and shags.
KG Kayaks offers year-round kayaking adventures in Ohope/Whakatane area for all levels of ability. This great activity provides a range of options for independent paddlers , family groups and businesses.
KG Kayaks 07 312 6100
Surf School Ohope Beach
At West End Ohope you will find Salt Spray Surf School with fully qualified instructors in surfing, first aid, safety and surf awareness. Everything is supplied – soft top surfboards, wetsuits, rash vests and sunscreen.
Ph 021 149 1972
Walking
Ohope Beach is home to a wide variety of walking tracks to suit all levels of fitness.
The Nga Tapuwae o Toi Walking Trail includes popular locations such as Kohi Point Scenic Reserve, Ohope Scenic Reserve, Ohope Beach, Mokorua Bush Scenic Reserve and more. The walkway passes through native and exotic forest, and along coastline and riverbanks.
Otarawairere Bay is part of the Kohi Point Walkway which is part of the Nga Tapuwae o Toi Walkways. The secluded bay can only be accessed by foot and is one of the most enjoyed family recreation activities in Ohope. Otarawairere is just a 20 minutes walk up over the headland from Ohope West End. People of any fitness can enjoy the walk, the track can be steep in parts.
Visit the Ohope Scenic Reserve, located at the bottom of the Ohope Hill (across from the beach). The reserve has a few walking tacks and is home to many native birds including kiwis, tuis, bellbirds and fantails.
A favourite walk for guests staying at the resort is to walk along the beach to the Ohope sandspit where a large number of wading birds such as bar-tailed godwits, terns, bitterns and oystercatchers. Ohiwa Harbour is a birdwatching mecca.
Tauwhare Pa Scenic Reserve is one of the oldest Pa sites in the area and easily accessible. Just a small walk only minutes from the Ohope - Opotiki road (Wainui Road). The parking for the pa site is just around the corner from Ohope Beach.
Cycling
There are plenty of cycling options in Ohope and surrounding areas. Whether you are looking for a family cycling outing, mountain bike adventures or scenic beach tracks.
The Ohope Bike Trail takes in the sights and sounds of the Ohiwa Harbour and is a short bike ride from Ohope Beach Resort. Recently developed it is purpose built and a fantastic family activity. The Trail is 2.9-kilometres of shared-use pathway that runs along the harbour edge, from Waterways Drive in the west to Port Ohope Wharf. There is also a playground along the way that has toilet facilities for a break.
The Motu Trails is one of the Great Rides of Nga Haerenga, The New Zealand Cycle Trail. The Motu Trails are located just a short distance from Ohope Beach, in Opotiki with trails located between Opotiki and Gisborne. There are various cycling trails to discover with different difficulty and duration and are free to use. Popular and family friendly tracks include the Dunes Trail, Pakihi Track, Motu Road Trail, and Rere Falls Trail!
Take a trip to the Onepu Mountain Bike Park for mountain biking and running or walking and has four main trails to choose from. The Park is free for the public to use. The trails have gentle rolling terrain which suit any type of rider, from beginners to advanced with BMX style jumps as well. While you are there check out the Onepu Wetlands boardwalk.
Activities & Adventure
There are plenty of activities, adventure and sight seeing options in Ohope, Whakatane and surrounding areas, whether you are holidaying with a large family group, a couple or by yourself.
A trip to the Ohope Craft Market is a must with a wide range of stall holders offering fresh local produce, art, craft, gifts and much more. The market is on the first Saturday of each month all year round and an additional market on the third Saturday of each month during the summer season.
Take a horse trek with spectacular views over Whakatane with Nikau Valley Horse Treks. Suitable for all ages and horse riding experience, discover the Eastern Bay of Plenty by horseback through bush and hill terrain.
Awakeri Rail Adventures offer you scenic tours from your own rail cart that has been cleverly adapted to be self-driven along the rail tracks. Choose from a range of tours to suit, your next Rail Adventure is waiting for you in Awakeri!
Tauwhare Pa Scenic Reserve is one of the oldest Pa sites in the area and easily accessible from the road with sweeping views of the Ohope and Ohiwa Harbour. Just a small walk only minutes from the Ohope - Opotiki road (Wainui Road). Tauwhare Pa is a preserved pre-European Maori occupation site. Built by Te Hapuoneone, a tribe that many of today's iwi descend from, the name Tauwhare translates to 'the village suspended in space' and when viewed from the bottom of the southern end of the pā, you will see why as the view of the village gives this impression.
Take a short drive over the hill to Whakatane where you will find a wide range of activities and adventure.
Whakamax Movies offer a boutique movie experience with all the latest movies showing in five theatres with a wide range of food, coffee, waffles and snacks.
A visit to Epic Escape Whakatane is a must with escape rooms and challenges suitable for groups of friends, family and team building.
During the summer months the berry farms in Whakatane offer pick your own strawberries as well as other berries when they become available. Julians Berry Farm & Cafe offers mini golf, children's playground, a cafe and farm animals. R N Bees Berry Orchard offer fresh, succulent strawberries, honey and other berries when available. Their fresh berry ice cream is always popular.
Dining Out
Ohope and Whakatane have a great range of dining options.
Port Ohope General Store & Cafe is next door to Ohope Beach Resort. They offer a range of fresh food options from fish and chips to dine in dinner menus, coffee, ice cream and much more.
Cadera Mexican Bar & Restaurant is in Ohope, situated opposite the beach near the Whakatane Surf Life Saving Club. Enjoy delicious, fresh Mexican food and drinks, they often have live music during the summer months.
For fresh seafood and takeaways take a trip to Ohiwa Oyster Farm, enjoy your fish and chips overlooking the Ohiwa Harbour.
The Ohope Chartered Club is a popular sport and social club in Ohope with full bar, restaurant and bistro facilities. Alcohol can only be served to members or member affiliates, visit the Ohope Chartered Club website for more information.
Fisherman's Wharf Cafe offers beautiful harbour views of Ohiwa Harbour from the sun filled restaurant offering restaurant food and takeaways right on the Ohiwa Harbour. Ph 07 312 4017.
Whakatane has a number of restaurants and eateries that offer delivery services with a variety of different cuisines to choose from.
For more dining and takeaway options visit the Whakatane Food & Drink Guide online.
Visit Ohopebeach.info for more information on local events, attractions, activities and food & drink establishments.