Sun, Surf, and Space to Slow Down
Ōhope Beach is one of those places that invites you to take your time.
With its long stretch of golden sand, open coastal views and gentle Bay of Plenty atmosphere, it is a lovely place for a morning walk, a swim on a warm day, or an unhurried stroll as the light begins to soften in the evening.
Located just 15 minutes from Wainui Seaside Glamping, Ōhope Beach is easy to include in your stay and pairs beautifully with a few quiet days beside Ōhiwa Harbour.
Why we love walking at Ōhope Beach
A walk along Ōhope Beach can be as gentle or as energetic as you like. You might wander barefoot near the water, stop to watch the waves, collect shells, or simply enjoy the fresh sea air.
The beach is spacious enough to find a quieter stretch, especially outside the busiest summer periods. It is also a lovely place to visit in the cooler months, when the coastline feels peaceful and the views seem to stretch even further.
For guests, a beach walk can be a refreshing change of scene before returning to the privacy of Barnie or Seaside Escape for an outdoor bath, a quiet meal, or an evening beside the wood burner.
Add a walk through Tauwhare Pā Scenic Reserve
For a wider view of the area, combine your beach visit with a walk through Tauwhare Pā Scenic Reserve.
The reserve sits above Ōhiwa Harbour and offers beautiful views across the harbour entrance, coastline and surrounding landscape. It is also a meaningful place with strong cultural and historical significance.
The tracks include some slopes and steps, so comfortable walking shoes are helpful. Allow time to pause at the viewpoints and take in the changing colours of the water below.
Visiting Ōhope Beach with Your Dog
Guests staying at Barnie with their dog enjoy being able to walk their dog along the harbour and also at Ōhope Beach, a dog friendly and popular place to explore together.
Swimming and water activities
Ōhope Beach is popular for swimming, paddleboarding, surfing and other water activities.
Conditions can change quickly, so choose an area and activity suited to your experience, check the weather and water conditions, and swim between the flags when lifeguards are present.
For a gentler water-based experience, guests can also use the kayaks provided at Wainui Seaside Glamping when the tide, wind and weather conditions are suitable.
A simple day near Ōhope Beach
A relaxed day might begin with breakfast at your retreat, followed by a walk at Tauwhare Pā Scenic Reserve and time on Ōhope Beach.
You could stop for lunch or coffee in Ōhope, pick up something fresh for dinner, and then return to Ōhiwa Harbour for a quiet afternoon. As evening settles in, soak in the outdoor bath, listen to the birds and watch the landscape change with the tide.
There is no need to fit too much into the day. Often, the most memorable part is simply having enough time to enjoy where you are.
Glamping near Ōhope Beach
Wainui Seaside Glamping offers two private couples’ retreats on Ōhiwa Harbour, around 15 minutes from Ōhope Beach.
Barnie is a handcrafted timber glamping barn with rustic character, music, books, a wood burner and space for one dog. Seaside Escape is a peaceful coastal hideaway with expansive harbour views and a separate kitchenette and bathroom.
Each retreat has its own private outdoor bath and is designed for couples who want to slow down, reconnect and enjoy nature without crowds or interruptions.
Top things to do in Whakatane during your stay
- Top Things to do in Whakatane
- Night Walks (Ohope Scenic Reserve)
- Motu Trails Cycleway
- Motu Trails Track details
- Pleasant pedalling on Opotiki's Tirohanga Dunes Trail
- Nga Tapuwae o Toi Trail
- Ohope Scenic Reserve
- Burma Road Walking & Cycle Tracks
- Visit our Farmers Market and weekly Sunday Food Market
- Visit one of our local Cafes
- Visit one of our Restaurants
- Pick strawberries or blueberries when in season or try an amazing fruity icecream made from real berries
- Walk or Cycle the Ōhope Harbourside Trail
