There are some places in this world that leave that impression, where your senses tingle and relish in the present moment. Nau mai haere mai ki Ohope Beach. Welcome to Ōhope Beach, one of New Zealand’s favourite beaches.
In the winter there is quiet, less tourist traffic, less tourist noise, less clutter of things so the humdrum of our little beachside village is soothing.
Today you will be one of us and I’m going to take you on our favourite local bush walk.
First thing though: Slip, slop, slap & slurp! Slip on a jacket, slop on some sunscreen, slap on a hat & bring a bottle of water to slurp if you get thirsty!
This is New Zealand and this slogan is synonymous to our Summer sun smart campaign. Ok, so it is not Summer right now but our best local secret is Ohope Beach which can be enjoyed all year round. So tie your laces and here we go up the stairs to the start of our walk...
It is a crisp 8 degrees and the trail we are on today will encompass the headlands of our coastline, we will hike from Whakatāne to Ōhope Beach along Tois track or also known as Ngā Tapūwae o Toi (The sacred footsteps of Toi). Toitehuatahi was a Tahitian chief that navigated his way to our shores of Whakatāne and made it his home. Our tribal ancestry throughout New Zealand is often interwoven and it is through listening to the Māori elders that this history is traced and family connections are linked.
Kapūtērangi is the name of the pa site (village) where Toitehuatahi lived, it was strategically placed with 360 degree views spanning over the horizon and land to watch for arrivals. The line of ancestors associated with this site is significant to Māori.
This guardian stands watching over our town and sea. As we wind our way through the bush the bird song is vibrant and your senses are ignited with the smell of native bush, earthy & clean.
Along this ridge line there are also views of our township of Whakatāne, where it is possible to see the boats crossing the sea bar from here.
We are at the top of the headlands and these small rock formations are home to the many sea birds. From time to time seals land here to shelter from rough seas. Ōtarawairere Bay, we are descending into this secluded bay, luckily the tide is not high and we are able to safely cross to the shell lined beach.
It is so easy to lose track of time when you’re here. During the summer months, people make this trek and spend the day, swimming, relaxing and discovering the sea life in the rock pools or searching for shells. The only way to access this bay is by walking or by sea.
We are making our way to West End beach, there are still a few steps to climb and beautiful vistas to take a few photos.
This is Ohope Beach, our population of just over 3000 locals + you, our Summers draw more than 4000 extras each year. Since the early 1920s til today it still remains one of New Zealnand's favourites. I hope you’ve enjoyed your walk through our varying landscape, when you comeback our next day trip will be along this beach or a night walk to see glow worms and listen for kiwi.
So much to see and explore here in Ohope 🌞⛱
