Ohope Beach, Ohakana Island, Ohope 3121, New Zealand
Ohope Beach is an 11 kilometre stretch of white sand that’s often blessed with great surf. The beach looks out to Whale Island, the active volcano White Island and the sweeping coast of East Cape. In late December, Ohope is a place to see pohutukawa trees blooming in all their crimson glory. From a comfortable towel on the sand, you can watch the ocean for seabird activity. Gannets perform spectacular diving feats and groups of petrels, terns and gulls can often be seen working the fish.
West End, a long favourite with surfers, is also one of the access points to Otarawairere Beach, one of the most picturesque beaches in the Bay of Plenty. It’s only accessible by walkway from Whakatane or Ohope using the cliff-top coastal walkway Nga Tapuwae o Toi.
Epic New Zealand Culture & Adventure Route © Monika Newbound