Coastlands is a more modern beach suburb of Whakatāne on the west side of the Whakatāne River. The beautiful surf beach has several access points, but the easiest is Ohuirehe Road. To get there, take Keepa Road from State Highway 30 and go through the roundabout to Ohuirehe Road. Park near the beach access track at the end of the road.
Alternatively, turn left at the roundabout onto Bunyan Road, then follow Ocean View Road to Pacific Parade. From there, walk down through the dunes, with an excellent view of the beach and Moutohora Island (Whale Island).
You can also walk east about 3 km from the beach to the end of the sand spit at the Whakatāne River mouth for a close-up view of the Wairaka statue on Turuturu Roimata. However, it is probably easier to boat over the river if you want to do this!
