Ohope Beach has been voted the best beach in NZ several times. It is a short drive from Whakatāne, on the east side of Whakatāne Heads. The wide Pacific Coast surf beach runs 11 km to the mouth of Ohiwa Harbour. Behind the west side of the beach is the decidedly beachy town of Ōhope, and behind the town is a range of mostly regrowth forest-clad hills. The east end of the beach is part of a long, wide sand spit backed by Ohiwa Harbour. Together, West End Road, Pohutukawa Road and Ocean Road run the length of the beach, providing easy access to its entire length. Towards the far eastern end is a commercial campground and a golf course. Boat access is from the Port Ōhope Wharf in Ohiwa Harbour.
The southeastern side of Ōhiwa Harbour was an early site of Māori habitation, with middens dating back to the late 1300s. Ōhiwa Harbour and the surrounding area were important sources of seafood and birds. It was one of NZ's most densely populated areas when Europeans arrived. Iwi in the area included Ngati Awa, Whakatohea, Upokorehe and Tuhoe.
Despite the modern, relaxed vibe of Ōhope, the name means the "place of the main body of an army". Density and resources meant conflict, and the construction of fortified pā began around 1500. Archaeologists have identified over 90 pā sites, dating as late as 1769. Tauwhare was a major pā overlooking Ōhiwa Harbour, and there is a short walk to the site from Pacific Coast Highway. It is one of the earliest sites for kūmara planting and holds a dominant position. This site also marked the last confrontation between Ngati Awa and Whakatohea, as late as 1847, but which was resolved peacefully.
After Europeans arrived, many Māori drifted away as land was lost and the area was largely converted to farms. Up until the late 1950s, Ōhope had no houses. There was a rough access track, and people would camp. Jim Beck was the only permanent resident, and his whare was known as “Jim’s Camp”. In 1957, Port Ōhope Wharf was developed, and the town followed, although the first attempts were affected by erosion. More recent development appears to be more stable!
