Ohope Beach is one of the safest surf beaches in the country.  The large tidal area means the coast does not drop off steeply like many other beaches and the large expanse of white sands at low tide are a delight for walkers.

The best swimming can be found on the incoming tide during the warm summer months of December to March. The Whakatane Surf Life Saving Club is located at Mahy Reserve and provides a 'swim between the flags service' in summer with lifeguards patrolling the beach 25 November 2017 - 25 March 2018, during weekends, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Years Day and the day after New Years Day. 

Popular swimming spots at Ohope Beach Include:

Mahy Reserve

Location: bottom of the Ohope Hill (Ohope Road), Ohope. Parking is off West End Road and on Pohutukawa Road. 

The Whakatane Surf Life Saving Club is located at Mahy Reserve, providing a 'swim between the flags service' in summer with lifeguards patrolling the beach 25 November 2017 - 25 March 2018. Mahy reserve is a great place for picnics and get togethers, with a number of electric barbecues, tables, playground facilities and parking. There are a variety of shops next door to the reserve if you fancy an ice cream. There are also a limited number of free overnight campervan parking sites, get in early as they fill up quickly.

Ohope West End

Location: West End Road, Ohope (turn left at the bottom of the Ohope hill)

Ohope West End is a popular swimming spot for families and surfers too. Here you will find parking and toilet facilities. It is here you can access the walk over the hill to Otarawairere Bay, it is steep in some parts.

Otarawairere Bay

Our hidden jem that is is only accessible by walking or by water. The walking tracks from Kohi Point walking track and Otarawairere Road are suitable for active people and can be steep in some parts. It's worth the walk, this bay has a sheltered white shelly beach with a bush background with a safe swimming bay and rock pools at each end of the beach. Take the picnic gear and stay for the day, it's a great family day out.

Maraetotara Reserve

Location: 237 Pohutukawa Ave, Ohope

Also known as the Pirate Ship Playground, here you will find a playground with a flying fox, skatepark and a pirate ship among other activities. You will also find electric barbeques available and there are toilets. Limited Campervan parking is also available. Kids often spend hours playing in the Maraetotara Stream mouth just by the playground.