After many epic, fantastic, and long days on the road around the North Island, we felt the need to cool down for a few days by the sea in the Bay of Plenty. With hundreds of beaches to choose from, we ended up at Ōhope Beach, just outside the town of Whakatāne.

Staying in a Classic Kiwi Bach

After searching for accommodation, we decided to try a typical New Zealand bach.

A bach (pronounced “batch”)—or “crib” in the South Island—is an iconic, usually small and relaxed holiday home, often located by the sea, lakes, or forests. We chose wisely and found ourselves in a well-kept, small and cozy bach just a short stroll from the beautiful, vast stretch of Ōhope Beach.

Slow Beach Days and Simple Pleasures

Our days there were spent lounging in the garden, swimming and bodyboarding in the waves, and enjoying the luxury of cooking our own dinners. After a while, restaurants start to feel a bit repetitive, and a BBQ in your own little garden becomes a true treat.

There’s something special about slowing down like this—bare feet, salty hair, and no schedule beyond the tides.

A View of a Restless Volcano

It was also a novel experience to sit on the veranda and look out across the sea toward the mighty Whakaari / White Island, its plume of smoke rising into the sky. From time to time, you could even hear a faint rumble drifting across the crashing waves—a powerful reminder of nature’s presence just offshore.

A Welcome Break on the North Island

Ōhope Beach was a welcome pause from driving. It gave us time to truly relax, wash our gritty clothes, and simply soak in the New Zealand beach atmosphere.

Sometimes, the best travel moments aren’t about ticking off sights—they’re about staying still long enough to feel a place.