Ohawe Beach
A Photographer’s Dream
South of Hāwera, Ohawe Beach is known for its dramatic clay cliffs, sweeping ocean views and ever-changing shoreline.
The layered cliff faces glow in the late afternoon light, drawing photographers and sunset seekers to this quieter stretch of coast.
Look closely at the papa rock and clay cliff faces and you’ll notice fossilised shells embedded in the sediment
a reminder that this rugged coastline once lay beneath the sea.
Less crowded than the northern beaches, wild, open and unmistakably west coast, it’s one of Taranaki’s most striking coastal walks.
Visit to the Coast
Exploring Waihi & Ohawe
During our trip along the South Taranaki coast we first stopped at nearby Waihi Beach. Getting down to the shoreline involves a bit of a trek along a fairly steep track, but the views along the way make the effort worthwhile.
From the top, the coastline stretches for miles. Massive cliff faces dominate the landscape and the Tasman Sea rolls steadily against the shore below.
Once on the beach, the details start to reveal themselves. The sand is fine and black, often sparkling slightly in the sunlight. Along the shoreline you’ll find interesting rocks, shells, driftwood and other natural treasures scattered by the tide.
The towering cliffs run for what feels like endless distance along the coast, creating a dramatic backdrop that makes the entire beach feel wild and untouched.
The Cliffs of Waihi
Ancient Layers Revealed
Curiosity got the better of us while exploring Waihi Beach, here the cliffs rise sharply from the shoreline, their layered papa rock and clay formations shaped by centuries of wind, waves and erosion. In the late afternoon light the colours shift through warm tones of gold, brown and rust — a striking sight against the dark sand below.
If you take a closer look at the cliff faces, you’ll notice fossilised shells embedded within the layers of sediment. These ancient marine remnants quietly reveal the geological story of the coastline — a time when this land once sat beneath the sea.
Wild & Uncrowded
A True West Coast Beach
Compared with some of the more popular beaches further north, Ohawe feels open and uncrowded. On the day we visited there were a handful of surfers enjoying the waves and several people swimming, but the beach still felt expansive and peaceful, with plenty of space to wander and explore.
As the afternoon light shifts, the colours in the clay and papa rock seem to deepen, making the entire coastline feel even more dramatic.
Spend a little time here and you begin to understand why photographers and nature lovers are drawn to this stretch of coast. With its wide skies, powerful ocean and rugged cliffs, Ohawe captures the wild beauty that defines the Taranaki coastline.
Wild, dramatic and unmistakably west coast, Ohawe Beach remains one of Taranaki’s most memorable coastal landscapes.
Experience
More Than a Place to Stay
At Mountain Lake Lodge, the experience goes beyond your room. Wander through the gardens, watch ducks glide across the lake or unwind by the firepit as the stars appear overhead. Here, life moves a little slower, shaped by open skies, mountain views and the simple rhythms of rural Taranaki.
