Perched where native headland meets rolling Pacific, the Kohi Point Scenic Track unfurls along a stunning 7km cliff-top ribbon between Whakatāne and Ohope Beach. Ranked 49 in local highlights for Nature & Forest, this track rewards every step with broad, cinematic views of sea, shore and the far-off plume of steaming Whakaari — a living, breathing landmark on the horizon.
The walk itself feels like a continual reveal. From the town edge you climb to exposed vantage points where the ocean stretches uninterrupted to the skyline. Each turn frames a new composition: serrated coastlines, the sweep of sandy Ohope Bay beneath, and the distant silhouette of Whakaari punctuating the sky. On days when the volcano’s steam is visible, the effect is elemental — land, sea and fire held in a single gaze.
Kohi Point is more than a series of photo stops. The track’s cliff-top position delivers an immediate sense of place: the wind off the Pacific, the cry of seabirds on the air, and the tactile contrast between the scrubby headlands and the sheltered beach below. The route is well suited to walkers seeking an immersive coastal experience without leaving the Whakatāne/Ohope corridor — whether you’re after a brisk outing or a lingering afternoon of exploration.
Practical pleasures are simple and satisfying. The connection between Whakatāne and Ohope Beach makes the track an easy addition to a day that combines town cafés, beach time and a scenic walk. For photographers and nature lovers, the horizon’s layered textures — water, shore, headland and volcano — offer endless compositions from dawn’s soft pastels through the golden hour.
Tips for visiting: pick a clear day for the best visibility of Whakaari and to fully appreciate the scale of the coastline. Sunrise and late afternoon light intensify colors and shadows, making these times especially atmospheric. As a cliff-top experience, conditions can be exposed: dress in layers and wear sturdy footwear suitable for coastal tracks.
Why it matters: Kohi Point Scenic Track condenses the elemental appeal of New Zealand’s East Coast into a single, memorable route. It’s a place to feel the Pacific wind, watch the coastline unfurl beneath your feet and, when the skies cooperate, to watch the distant plume of Whakaari define the horizon — a vivid reminder of the region’s wild, volcanic character.