With only a walk across the road to the beach, Ohope Christian Camp is conveniently placed, with beautiful water views.

The camp site has both cabins and tenting facilities both offered at the cheapest rate I have ever seen for a holiday camping ground. A very clean and cared-for toilet block with good pressured free showers. A joint kitchen, and hall with fun games and room for recreation.

The reason I have kept coming back to this spot (for the past ten years) is that it has a big emphasis on people. Weekly joint kiwi bbq's for the campers, talent quests, and because of the communal living, it is easy to make friends (and keep them because they all come back the next year!)

You also get the beach vibe, but can mix it up with a 20 minute drive to go berry picking at Julians Berry Farm, or the Awakeri Hot Pools. It's a 5 minute drive into Whakatane's city centre where there is movies, cafes and shopping. A 2 minute walk to the dairy, mini-golf, playground, and glow worm track. And a 5 minute walk in the other direction takes you to another dairy, tennis court, and a bigger playground.

And I cannot forget to mention that Ohope is/feels like a safe beach. No rampant currents or rips, and has a life guarded swim spot.

The perfect place for a group or family who wants a fun new adventure every day!

Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in January 2010