Ōhiwa Harbour is a large, shallow tidal estuary covering approximately 26 square kilometres between Whakatāne and Ōpōtiki. Its entrance is located at the eastern end of the Ōhope spit. The harbour is predominantly a broad, intertidal zone, with two-thirds of its water volume draining at low tide, exposing up to 80 percent of the harbour bed. This extreme tidal range is the primary consideration for paddlers, as navigating the extensive mudflats is only practical around high tide. A specific launch point is from the water's edge at the bottom of a driveway on Waiotahe Beach, which is only viable within two hours either side of high tide. The main formal access is the Ōhiwa boat ramp on Harbour Road in Ōhope, which provides concrete ramp access to the harbour. Paddlers can explore through significant mangrove forests and under ancient Pōhutukawa trees, offering a scenic and sheltered environment away from the main channels. The harbour contains a number of islands and is considered a significant natural and recreational resource. For safety, paddlers must be acutely aware of the tide schedule to avoid being stranded by the rapid ebb. The harbour has a 5-knot speed limit for all vessels in most areas, which applies to powered craft but indicates generally calm waters for paddlers. However, boat traffic exists, particularly in the defined channel between the Port Ōhope boat ramp and the harbour entrance, which should be crossed with caution. The harbour's aesthetic is one of a large, unspoiled estuary with a mix of sandy shores, mudflats, and coastal vegetation. Freedom camping is not permitted within the harbour or its catchment.