Water sports

The narrow sliver of land between the Ohiwa Harbour and Ōhope Beach is only 100m wide, and the Port Ohope General Store sits almost in the middle. Which is lucky for owner Greig Dean, as that's a short distance to carry his paddleboard, or surfboard, or kitesurfing gear – whatever the weather conditions are crying out for.

Greig's sandy footprints have traipsed all over the world for the past 30 years and in Ōhope permanently for the past five years. His corporate career took him overseas but the lure of beach life whispered in the breeze. While he hasn't turned his back on suits completely, Greig and daughter Ashlee have built a multifaceted business in the Port Ohope Store – a general store, café, SUP school and kiteboarding business.

The store supplies the basics, saving holidaymakers and locals a trip to the supermarket, plus frozen yoghurt, Ben & Jerry's ice cream and Atomic Coffee. The café is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as takeaways, and there are plenty of places to lounge, from the well-worn couches in the store to the front deck perfectly positioned for sunset, plus the dog- and child-friendly beanbags and picnic tables out back. There are even hot showers to warm up post-paddle and pre-cocktail.

While there are more than enough reasons to pull up a chair and enjoy the view, Greig is also an expert at getting visitors on top of the water – or flying above it. A well-practised surfer, stand-up paddle boarder and kitesurfer, he operates both lessons and rentals for a number of activities. There are also guided SUP tours of the harbour. “The Ohiwa Harbour is shallow with great visibility – it's perfect for paddleboarding. There are seven islands to explore, and we can spend almost 90 minutes cruising through the harbour. I've seen amazing places but nothing like this – we have world-class resources at our doorstep.”

Greig took up kitesurfing in his late 50s and disappears to Thailand every year to immerse himself in the sport. Greig and Ashlee plan to have an instructor working from the store during the summer months, but they don't hire the gear without lessons – while it's not a difficult sport it needs practise and smarts.

He's also the one to ask for surfing tips and insider knowledge. “West End is the premier spot but there are plenty of breaks along the beach. As it's such a safe beach, they're generally good for all skill levels, and you often have the place to yourself.” 311 Harbour Road, Ōhope. (07) 312 4707, portohope.co.nz

Greig Dean