Ōwhiro Bay School was founded in 1930 and is on the Southern Coast. Nearby is the Ōwhiro Stream and Ōwhiro Bay.
The area has historical significant Māori Heritage, with the name Ōwhiro Bay reflecting the connection to the navigator Whiro, who is said to have landed his waka (canoe) there. Historically, it was also home to various Māori tribes, including the Kati Mamoe, Ngati Ira, and Ngai Tara.