Welcome to Whakatāne
Whakatāne is the Bay of Plenty’s sunshine capital, Kiwi Capital of the World™ and cultural hub. Local Māori believe New Zealand was first discovered more than 1,000 years ago by Tiwakawaka, who settled his people in what is now Whakatāne. The town takes pride in its rich Māori history and is a great place to enjoy authentic cultural experiences.
Close to the coast of Whakatāne is Moutohorā (Whale Island) - one of New Zealand’s best-kept secrets. Home to a plethora of New Zealand’s rare and endangered plants, birds and reptiles, the island sanctuary is fiercely protected by New Zealand’s Department of Conservation, therefore access to the island is only possible with official tour providers.
what to do in Whakatāne
From island sanctuaries to coastal walkways and unforgettable Māori cultural experiences - there’s no shortage of things to do in Whakatāne.
Paper Plus Whakatane
Riverbug – Tarawera River Bay of Plenty
HIM DOT HER
Body + Soul
Moutohorā: Island Sanctuary
Diveworks Charters - Whale Island Tours
Diveworks Charters - Fishing and Diving
Air Chathams - Whakātane & Bay of Plenty
Ezyfishing Charters Whakatane
KG Kayaks - Guided Kayak Tours at Moutohorā / Whale Island
Ohope International Golf Club
Gambler Charters
Motu Trails
Blueberry Corner
The Hub Whakatane
KG Kayaks Guided Tours
White Island Flights
Diveworks Charters Whales and Dolphin Watch
Salt Spray Surf School
Whirinaki Forest
Whale Island (Moutohora) Snorkelling Sailing Trip
The Hidden Wonders of Tarawera Falls
Whakatāne isite Visitor Information Centre
Diveworks Charters - Dolphin and Seal Encounters
Kayak hire - KG Kayaks
Motu River Jet
Kayaking - Ohiwa Beach Holiday Park
where to stay in Whakatāne
There’s accommodation-a-plenty as you drive into Whakatāne. The main road in has loads of motel accommodation to choose from, then once you’re in the city centre, there’s the full range from budget backpackers through to luxurious apartment-style accommodation.
Off The Beaten Track - Waterfall Mountain Glamping
Barringtons Motor Lodge
Tasman Holiday Parks - Ohiwa Beach
Ohope Beach Resort
Canopy Camping Escapes | Chattan Farm
Pacific Coast Motor Lodge
Murupara Motor Camp
Whakatane Hotel
Tirohanga Beach Motor Camp
Awakeri Hot Springs
Whakatane Holiday Park
SheldrakeBNB
Ohope Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park Motels
Cortez Motor Inn
Awa Motel
Beachpoint Resort
Ohiwa Beach Holiday Park Motel
Off The Beaten Track - Waterfall Mountain Glamping
The Com Plex Motel
Canopy Camping Escapes | Kahikatea Farm
Beachpoint Apartments
Moanarua Beach Cottage
37 The Landing Motel
Tourist Court Motel Whakatane
Opotiki Holiday Park
Surf and Sand Ohope's Beachfront Accommodation
Kalinal ltd trading as Alton Lodge Motel
Ōhope Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park
Quayside Luxury Apartments
Surfs Reach Motel
One88 on Commerce
Livingston Motel
Aquarius Motel
Thornton Beach Holiday Park
Tuscany Villas Whakatane
Places to Eat & Drink in Whakatāne
Whether you’re looking for high-end dining, or something more relaxed like takeaways, there’s something to suit every palate.
Mata Brewery & Tasting Room
Café Awa
Cadera
Julians Berry Farm & Cafe
Gibbos On The Wharf
STORIES & TALES OF WHAKATĀNE
Meet the locals and hear the stories of Whakatāne.
itineraries & travel plans for Whakatāne
We’ve done the hard work so you don’t have to. Check out some of our suggested itineraries and travel plans for Whakatāne.
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