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.
Diveworks Charters - Fishing and Diving

Ngā Tapuwae O Toi
Kayak hire - KG Kayaks
Motu & Rangitaiki Jet Boat Tours
Riverbug – Tarawera River Bay of Plenty
The Hub Whakatane
Ōhope Beach Golf Links
Air Chathams - Whakātane & Bay of Plenty
Ezyfishing Charters Whakatane

Whirinaki Forest
Paper Plus Whakatane
Blueberry Corner
Moutohorā: Island Sanctuary
Kayaking - Ohiwa Beach Holiday Park
Body + Soul
Diveworks Charters - Whale Island Tours
Salt Spray Surf School
Diveworks Charters Whales and Dolphin Watch

Motu Trails
HIM DOT HER
Gambler Charters
The Hidden Wonders of Tarawera Falls
White Island Flights
KG Kayaks - Guided Kayak Tours at Moutohorā / Whale Island
KG Kayaks Guided Tours
Diveworks Charters - Dolphin and Seal Encounters
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.
Beachpoint Apartments
Tasman Holiday Parks - Ohiwa Beach
Thornton Beach Holiday Park
The Com Plex Motel
Awakeri Hot Springs
Livingston Motel
Cortez Motor Inn
Off The Beaten Track - Waterfall Mountain Glamping
Ohiwa Beach Holiday Park Motel
Riverside Whakatane Holiday Park
Surf and Sand Ohope's Beachfront Accommodation
Tuscany Villas Whakatane
Awa Motel
Tirohanga Beach Motor Camp
37 The Landing Motel
Opotiki Holiday Park
Quayside Luxury Apartments
Barringtons Motor Lodge
Ohope Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park Motels
Canopy Camping Escapes | Chattan Farm
SheldrakeBNB
Whakatane Hotel
Ōhope Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park
Ohope Beach Resort
Surfs Reach Motel
Beachpoint Resort
One88 on Commerce
Pacific Coast Motor Lodge
Aquarius Motel
Kalinal ltd trading as Alton Lodge Motel
Off The Beaten Track - Waterfall Mountain Glamping
Tourist Court Motel Whakatane
Canopy Camping Escapes | Kahikatea Farm
Moanarua Beach Cottage
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.
Julians Berry Farm & Cafe
Cadera
Café Awa
Mata Brewery & Tasting Room
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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