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.
Salt Spray Surf School
The Hidden Wonders of Tarawera Falls
HIM DOT HER
Kayak hire - KG Kayaks
Body + Soul
Ngā Tapuwae O Toi
Moutohorā: Island Sanctuary
Motu Trails
Diveworks Charters - Fishing and Diving
Air Chathams - Whakātane & Bay of Plenty
Riverbug – Tarawera River Bay of Plenty
Paper Plus Whakatane
The Hub Whakatane
Motu River Jet
Diveworks Charters - Whale Island Tours
Kayaking - Ohiwa Beach Holiday Park
Whale Island (Moutohora) Snorkelling Sailing Trip
Blueberry Corner
Diveworks Charters Whales and Dolphin Watch
Diveworks Charters - Dolphin and Seal Encounters
White Island Flights
Gambler Charters
KG Kayaks Guided Tours
KG Kayaks - Guided Kayak Tours at Moutohorā / Whale Island
Ezyfishing Charters Whakatane
Whakatāne isite Visitor Information Centre
Ohope International Golf Club
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.
Canopy Camping Escapes | Chattan Farm
Awakeri Hot Springs
Ōhope Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park
Beachpoint Apartments
Tirohanga Beach Motor Camp
Pacific Coast Motor Lodge
Opotiki Holiday Park
The Com Plex Motel
SheldrakeBNB
Kalinal ltd trading as Alton Lodge Motel
Moanarua Beach Cottage
Ohiwa Beach Holiday Park Motel
Whakatane Hotel
Tourist Court Motel Whakatane
Thornton Beach Holiday Park
Beachpoint Resort
Surfs Reach Motel
Livingston Motel
Surf and Sand Ohope's Beachfront Accommodation
Quayside Luxury Apartments
Tuscany Villas Whakatane
Ohope Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park Motels
Off The Beaten Track - Waterfall Mountain Glamping
Whakatane Holiday Park
37 The Landing Motel
Awa Motel
Barringtons Motor Lodge
Aquarius Motel
One88 on Commerce
Murupara Motor Camp
Tasman Holiday Parks - Ohiwa Beach
Cortez Motor Inn
Off The Beaten Track - Waterfall Mountain Glamping
Ohope Beach Resort
Canopy Camping Escapes | Kahikatea Farm
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.
Café Awa
Gibbos On The Wharf
Cadera
Mata Brewery & Tasting Room
Julians Berry Farm & Cafe
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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