Discover & Explore Whakatane | Bay of Plenty NZ

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.

+ Read More

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.

Volcanic/Geothermal, Kayaking, Sailing, Other Wildlife

KG Kayaks - Guided Kayak Tours at Moutohorā / Whale Island

Moutohorā /Whale Island, 9km off the Whakatane coast is a kayaking paradise. We sail to the island by catamaran, enjoy two hours of paddling and visit the hot water beach and geothermal area before home baked morning tea is served on board the yacht.

Golf, Sports

Ohope International Golf Club

Greg Turner in 2012 commented on Ohope International Golf Club“ The seaside terrain is as dramatic as anything in the British Isles and the views are exceptional. This is links golf to match the very best anywhere!”

Airline Specialists

Air Chathams - Whakātane & Bay of Plenty

Air Chathams has been bringing New Zealand’s regional communities together by air in New Zealand and the Pacific for over 35 years. We fly the fastest direct route from Auckland to Whakatāne, Whanganui, the Kāpiti Coast and the Chatham Islands.

Whirinaki Forest

Adventure Lovers, Experiences, Group Activities

Motu River Jet

Whale watching, Dolphins, Seals

Diveworks Charters Whales and Dolphin Watch

Your experience of a lifetime...swim with dolphins and Seals with occasional sightings of whales in their natural environment.

Kayaking, Water activities, Bird watching

Kayak hire - KG Kayaks

Ideal for beginners and family groups, you can explore the beautiful and sheltered Ohiwa Harbour, with its many islands and wonderful bird life. After a comprehensive safety briefing and instruction you'll be ready to head off on a bespoke adventure.

Water activities, Rafting, Kayaking, Maori Cultural Attractions, Study/Education

Riverbug – Tarawera River Bay of Plenty

Connect with nature and experience Tarawera River’s swirling currents and fun whitewater from a riverbug perspective. Share our passion for riverbug adventures, and help us to support regenerative tourism, community and healthy lifestyles.

Maori Cultural Attractions, Heritage attractions, Study/Education, Land Activities, Wildlife Encounters, Other Wildlife

The Hidden Wonders of Tarawera Falls

Travel Ed's belief is that the best way to understand other cultures happens by experiencing cultures by 'doing it'. Join us to experience the extensive Māori history and culture that the Bay of Plenty coastline offers.

Urban attractions, Volcanic/Geothermal, Scenic flights

White Island Flights

A truly unique experience with one of our professional pilots, as we take you around New Zealand's only active Marine Volcano. Departing from Whakatane, Rotorua or Tauranga, our flights are devoted to customer satisfaction.

Shopping Centres

The Hub Whakatane

This large shopping centre is home to some of the biggest stores in the Eastern Bay of Plenty. You’ll find over 10 national retail chains here offering furniture, appliances, homeware, fashion, sports equipment, garden products and more.

Fishing – Salt Water, Diving, Boat cruises

Diveworks Charters - Fishing and Diving

Deep sea Fishing, Sport fishing and Diving the Eastern Bay of Plenty aboard M.V.Diveworks. We cater for the new comer to the expert. All equipment supplied.

Fruit Picking

Blueberry Corner

Experience our 'famous' natural fruit ice-creams along with the freshest berries you have ever eaten straight from the orchard, enjoy berry baking while you sit amongst our fully operating berry orchard.

Health & Wellness

Body + Soul

Indulge, unwind and escape while being pampered head-to-toe in the luxury of our fresh and contemporary environment. conveniently located in a central CBD location on The Strand in Whakatane.

Motu Trails

Wildlife Encounters, Seals, Boat cruises, Bird watching, Volcanic/Geothermal

Moutohorā: Island Sanctuary

Discover the rare beauty of one of New Zealand’s little-known treasures, Moutohorā (also known as Whale Island), home to some of New Zealand’s most endangered birds and reptiles.

Sailing, Diving, Boat cruises

Whale Island (Moutohora) Snorkelling Sailing Trip

Departing from Whakatane, we offer snorkeling trips around the islands of Moutohoroa and the Rurimas.

Diving, Boat cruises, Fishing – Fresh Water, Hunting, Fishing – Salt Water

Ezyfishing Charters Whakatane

Ezyfishing Charters owner/operator Lindsay Hunt has been a fisher & hunter since childhood. Lindsay enjoys nothing better than sharing his passion and qualifications with travelers from all over the world. In a safe and healthy work place.

Oceans & Beaches, Experiences, Group Activities

Salt Spray Surf School

Learning to surf the waves is truly an exhilarating experience and there is no better place to learn then the white sands of Ohope Beach.

Fishing – Salt Water

Gambler Charters

White Island Kingfish, Bass, Groper, Bluenose and reef fish with experienced operator, up to 6 anglers or 8 inshore fishing - full day, also very comfortable home-stay accommodation available with stunning views. Good quality rod and tackle for hire.

Kayaking

Kayaking - Ohiwa Beach Holiday Park

Explore the beautiful Ohiwa harbour by Kayak. We have single or double kayaks for hire where you can enjoy a tranquil afternoon kayaking on Ohiwa Harbour.

Boat cruises, Whale watching, Bird watching, Dolphins

Diveworks Charters - Whale Island Tours

Whale Island aka Moutohora is a wildlife sanctuary 9kms. from Whakatane. Its surrounding waters contain an abundance of Marine wildlife. The Island hosts an abundance of rare and endangered Flora and fauna.

Seals, Diving, Dolphins, Volcanic/Geothermal, Boat cruises

Diveworks Charters - Dolphin and Seal Encounters

During summer, Diveworks Dolphin and Seal Encounters provides the opportunity to swim, view and enjoy dolphins in the Bay of Plenty. Sightings of baby dolphin are incredible. Then we head to Whale Island and swim with the friendly Kekeno seals.

Ngā Tapuwae O Toi

Paper Plus Whakatane

We are a locally owned one stop shop for books, gifts, magazines, lotto, posting and more. We are passionate about what we do. Come in, stop by and have a chat if you are passing through our beautiful town!

Shopping

HIM DOT HER

him dot her

Kayaking

KG Kayaks Guided Tours

Guided tours are a great way to get intimate with this beautiful corner of New Zealand. On our guided tours you can expect a focus on safety and comfort, some salty yarns from our local guides, a delicious home baked picnic and small group numbers.

Visitor Information Centre

Whakatāne isite Visitor Information Centre

We provide a comprehensive, impartial information and booking service for the Whakatāne region as well as New Zealand for accommodation, activities, attractions and travel bookings.

View all Whakatāne Experiences

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.

Motels

Barringtons Motor Lodge

Barringtons Motor Lodge & Motel provides modern, comfortable, spacious accommodation for visitors to Whakatane. Whakatane is located in the sunny Bay of Plenty on the east coast of the North Island.

Motels

Tourist Court Motel Whakatane

Studios sleep up to three people. One-bed units sleep up to four. Two-bedroom unit sleeps up to seven people.

Holiday parks & campgrounds

Whakatane Holiday Park

We have a great range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and group sizes, whether it be solo travellers, couples, families, or larger groups, we have them all. Come in, park up your car, caravan or camper van, and enjoy our wonderful town.

Accommodation Specialists, General Travel, Self Drive Holiday Specialists

Off The Beaten Track - Waterfall Mountain Glamping

Luxurious glamping tent set amongst a beautiful background of native bush that combines the comforts of a hotel and the adventure of camping.

Motels

Ohiwa Beach Holiday Park Motel

Our Beachfront Motel Units offer amazing views of the Pacific Ocean and Ohiwa Beach, with the Ohiwa harbour on our back doorstep. Fully self contained, each unit is spacious and provides a comfortable place to relax and unwind.

Apartments

Ohope Beach Resort

Ohope Beach Resort is a luxurious self contained apartment complex offering magnificent views out over the Pacific Ocean and the volcanic White Island to the North and Ohiwa Harbour and onto the Urewera Ranges to the South. Ohope Beach is NZ's best.

Boutique & Lodge

Canopy Camping Escapes | Chattan Farm

Chattan Farm is a peaceful haven. 300 hectares of native bush with marked tracks, make this a walkers paradise. Nearly predator-free, bird life thrives and glampers will awake in their luxurious canvas tent, to the sound of a heavenly dawn chorus.

Motels

Pacific Coast Motor Lodge

Enjoy clean, comfortable, 4-star plus accommodation in a great location. Choose from our variety of room types, all with air conditioning, free wifi and Sky 50+. Whether you are a family on holiday or in the Eastern Bay of Plenty for work.

Camping & Holiday Parks

Thornton Beach Holiday Park

If your looking for somewhere just a little off the beaten track, but still within 5mins of great country cafes and shopping - book a holiday with us and experience our award winning hospitality.

Holiday parks & campgrounds

Ōhope Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park

Create your holiday memories with us. We’ve got kiwi, an active volcano and an incredible beach. With accommodation for every budget on the stunning shores of Ōhope Beach and superb views of Whakaari and Moutohora.

Holiday homes

Off The Beaten Track - Waterfall Mountain Glamping

Need a nice relaxing break away from all of the pressures of normal life? Waterfall Mountain Glamping offers luxurious accommodation combined with the comforts of a hotel and the adventure of camping.

Venues, Hotels, Motels

Tuscany Villas Whakatane

Tuscany Villas Whakatane offers guests 4.5-star luxury boutique suite or apartment accommodation located in the heart of the CBD in Whakatane.

Guest & Hosted

Canopy Camping Escapes | Kahikatea Farm

Kahikatea Farm is a farm and bush block, just outside of Whakatane in the Bay of Plenty. It's a 3.5 hour drive from Auckland, and approximately one hour from Rotorua and Tauranga.

Motels

Awa Motel

A quiet location, yet only minutes walk from Whakatāne’s boutique shopping and restaurants, Awa Motel has rooms to suit any traveller and is the departure point for tours to Moutohorā Island Sanctuary.

Motels

Aquarius Motel

Located at NZ's most loved beach with spacious fully equipped units. Only 15 minutes from Whakatane town center. Aquarius Motel provides affordable, comfortable and friendly accommodation at Ohope beach.

Holiday parks & campgrounds

Tirohanga Beach Motor Camp

Begin your East Coast Experience here. Stunning Beach.Three hectares of sheltered sites backing on the to the sand dunes. 60 power sites & a variety of cabins. Motu Cycle Trail in Dunes, a safe sandy beach and a base for fishing and tramping .

Camping & Holiday Parks, Oceans & Beaches, Hot Pools

Awakeri Hot Springs

Nestled amongst lush park-like grounds, and perfectly situated to take advantage of the Bay of Plenty’s lakes, rivers, mountains and beaches, Awakeri Hot Springs offers a beautifully peaceful holiday park, just 10 minutes drive from Whakatane.

Motels

Ohope Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park Motels

Situated between Ohope Beach and Ohiwa Harbour in an absolute beachfront location, this is the perfect holiday environment for swimming, surfing, wakeboarding, boating, fishing and shellfish collecting or for total relaxation.

Motels

Livingston Motel

Visit Livingston Motel to relax and unwind in motel accommodation in the sunny Eastern Bay of Plenty. Livingston Inn is a motel with 15 ground floor units, 11 of these with genuine private individually filled spa pools.

Holiday parks & campgrounds

Opotiki Holiday Park

Relax in a rural setting, only 200m from the Opotiki town centre with a range of cafes, restaurants and shops nearby. Come stay with us and enjoy the rural area with swimming pool, kayaking, fishing or some native bush walks.

Holiday parks & campgrounds

Tasman Holiday Parks - Ohiwa Beach

Ohiwa Beach Holiday Park offers beach front accommodation and camping. Situated on the shores of Ohiwa Harbour. Visit Ohiwa Holiday Park for bush walks, glow worms, kayaking, fishing and safe swimming. A range of accommodation for your next holiday.

Motels

Kalinal ltd trading as Alton Lodge Motel

Alton Lodge Motel Whakatane New Zealand. Close to the Pacific Coast Highway this mid-town Whakatane accommodation complex allows easy access to the famous Ohope Beach.

Bed & breakfast

Moanarua Beach Cottage

Romantic hideaway between the ocean & harbour. Maori hosts with knowledge of the local history, customs and culture. Fully self-contained cottage with own entrance & patio area. Breakfast provisions in cottage and welcome drinks and nibbles included.

Motels

Surfs Reach Motel

With 10 units set on sheltered grounds on the beachfront we are ideally situated to offer you a peaceful and relaxing base from which to explore the beautiful Bay of Plenty.

Apartments

Surf and Sand Ohope's Beachfront Accommodation

Our one or two bedroom apartments sleep up to eight people, offering luxury and comfort. With private decks and balconies, offering spectacular harbour and ocean views.

Apartments

Beachpoint Resort

Beachpoint Resort located adjacent to 11km Ohope beach. 1 & 2 bedroom options, just a few kilometers drive from central Whakatane. Excellent stop off point when touring the East Cape

Motels

Cortez Motor Inn

Your on-site hosts, Dave and Karen, welcome you to sunny Whakatane in the beautiful Eastern Bay of Plenty, and offer all travellers and visitors a relaxing stay in affordable Whakatane accommodation.

Motels

The Com Plex Motel

The Com Plex Motel has 6 heritage suites, and 2 twin share suites situated above a beautifully restored heritage building and 20 corporate suites, constructed in 2020/2021 on the site that was occupied by the original Commercial Hotel.

Venues, Camping & Holiday Parks, Backpackers

Murupara Motor Camp

Set in a tranquil two hectares of land at the Gateway to the Te Urewera Rainforest and just a minutes walk to the Rangitaiki River (and 5 minutes to the main street of town)

Apartments

Quayside Luxury Apartments

Featuring 43 one, two or bedroom apartments, Quayside Luxury Apartments is Whakatane's newest luxury accommodation. Perfectly situated in the heart of the town, Quayside is the place to stay.

Bed & breakfast

SheldrakeBNB

SheldrakeBNB, self-contained luxury accommodation is framed by native "bush". It is secluded & tranquil. Birdsong is the only interruption to your peace & relaxation. From the deck you can see the Pacific Ocean & a walk to the Bay takes 10 minutes.

Apartments

Beachpoint Apartments

Superbly appointed 1 and 2 bedroom luxury apartments overlook unbroken 11km of sandy beach with breathtaking seaviews out to the active volcano, White Island. Ohope Beach offers plenty of sunshine and is great for swimming and surfing.

Motels

One88 on Commerce

One88 on Commerce is set in tranquil Whakatane just 5 minutes drive to the famous Ohope Beach. This Award winning Motel offers 22 spacious air-conditioned suites, offering superior accommodation.

Motels

37 The Landing Motel

One of Whakatane's newest motels with modern, spacious fully equipped units. The perfect place to stay whether you are on business or here for pleasure.

Hotels

Whakatane Hotel

The Whakatane Hotel is an iconic building in central Whakatane with easy walks to cafes, restaurants, bars and shopping. We offer accommodation for all budgets with an Irish bar onsite.

View all places to stay in Whakatāne

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.

Bars & Pubs

Mata Brewery & Tasting Room

The Mata Tasting Room is the perfect place to relax with friends while enjoying a selection of award-winning craft beers and delicious kai.

Restaurants, Takeaways

Gibbos On The Wharf

Gibbo's is where the locals return week after week for the freshest fish and chips.......If you don't believe us, give us a try today!

Cafes & Delis

Café Awa

Born out of a love of good coffee, today Café Awa is a favourite of both coffee lovers and foodies alike.

Cafes & Delis, Fruit Picking, Animals & Wildlife

Julians Berry Farm & Cafe

Julians Berry Farm and Cafe offers a unique New Zealand experience, and regarded as one of New Zealands hidden treasures. Something for everyone at this award winning attraction.

Restaurants

Cadera

Bienvenidos! Welcome to Cadera Mexican Bar & Restaurant at Ohope Beach. Cadera is located right next to Ohope Beach, making our venue a hot spot for you to enjoy refreshing beverages, listening to music and also providing fresh and delicious Mexican food.

View all places to eat & drink in Whakatāne