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