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.
Kayaking - Ohiwa Beach Holiday Park
Kiwi Jet Boat Tours
Hiking packages Multi Day - Wildside Adventures
Whakatāne i-SITE Visitor Information Centre

Whirinaki Forest
Diveworks Charters Whales and Dolphin Watch
Gambler Charters
Salt Spray Surf School
Paper Plus Whakatane
Wildside Adventures - East Coast -Scenic Tours- Kayaking
Travel Ed
Blueberry Corner
Diveworks Charters - Whale Island Tours
Motu River Jet
Whale Island (Moutohora) Snorkelling Sailing Trip
Kayak hire - KG Kayaks
Snorkeling 1/2 - Full Day Wildside Adventures
Moutohorā: Island Sanctuary
NATIVConnectioNZ
Diveworks Charters - Dolphin and Seal Encounters
Diveworks Charters - Fishing and Diving

Ngā Tapuwae O Toi

Motu Trails
Ohope International Golf Club
Air Chathams - Whakātane & Bay of Plenty
KG Kayaks - Guided Kayak Tours at Moutohorā / Whale Island
Ezyfishing Charters Whakatane
Riverbug – Tarawera River Bay of Plenty
Whakatane Cycle Tours
KG Kayaks Guided Tours
Body + Soul
HIM DOT HER
White Island Flights
Wildside Waterfall Walk
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.
Oceanspray Homestay
Off The Beaten Track - Waterfall Mountain Glamping
Thornton Beach Holiday Park
Ohope Beach Resort
Awakeri Hot Springs
The Com Plex Motel
One88 on Commerce
Awa Motel
Aquarius Motel
Off The Beaten Track - Waterfall Mountain Glamping
Tuscany Villas Whakatane
Beachpoint Resort
Pacific Coast Motor Lodge
Murupara Motor Camp
Tirohanga Beach Motor Camp
Ohope Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park
Ohope Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park Motels
Livingston Motel
Cortez Motor Inn
Surfs Reach Motel
SheldrakeBNB
Whakatane Hotel
Opotiki Holiday Park
Moanarua Beach Cottage
Surf and Sand Ohope's Beachfront Accommodation
Canopy Camping Escapes | Chattan Farm
37 The Landing Motel
Canopy Camping Escapes | Kahikatea Farm
Whakatane Holiday Park
Kalinal ltd trading as Alton Lodge Motel
Tourist Court Motel Whakatane
Ohiwa Beach Holiday Park Motel
Ohiwa Beach Holiday Park
Barringtons Motor Lodge
Beachpoint Apartments
Quayside Luxury Apartments
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
Gibbos On The Wharf
Café Awa
Cadera
Mata Brewery & Tasting Room
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.
EVENTS IN THE BAY
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60TH NATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL
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