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.
Gambler Charters
Air Chathams - Whakātane & Bay of Plenty
Rangitaiki Tours
Kayak hire - KG Kayaks
Wildside Tours Whakatane Scenery, Artisan Food and Drinks
Moutohorā: Island Sanctuary
Meet Mataatua Express Tour
Salt Spray Surf School
Whale Island (Moutohora) Snorkelling Sailing Trip

Ngā Tapuwae O Toi
The Hub Whakatane
Diveworks Charters Whales and Dolphin Watch
Rangitaiki Tours - Cultural Immersion Mātauranga
Wildside Waterfall Walk
KG Kayaks - Guided Kayak Tours at Moutohorā / Whale Island
Body + Soul
Snorkeling 1/2 - Full Day Wildside Adventures
HIM DOT HER
Kiwi Jet Boat Tours
Diveworks Charters - Dolphin and Seal Encounters
KG Kayaks Guided Tours
Rangitaiki Tours - Land Based Fishing Experience
Diveworks Charters - Whale Island Tours
NATIVConnectioNZ
Diveworks Charters - Fishing and Diving

Whirinaki Forest
White Island Flights
Blueberry Corner
Riverbug.NZ – Awesome Guided Riverbug Tours in the Bay of Plenty, NZ
Paper Plus Whakatane
Hiking packages Multi Day - Wildside Adventures
Kayaking - Ohiwa Beach Holiday Park
Ezyfishing Charters Whakatane
Whakatane Cycle Tours
Whakatāne i-SITE Visitor Information Centre
Ohope International Golf Club
Wildside Adventures - East Coast -Scenic Tours- Kayaking
Motu River Jet

Motu Trails
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.
Tourist Court Motel Whakatane
37 The Landing Motel
Quayside Luxury Apartments
Canopy Camping Escapes - Chattan Farm
Canopy Camping Escapes - Kahikatea Farm
Cortez Motor Inn
The Com Plex Motel
Ohope Beach Resort
Beachpoint Resort
Aquarius Motel
Beachpoint Apartments
One88 on Commerce
Ohope Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park Motels
Ohope Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park
Opotiki Holiday Park
Off The Beaten Track - Waterfall Mountain Glamping
Ohiwa Beach Holiday Park Motel
Thornton Beach Holiday Park
Moanarua Beach Cottage
Tirohanga Beach Motor Camp
Pacific Coast Motor Lodge
Tuscany Villas Whakatane
Aruhe
Off The Beaten Track - Waterfall Mountain Glamping
Kalinal ltd trading as Alton Lodge Motel
Surf and Sand Ohope's Beachfront Accommodation
White Island Rendezvous
Murupara Motor Camp
Livingston Motel
Oceanspray Homestay
Whakatane Hotel
Whakatane Holiday Park
Surfs Reach Motel
Ohiwa Beach Holiday Park
Awakeri Hot Springs
Barringtons Motor Lodge
Karibu Backpackers
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
White Island Café
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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