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.

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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.

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

Travel Ed

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

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.

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.

Arts, Culture and Heritage, Heritage attractions, Land Activities, Maori Cultural Attractions, Walking & hiking

Rangitaiki Tours

Nau mai haere mai ki wheako 6-haora. Welcome to our 6-hour guided experience. Let our kaiārahi (local guide) lead you on a journey of nature, culture, food, whānau (family) and long-lasting memories across our ātaahua (beautiful) region.

Kayaking

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.

Attractions, Land Activities, Miscellaneous madness, Wineries

Wildside Tours Whakatane Scenery, Artisan Food and Drinks

Experience Whakatanes local Boutique Food and Drinks along with sights and scenery

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.

Arts, Heritage & Culture, Educational, Maori Culture, Must-Dos, Tours

Meet Mataatua Express Tour

Be enthralled by the story of Mataatua Wharenui: The House That Came Home!

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.

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.

Ngā Tapuwae O Toi

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.

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.

Arts, Culture and Heritage, Heritage attractions, Land Activities, Maori Cultural Attractions, Walking & hiking

Rangitaiki Tours - Cultural Immersion Mātauranga

Nau mai haere mai ki Mātauranga. Welcome to our cultural immersion experience. Encounter authentic Māori culture first-hand. Live and learn from tangata whenua (local people of the land) and become whānau (family).

Walking & hiking

Wildside Waterfall Walk

Experience New Zealand's Wilderness first hand. Enjoy one of our guided walks through New Zealand's indigenous forest. Visit a breath taking waterfall. Sometimes see trout in the crystal clear water.

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.

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.

Diving

Snorkeling 1/2 - Full Day Wildside Adventures

We offer 1/2 - full day snorkeling trips in beautiful locations in the Sunny Eastern Bay of Plenty .

Shopping

HIM DOT HER

him dot her

Boat cruises, Attractions, Jet boating, Water activities

Kiwi Jet Boat Tours

Kiwi Jet Boat Tours provides you with an all-round thrilling real jet boating experience, with heart racing excitement and gorgeous scenery, you will be left talking about it for years to come. Don't miss out - book today.

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.

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.

Arts, Culture and Heritage, Fishing – Fresh Water, Fishing – Salt Water, Maori Cultural Attractions, Water activities

Rangitaiki Tours - Land Based Fishing Experience

Nau mai haere mai ki Hī Ika. Welcome to our land-based fishing experience. Encounter traditional and modern methods of gathering kai (food) from majestic wai (water) source, guided by our local knowledgeable kaiārahi (guide).

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.

Tours, Maori Culture

NATIVConnectioNZ

Don't be fooled by imitations - this is your chance to learn how to prepare, lay and eat an authentic earth cooked Maori hangi.

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.

Whirinaki Forest

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.

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.

Sports, Rafting, Kayaking, Study/Education, Water activities, Surfing

Riverbug.NZ – Awesome Guided Riverbug Tours in the Bay of Plenty, NZ

Experience the Bay of Plenty's special places from the unique riverbug perspective. The New Zealand invented riverbug is a fun new way to ride whitewater rapids. Check out our range of fun, educational and cultural filled adventures.

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!

Walking & hiking

Hiking packages Multi Day - Wildside Adventures

Explore the wilderness on a guided tramp into the remote native bush. Walks can be personalized to take from 4-8 hours. Sample native plants and meet the glow-worms. Kiwi & morepork may be heard at night. Cost includes food & accommodation.

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.

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.

Cycling & Mountain Biking

Whakatane Cycle Tours

Join us on the many trails and tracks around the beautiful Eastern Bay of Plenty which we call home. Explore Whakatane, Ohope, Onepu and further afield. You can also ask us to join you on a track you’ve always wanted to explore.

Visitor Information Centre

Whakatāne i-SITE Visitor Information Centre

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

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!”

Kayaking, Diving

Wildside Adventures - East Coast -Scenic Tours- Kayaking

One - two days. Longer trips can be arranged. We will take you to some of the best snorkeling locations on the East Coast. Accommodation, Transportation, Equipment and meals inclusive.

Adventure Lovers, Experiences, Group Activities

Motu River Jet

Motu Trails

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Bed & breakfast

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

Holiday parks & campgrounds

Ohope 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 Ohope Beach and superb views of White Island and Whale Island.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 .

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.

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.

Bed & breakfast

Aruhe

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

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.

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.

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.

Motels

White Island Rendezvous

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

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)

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.

Bed & Breakfast

Oceanspray Homestay

Beachside 3 brm Apartment at Ohope Beach, Bay of Plenty, NZ. Seaviews from upstairs decks to East Cape, White Island. Downstairs 3 bedroom self contained apartment. Fishing and swimming Beach. Sample a slice of paradise at our seaside homestay

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.

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.

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.

Holiday parks & campgrounds

Ohiwa Beach Holiday Park

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.

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

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.

Backpackers

Karibu Backpackers

Karibu Backpackers, Whakatane the perfect eco-friendly place to stay while visiting White Island, diving, swimming with the dolphins or enjoying one of the many beautiful walks around the area.

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.

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.