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