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