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