Welcome to Whakatāne
Whakatāne is the Bay of Plenty’s sunshine capital 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.
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.
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!”
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 .
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Ngā Tapuwae O Toi
Meet Mataatua Express Tour
Be enthralled by the story of Mataatua Wharenui: The House That Came Home!
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.
Motu Trails
Discover Motu Trails — one of the Great Rides on The New Zealand Cycle Trail.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Riverbug Tours, Courses & Rental
Experience the Bay of Plenty's waterways from the unique perspective of our NZ invented, single person 'Riverbug' inflatables. Our tours & courses offer safe, fun, educational and cultural filled adventures suitable for all ages and abilities.
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.
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).
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.
Wildside Tours Whakatane Scenery, Artisan Food and Drinks
Experience Whakatanes local Boutique Food and Drinks along with sights and scenery
Epic Escape
An escape room is a fun team challenge where you have one hour to figure out how to escape from the room. You are immersed in a realistic environment and must solve all the games using the clues provided in order to escape before the time runs out!
HIM DOT HER
him dot her
Know Mataatua Cultural Immersion Experience
An unforgettable encounter with a story, a house and people. Where captivating indigenous story teller and world class digital technology combine to leave a warm and lasting impression of this powerful New Zealand experience.
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!
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.
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.
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.
Fothergills on Mimiha
An idyllic country garden, richly planted, with touches of formality and a charming arrangement of structure, space and beauty in a relaxed atmosphere.
Visit by arrangement;
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Whale Island (Moutohora) Snorkelling Sailing Trip
Departing from Whakatane, we offer snorkeling trips around the islands of Moutohoroa and the Rurimas.
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.
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).
Motu River Jet
Whirinaki Forest
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Whakatane Holiday Park
Whakatane Holiday Park is the closest park to town; a 5 minute walk along the lovely river walkway will have you in the town centre.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 .
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.
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.
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.
Fothergills on Mimiha
Super-comfortable accommodation with award-winning hosts, centrally located for day trips to Rotorua, Tauranga, White Island, Ohope Beach & Whakatane, close to the main road, yet hidden away from the world on a sealed, quiet, no-exit road.
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.
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.
White Island Café
Born out of a love of good coffee, today White Island Café is a favourite of both coffee lovers and foodies alike.
Gibbos On The Wharf
Gibbo's is where the locals return week after week for the freshest fish and chips.......If you don't believe us, give us a try today!
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.
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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