
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.


Meet Mataatua Express Tour
Whale Island (Moutohora) Snorkelling Sailing Trip

Fothergills on Mimiha

Riverbug Tours, Courses & Rental

Wildside Adventures - East Coast -Scenic Tours- Kayaking

Snorkeling 1/2 - Full Day Wildside Adventures

Body + Soul

Motu River Jet

Whakatāne i-SITE Visitor Information Centre
Hiking packages Multi Day - Wildside Adventures

KG Kayaks - Guided Kayak Tours at Moutohorā / Whale Island

Kayaking - Ohiwa Beach Holiday Park

White Island Flights

Know Mataatua Cultural Immersion Experience

Rangitaiki Tours

Wildside Waterfall Walk

Diveworks Charters - Whale Island Tours

Motu Trails

Diveworks Charters - Dolphin and Seal Encounters

Wildside Tours Whakatane Scenery, Artisan Food and Drinks

Rangitaiki Tours - Cultural Immersion Mātauranga

Ohope International Golf Club

Whakatane Cycle Tours
Ezyfishing Charters Whakatane

Diveworks Charters - Fishing and Diving

Moutohorā: Island Sanctuary

HIM DOT HER

Diveworks Charters Whales and Dolphin Watch

The Hub Whakatane

Kayak hire - KG Kayaks

Motu Trails

Paper Plus Whakatane

Salt Spray Surf School

Kiwi Jet Boat Tours

Whirinaki Forest

Gambler Charters

Ngā Tapuwae O Toi

KG Kayaks Guided Tours

Rangitaiki Tours - Land Based Fishing Experience

Epic Escape
Blueberry Corner
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.

Oceanspray Homestay

One88 on Commerce

White Island Rendezvous

Awakeri Hot Springs

Whakatane Hotel

Ohiwa Beach Holiday Park

37 The Landing Motel

Fothergills on Mimiha

Aquarius Motel
Opotiki Holiday Park

Pacific Coast Motor Lodge

Surfs Reach Motel

Barringtons Motor Lodge
Moanarua Beach Cottage

Tuscany Villas Whakatane

Ohope Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park

Surf and Sand Ohope's Beachfront Accommodation

Ohiwa Beach Holiday Park Motel

Aruhe

Ohope Beach Resort

Canopy Camping Escapes - Chattan Farm

Canopy Camping Escapes - Kahikatea Farm

Cortez Motor Inn

Tirohanga Beach Motor Camp

Whakatane Holiday Park
Ohope Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park Motels
Beachpoint Apartments

Livingston Motel

Beachpoint Resort

Karibu Backpackers

Murupara Motor Camp

Quayside Luxury Apartments

Thornton Beach Holiday Park

Tourist Court Motel Whakatane

Kalinal ltd trading as Alton Lodge Motel
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.

Julians Berry Farm & Cafe

White Island Café

Gibbos On The Wharf
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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