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.
Riverbug – Tarawera River Bay of Plenty
Paper Plus Whakatane
Body + Soul
Gambler Charters
The Hub Whakatane
Salt Spray Surf School
Diveworks Charters - Fishing and Diving
Motu & Rangitaiki Jet Boat Tours

Whirinaki Forest
Ezyfishing Charters Whakatane
White Island Flights
KG Kayaks - Guided Kayak Tours at Moutohorā / Whale Island
Kayak hire - KG Kayaks
HIM DOT HER
Ōhope Beach Golf Links
The Hidden Wonders of Tarawera Falls

Ngā Tapuwae O Toi
Diveworks Charters - Whale Island Tours

Motu Trails
Kayaking - Ohiwa Beach Holiday Park
Blueberry Corner
Diveworks Charters Whales and Dolphin Watch
Diveworks Charters - Dolphin and Seal Encounters
Moutohorā: Island Sanctuary
KG Kayaks Guided Tours
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.
Opotiki Holiday Park
The Com Plex Motel
Surf and Sand Ohope's Beachfront Accommodation
Riverside Whakatane Holiday Park
Quayside Luxury Apartments
Tasman Holiday Parks - Ohiwa Beach
Pacific Coast Motor Lodge
Tirohanga Beach Motor Camp
Aquarius Motel
Ohiwa Beach Holiday Park Motel
Awa Motel
One88 on Commerce
Cortez Motor Inn
Canopy Camping Escapes | Chattan Farm
Kalinal ltd trading as Alton Lodge Motel
Surfs Reach Motel
Ōhope Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park
Tuscany Villas Whakatane
Ohope Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park Motels
Moanarua Beach Cottage
Whakatane Hotel
Off The Beaten Track - Waterfall Mountain Glamping
SheldrakeBNB
Canopy Camping Escapes | Kahikatea Farm
Beachpoint Resort
Ohope Beach Resort
Tourist Court Motel Whakatane
37 The Landing Motel
Off The Beaten Track - Waterfall Mountain Glamping
Beachpoint Apartments
Awakeri Hot Springs
Barringtons Motor Lodge
Thornton Beach Holiday Park
Livingston 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.
Café Awa
Gibbos On The Wharf
Julians Berry Farm & Cafe
Mata Brewery & Tasting Room
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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