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