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.
Whakatāne isite Visitor Information Centre
The Hub Whakatane
Kayaking - Ohiwa Beach Holiday Park
KG Kayaks Guided Tours
Riverbug – Tarawera River Bay of Plenty
White Island Flights
Motu & Rangitaiki Jet Boat Tours
Diveworks Charters Whales and Dolphin Watch
Air Chathams - Whakātane & Bay of Plenty
Paper Plus Whakatane
Ōhope Beach Golf Links
Ezyfishing Charters Whakatane

Ngā Tapuwae O Toi
Diveworks Charters - Dolphin and Seal Encounters
Diveworks Charters - Whale Island Tours
Body + Soul
KG Kayaks - Guided Kayak Tours at Moutohorā / Whale Island

Whirinaki Forest

Motu Trails
Salt Spray Surf School
The Hidden Wonders of Tarawera Falls
Moutohorā: Island Sanctuary
Kayak hire - KG Kayaks
Blueberry Corner
HIM DOT HER
Gambler Charters
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.
One88 on Commerce
Whakatane Hotel
Opotiki Holiday Park
Ohiwa Beach Holiday Park Motel
Awa Motel
Canopy Camping Escapes | Kahikatea Farm
Riverside Whakatane Holiday Park
Cortez Motor Inn
Off The Beaten Track - Waterfall Mountain Glamping
Ōhope Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park
SheldrakeBNB
Barringtons Motor Lodge
Beachpoint Resort
Pacific Coast Motor Lodge
Tasman Holiday Parks - Ohiwa Beach
Tirohanga Beach Motor Camp
Aquarius Motel
Canopy Camping Escapes | Chattan Farm
Surfs Reach Motel
Awakeri Hot Springs
Quayside Luxury Apartments
Livingston Motel
The Com Plex Motel
Moanarua Beach Cottage
37 The Landing Motel
Thornton Beach Holiday Park
Surf and Sand Ohope's Beachfront Accommodation
Kalinal ltd trading as Alton Lodge Motel
Tourist Court Motel Whakatane
Beachpoint Apartments
Ohope Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park Motels
Tuscany Villas Whakatane
Off The Beaten Track - Waterfall Mountain Glamping
Ohope Beach Resort
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
Mata Brewery & Tasting Room
Cadera
Julians Berry Farm & Cafe
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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