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