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