Nau mai, Welcome to Whakatāne

Whakatāne is the heart of the Eastern Bay of Plenty, New Zealand. From endless coastlines to ancient forests, we're blessed with breath-taking landscapes, rich culture and plenty of sunshine. The perfect place to unwind, explore nature and connect with locals. We guarantee you'll want to stay a little longer…

Discover Our Summer

Whakatāne is the ultimate summer destination. Come and see why.

Food truck at Local Wild Food Challenge Event

Events

Our events calendar celebrates the plentiful sunshine and diverse, spectacular coastlines of the Whakatāne District, which is blessed with an abundance of wild food and artisan food producers.

See and Do

Native forests, white sand beaches, tasty fish, friendly people. All of New Zealand in one package.

Ngā Tapuwae o Toi Trail

Nga Tapuwae o Toi, or the ‘Footprints of Toi’, is a walking trail that captures the essence of the Whakatāne District.

Friends walking in bush section of trail

Top Things to Do

A selection of the superb activities available during your stay in Whakatāne.

>> See & Do <<

Golf

The Eastern Bay of Plenty’s sun-filled golf courses offer crisp, dry greens year-round, coupled with spectacular scenery.

Moutohorā Eco Sanctuary

One of the best-kept secrets in Aotearoa. The island is a remnant volcano and is home to a number of rare and endangered plants, birds and reptiles.

Riverbug Adventures

The kiwi invented riverbug is the most fun and unique way to explore our taonga wai (water treasures).

Eco Experiences - Give back to nature

The Whakatāne District is blessed with diverse and thriving natural environments - why not give back?

>> O ur Stories <<

Going wild in Whakatāne

Farmers, artisans, chefs and foodies will come together for one of the region’s biggest and best local food festivals.

A Visit To Paradise

Peter Thornton from Pacific Golfer magazine visits Ōhope Beach Links and Whakatāne Golf Club.

Announcing Our Programme - Local Wild Food Festival 2025

Here is our line-up for the Local Wild Food Festival, so you can plan who to see on the day!

>> What's On? <<

People enjoying artworks at the exhibition

Molly Morpeth Canaday Award

Presented by Arts Whakatāne and exhibition partner Te Kōputu a te whanga a Toi - Whakatāne Library and Exhibition Centre, this annual non-acquisitive award is dedicated to excellence across all art forms within Aotearoa New Zealand contemporary art practice.

West End Wiggle 2025

Join us for a weekend of Surf, Art and Music this April.

Local Wild Food Festival

The Local Wild Food Festival is one of the Eastern Bay of Plenty’s most iconic events, celebrating abundant food found in our diverse natural environment.