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Mother and son at the beach

Your Summer Holiday

The Whakatāne district is summer like you remember. Smiling faces, warm sunshine, sand between your toes and memories you won't forget.

On the water

We have incredible fishing, a world renowned surf beach, whitewater thrills and so much more to offer...

All of our experienced local charter boat operators have a sustainable fishing policy and will help make your fishing experience truly memorable.

Abundant sunshine, warm waters and safe swimming make Ōhope Beach the perfect holiday destination.

There aren’t many places in Aotearoa with the option of the ocean on one side of the road and the harbour on the other...

Do something new, New Zealand! The kiwi invented riverbug is the most fun and unique way to explore our taonga wai (water treasures).

Nature's best

We have over 50 kilometers of coastline, we are the official Kiwi Capital of the World (TM) and when you explore some of our forests, it's like you've stepped back in time.

The spectaular Tarawera Falls is a 35-metre high waterfall on the Tarawera River that flows out of Lake Tarawera and across a lava flow

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.

One of New Zealand's most remarkable and significant forests and a must-see biodiversity hotspot.

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

Fancy a feed?

One of the reasons it's called the Bay of Plenty, is all the quality food right on our doorstep. Pick your own berries, Ohiwa Oysters, amazing fishing; and not forgetting an assortment of dining options. 

Cigol Korean Restaurant offers a modern fusion menu which invokes the flavours of Korean based cuisine with a Pacific twist.

Experience one of New Zealand's treasures. Taste our field-ripened berries. Try our famous Julian's berry ice creams, real espresso coffee, and delicious cafe offerings.

Moxi in Ōhope, offering fresh, vibrant and tasty food options.

Look forward to stellar harbour views from the spacious deck of this relaxed, beachy restaurant.

The Smokin' Goose is an American Barbecue style restaurant and beer Garden in Awakeri, just out of Whakatāne

The Comm. is the home of Good George Brewing in Whakatane. We bring great Beer, Cider, awesome food and great times to the Sunshine Capital of New Zealand.

Shop Local

You'll just love the shops in Whakatāne and Ōhope - boutique sopping from passionate owner operators who love what they do and what they sell

A beautiful range of ever-changing pieces and gifts to help create the home you've always dreamed of.

A range of exquisite gifts that are sure to please, such as dinnerware, living room décor, glassware, candles, blankets, baby gifts, toiletries, handbags, jewellery, wall art, and much more.

DiSTiNCT is an eclectic boutique in Ōhope. We offer a wide selection of high quality homeware, clothing, fashion accessories, and general gifts. 

A new take on Kiwiana, New Zealand made and themed gifts. For the ultimate local sweet-treat, their fudge cabinet is a must-do.

Specialising in kitchenware, condiments, homeware, home and body aromatics, babywear, toys, and other knickknacks.

New to the Strand. Federation. SABEN. Augustine. ONETEASPOON. New Balance. Age Eyewear. Crate. Stolen Girlfriends Club. five each.

What to do?

If it all seems like too much to choose between don't worry, we've got you covered with some itinerary inspiration

We invited Kiwi adventurer BareKiwi to the Whakatāne district, asked him to bring his camera, introduced him some of the locals, and these are the epic results.  

Enjoy the hidden gems, people, and places of the Eastern Bay of Plenty with our uniquely designed itineraries and enjoy the 'road less travelled'.

The Whakatāne area has sun, sand, surf and soul, writes Tim Roxborogh

With our safe swimming beaches, sunny climate and abundance of nature on our doorstep, the Whakatāne District makes a great holiday getaway with the family.

Ready to lock it in? Still have questions?

Let our friendly i-ISITE team take care of the hard work for you!

Our Stories

National Geographic Travel's cultural explorers, Heather Greenwood Davis (writer), Erika Larsen (photographer) and Christoph Niemann (Illustrator) visited Whakatāne to explore our diverse region.