’Tis the season

Your Eastern Bay of Plenty Christmas guide

The countdown to Christmas is on! From Santa parades to late night shopping, here's your guide to great gift ideas and what's on in the lead up to Christmas.

What's on

The Eastern Bay Christmas Lights Glow Trail

Visit the Christmas lights around Whakatāne and the Eastern Bay of Plenty.

Sat 14 Dec - Tue 24 Dec

Saturday Storytime: Christmas Edition

Our regular storytime session with a festive twist!

Sat 21 Dec

The Whakatāne Community Christmas Lunch

Echo Church and Have a Heart

Wed 25 Dec

Get your Christmas shopping sorted!

Give the gift of a new experience

Ezyfishing Charters

Your fishing success is assured with Lindsay who has been fishing and hunting for more than 45 years.

Pacific Coast Adventures Fishing Charters

Pacific Coast Adventures offers half or full day inshore fishing charters as well as land based educational activities for groups.

The Gambler

Come on board "The Gambler" with renowned skipper Mick Goodin. Deep sea, bottom and game fishing all year round.

Wharfside

eBikes, eScooters, SUP (Stand-up paddleboards) and yummy coffee are on the menu at Wharfside Ōhope.

Whirinaki Rainforest Experiences

Explore the internationally-acclaimed Whirinaki rainforest with the pioneers of eco-tourism in this region.

Whakamax Movies

Whakatāne's premier movie and entertainment venue, offering a boutique movie experience with comfortable seating and true cinema-quality sound.

Venture off the beaten path and into the whimsical realm of Maggie's Funtastic Garden near Edgecumbe, where artist and sculptor Maggie Fenton has created two acres of themed gardens that will delight kids.

Awakeri Hot Springs

Enjoy a secluded holiday, relaxing at the pools, and taking day trip to all the attractions the Bay of Plenty has to offer.

Moutohorā: Island Sanctuary Tour

Discover the rare beauty of one of New Zealand’s little-known treasures, Moutohorā / Whale Island a pest-free oasis.

Salt Spray Surf School

Experience the fun and thrill of the surfing lifestyle at beautiful West End, Ohope Beach. Local qualified instructors will teach individuals or groups.

ProSail

Sail from the Whakatāne Harbour on Centaurus, a spacious, 38-foot cruising catamaran.

Ōmataroa Eco Tours

Eco-Tours And Kiwi Bird Experiences. Let our kaiārahi (local guide) transport you through the Ōmataroa forest lands, and guide you on a journey of manaakitanga (care) and kaitiakitanga (guardianship) of the kiwi.

Big Dan Guiding Services

Trout fishing at its best with local guide Dan Comer, along some of the region's most pristine waterways.

Movie Villains - Whakamax

"I was asked to paint some movie characters, found some cool ones and added my favourite colours."

Bay of Plenty Helicopters

We are a family owned and operated local business with a passion for flying and making sure our clients have the best possible experience within their flights.

Whakatāne Aquatic Centre

Swim some laps in the pool, relax in one of the spas, work out in the gym complex, take the kids paddling in the learners or beach pools, or get your thrills on the hydroslide.

Find more experiences »

Or shop for great gifts locally

Homewares & Gifts

Whether you’re looking for a gift for a special someone or a special something for yourself, there is a myriad of homeware and gift stores at your beck and call.

Sports & Outdoors

An expansive adventure playground such as the Whakatāne District wouldn’t be complete without the shops to kit you out with everything you need to enjoy it.

Fashion & Clothing

Peruse our superb boutique stores and treat yourself to some unique pieces from labels including Augustine, NYDJ, Federation, Jamie Kay and Lower.

Body + Soul

Advanced skin and body therapy for men and women.

George Street Linen

Stocked in boutiques around the world with their home in Whakatāne, George Street Linen is a boutique not to miss.

Indulge Beauty

Indulge is a professional salon located in Whakatāne, offering a wide range of beauty therapy treatments.

Seabreeze Souvenirs

We proudly stock New Zealand greenstone, paua, Māori art and original, local art. General New Zealand souvenirs, possum/merino clothing and sheepskin slippers.

Hunting and Fishing

The largest range of fishing and hunting gear in the Bay of Plenty and provide professional service and advice for beginners and experts.

David Poole Art Studio

An innovative two and three-dimensional artist with a unique and dynamic approach to art.

Pear

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

Sea Marine

Visit Sea Marine for all your servicing and WoF needs. We offer a full range of chandlery and water sports equipment.

Simply Handmade

Unique handcrafted or upcycled gifts, art and crafts from over 20 artists and crafters living in the Eastern Bay of Plenty.

Rosita's

An exciting independent Women’s Fashion and Footwear store located in the heart of the Whakatane CBD.

Savvie Florist

Whakatāne's centrally located florist will supply, design and create fresh seasonal blooms for all occasions

Tui Aotearoa

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

Whakatāne Organics

Fresh fruit and vegetables (organic and local spray free), organic sourdough bread, gluten-free food, and more.

Nature Zone Health Shop

Whakatāne's longest-established independent natural health shop. Family-owned and operated since 1994.

Niko Niko Sushi

In a great central spot, Niko Niko prepare a wide range of fresh sushi to select from the cabinet.

Capiz

Capiz is a designer fashion store in Whakatāne, stocking some of New Zealand's top designer labels.

Discover Our Summer

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

School Holiday Fun

Less ‘are we there yet’ and more exploring native bush, bike trails, hot pools, fishing, and plenty of sunshine