Eco Experiences - give back in nature

The Whakatāne District is blessed with diverse and thriving natural environments. While the land, sea, rivers and lakes have always been here, they haven’t always been in the thriving state as they are now. Many experiences set amongst our eco-wonderland are enhanced due to countless hours of work by volunteer groups who work to restore our native flora and fauna. There are many ways you can support this work both during and after your stay.

Kiwi Capital of the World ™

In Whakatāne, kiwi are literally in our backyard; we can walk off the pavement into the bush and be in kiwi territory.

Environmental Care Groups

There are plenty of locals doing the mahi to keep our sustain and rehabilitate our rohe/region

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.

Tiaki Promise

Tiaki means to care for people and place. By following the Tiaki Promise, you are making a commitment to New Zealand. To act as a guardian, protecting and preserving our home.

Eco friendly stories, activities and operators...

Whirinaki Rainforest Experiences

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

KG Kayaks

Kayaking adventures at Whale Island, Ohiwa Harbour and Otarawairere Bay. Guided tours and hires for independent travelers, family groups, businesses and schools.

Make a difference - Sustainable & Regenerative Tourism

As an operator in the Eastern Bay of Plenty, through your mahi you can make a difference

Wairere Falls

Te Wairere Falls is a sacred landmark to all of Mataatua. One of the most beautiful and historically significant places in Whakatāne.

Kiwi Experiences

In Whakatāne, kiwi are literally in our backyard; we can walk off the pavement into the bush and be in kiwi territory.

Kiwi Capital of the World ™

In Whakatāne, kiwi are literally in our backyard; we can walk off the pavement into the bush and be in kiwi territory.

Kiwi Kōrero - Winter 2022

Kia Ora, welcome to the new column from the Whakatāne Kiwi Trust!

BareKiwi - Kohutapu Lodge & Whirinaki Forest Footsteps

"But the best part is not the location or the setting, it’s the people – the hospitality is amazing."

Te Urewera Treks

Te Urewera Treks provides a range of unique eco-cultural wilderness treks, bringing you a truly special guided walking experience.

Environmental Care Groups

There are plenty of locals doing the mahi to keep our sustain and rehabilitate our rohe/region

Moutohorā with Google Maps

Take a virtual tour of Moutohorā, one of NZ's most restricted wildlife sanctuaries and home to a number of endangered species.

BareKiwi - Te Urewera Treks

"It’s almost best described as something spiritual. It might sound silly but my favourite part was just sitting down over a cup of bush tea for a chat."

Walkers at with view over Lake Waikaremoana

Walking Legends Guided Walks

Hike the North Island's best walks with a small group, small backpack, great food and wine.

Moutohorā - History & Culture

Moutohorā / Whale Island is an island rich in Maori and European history; a sulphur mine, pa site and whaling station.

Whirinaki Forest Footsteps

The Whirinaki Rainforest - a majestic, ancient and spiritual realm. Join us for a guided walking journey into the heart of this vast, Jurassic, podocarp rain forest.

Te Tii

Te Tii is a place that cares for and nurtures the people of Ruatāhuna. It represents a neutral place for whānau living remote from Ruatāhuna and those searching for their roots.

Community planting on the Motu Trails

Community and cycling come together on the Motu Trails

Diveworks Dolphin and Seal Encounters

Join us for dolphin and seal swimming encounters with frequent penguin, sea bird and occasional whale sightings.

Te Kura Whare

Te Kura Whare is New Zealand’s first living building. It embodies Tūhoe and Tūhoetana values of respect for nature and whenua, inspired by the unity of people.

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.

Experience Moutouhorā

Here's how you can explore Moutohorā/Whale Island for yourself...

The Green Room | Te Rūma Kākāriki

Making a difference - an exciting initiative to encourage the Coastal Bay of Plenty’s visitor sector to work towards a net zero carbon and regenerative future.

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.