48 Hours in Whakatāne
You might be en route to Rhythm & Vines, or cruising down to Ōpōtiki for a break, so a stop-off in the Whakatāne district, with its famous Ōhope Beach, is a no brainer. No traffic jams here — it’s all about relaxed vibes, and although the area is small, it offers all the favourite Kiwi activities, from fishing, kayaking and dolphin watching, to native bush walks (with kiwi!), safe swimming and surfing.
Here are some ideas for a dream long weekend, so you can start planning your very own sunny getaway.
Article first appeared in Our Place magazine, December 2023.
DAY ONE
Nothing says summer like picking your own juicy berries. At Julians Berry Farm & Café, depending on your timing, you can pick raspberries, blackberries, ranui berries, boysenberries, strawberries and logan berries! Plus there’s a cafe, playground and animal farm, plus mini-golf and beach volleyball, so there’s a world of whānau fun waiting for you.
Finish your berry ice cream and head for the shade with some leisurely shopping in the boutiques and specialty stores on The Strand, Whakatāne’s main drag. There’s The Good Tonic (all about sustainable and ethically sourced products), George Street Linen, him.her fashion store, and Presentables, with an array of lovely homewares and gifts.
While you’re in town, swing by the Whakatāne isite and confirm your booking for tomorrow’s trip to Moutohorā (Whale) Island. Then take a waterfront stroll towards Cafe Awa, where you can laze on the balcony and watch the boats moored along the riverfront.
For a fantastic walk, take the CBD to Ōtarawairere section of Ngā Tapuwae o Toi walking trail — you’ll experience ancient pā sites, native bush, birdsong aplenty as well as clifftop views and the secluded Ōtarawairere Beach.
By now it’s time to head over the hill and check into Beachpoint Apartments, which overlook Ōhope Beach. Take a dip in the pool, or hit the 11km sandy beach for a swim or surf.
Just near the beach, you’ll find the perfect spot for dinner, Cadera Mexican Bar & Restaurant. You’ll be treated to delish Mexi food — think nachos, quesadillas, burritos and tapas, to have with your margarita (choose from classic, coconut or chilli). Time it with the daily happy hour (4–6pm), and try to catch one of the fun musical acts lined up for summer’s Sunday Sessions.
DAY TWO
Being in the ocean is the best possible start to the day, so sign up for a sunrise surf session with Salt Spray Surf School at the sheltered West End corner of Ōhope Beach. They’ll supply all the gear so you just need to show up and give it your all! Afterwards, grab breakfast and some seriously good coffee at
Volk & Co, which specialises in espresso, filter and cold coffee brewing.
It’s time to get out on the water again, so head to Whakatāne Wharf for your kayak tour to Moutohorā Island — a Wildlife Management Reserve for endangered birds and plants. Jump aboard Centaurus (operated by ProSail), a 38-foot cruising catamaran that’ll take you and your kayak (from KG Kayaks) on a 45-minute trip to the island. You’ll get a couple of hours for paddling and adventuring, maybe accompanied by friends like New Zealand fur seals, little blue penguins or gannets plunging into the ocean. The scenery is breathtaking and you’ll get the chance to visit Onepu (Sulphur Bay) to experience Hot Water Beach and its geothermal activity.
Back on land, swing by Te Kōputu a te Whanga a Toi gallery to see what’s on show, then you would’ve earned a drink at The Comm — the home of Good George Brewing.
Head back to the apartment to relax before dinner at Cigol, which offers Korean-inspired food with a Pacific twist. You’ll be treated to stone sizzling bibimbap, Korean barbecue plate, Korean fried chicken and braised pork, and a whole lot more.
DAY THREE
Give yourself a slower start today with a leisurely beach stroll (or a sleep in!) before breakfast at the super-popular Moxi Cafe, then wander Ōhope village,
where you’ll find a great gallery and boutique shops.
A new offering in the area is the boat cruise at Tio Ōhiwa oyster farm at Ōhiwa Harbour (at the eastern end of Ōhope). Here you can learn all about the farm and the history of the area, see oysters being processed, and try your hand at shucking oysters — and, of course, eating them too.
Alternatively, the Harbour’s calm waters and beaut scenery make it an ideal place to grab a paddleboard from Wharfside and do your own tour.
All there’s left to do now is top up your berry supply for your trip home and treat yourself to an ice cream or smoothie at R n’ Bees or Blueberry Corner.
The perfect end to magic break.
