Chosen from across all categories, the Supreme Towns and Cities Award winner at the 2021 Keep NZ Beautiful Awards, Whakatāne, is the judges’ pick of the bunch.
This article was originally published via Stuff asking the question "Are these really New Zealand's most beautiful towns and cities?"
Chosen from across all categories, the Supreme Towns and Cities Award winner is the judges’ pick of the bunch, and the 2021 winner is Whakatāne.
One of the sunniest spots in the country, the eastern Bay of Plenty town doesn’t draw the same crowds as its western neighbours, but that’s not because it isn’t beautiful. Just a bit further away from the likes of Auckland and Hamilton.
Its relative remoteness is an advantage for holidaymakers who prefer their days on long, pohutukawa-lined beaches to begin without a battle for a car park, and not to have to wait for a table in the top cafés.
One of the sunniest towns in New Zealand, it’s a great place to get active outdoors. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, seals, little blue penguins and rare native birds on a guided tour of Moutohorā Wildlife Sanctuary on Whale Island, swim or surf at 11km of Ōhope Beach (which has been named one of the most beautiful in New Zealand), kayak or stand-up paddleboard on Ōhiwa Harbour, or hit up one of the many hiking and biking trails.
Whakatāne is also one of the best places in New Zealand to spot a kiwi – it markets itself as “the kiwi capital of the world”. Their calls can be heard from the town centre and they’ve been known to trespass on properties next to reserves. For the best chance of spotting one, join a night walking tour.
For a dose of culture, head to Mātaatua Wharenui, aka ‘the house that came home’. The spectacularly carved meeting house spent decades overseas – including 40 years in the cellars of London’s Victoria & Albert Museum – and 70 years in Dunedin before finally making its way home in 2011.The hour-long “express” tour begins with a pōwhiri and includes an award-winning digital experience that brings traditions of the Ngāti Awa people to life before concluding with cups of kawakawa tea and kūmara brownies in the wharekai (dining hall).
Other highlights include picnic-perfect Wairere Falls, the 16km Ngā Tapuwae o Toi (Footprints of Toi) walk with its clifftop views of the hidden gem of a beach that is Otarawairere Bay, and biodiversity hotspot Whirinaki Te Pua-a-Tāne Conservation Park.
The judges noted that biodiversity is a big focus for the local community.
“The community underwent a tree audit and created tree policies so that people have a better understanding of the value of trees and how their lifespan impacts us. They have also closed the gaps in understanding between rural areas and the township, bringing a tighter cohesion to environmental efforts. The community have also created a Seed Library, and are getting local children and youth involved in plantings – around 4,800 per year.”
