Spring | Whakatāne NZ

Moutohorā: Island Sanctuary Tour

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

Spring / Summer Events Guide

There are heaps of events in the Eastern Bay of Plenty this season, we can't wait for you to join us!

Tauwhare Pā

Learn of the district's history and enjoy brilliant views of Ohakana Island, Port Ōhope and the East Cape.

White Island Flights

For a truly unforgettable experience, join the White Island Flights team for one of their great value White Island scenic flights.

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.

Aniwhenua Reserve Campsite (Lake Āniwaniwa)

Overnight camping area at Lake Aniwhenua Reserve (Lake Āniwaniwa).

Winner - Keep New Zealand Beautiful Awards

In 2023, Whakatāne has been crowned the 'Most beautiful large town winner' in the most beautiful awards.

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.

Experience Moutouhorā

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

Whirinaki Rainforest Experiences

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

Spring Like This?

Whakatāne is the ultimate spring destination. The ideal place to Rewind, Connect and Reset for your spring.

School Holiday Events

If you're in town for a holiday or looking to keep the kids busy and entertained, there's plenty to do! Find out what's on for the school holidays.

White Cross Orchard

A great range of locally grown produce, fresh berry icecreams, coffee and homemade food.

NZ's Most Beautiful Towns

Chosen from across all categories, the Supreme Towns and Cities Award winner is the judges’ pick of the bunch.

Wairaka Centennial Park

Wairaka Centennial Park, sits alongside the Whakatāne River at The Heads. The park is a fantastic, family-friendly recreation destination.

Local Wild Food Festival

The Local Wild Food Festival is one of the Eastern Bay of Plenty’s most iconic events, celebrating abundant food found in our diverse natural environment.

Ngā Tapuwae o Toi Trail

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

Burma Road

If you're keen for a simple family spin, go to Maraetotara in Ōhope. Ride up the unsealed Maraetotara Road into the bush-edged Burma Rd to the main Ōhope-Whakatāne highway.

Child standing next to Kiwi statue with Moutohora in background

Kiwi Wandering Trail

A self-guided scavenger hunt in Whakatāne, New Zealand, the Kiwi Capital of the World!

School Holiday Fun

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

Te Urewera Treks

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

Dunes Trail

Meandering over Ōpōtiki’s dunes and beach, it's just as good for walking and running as it is for biking. With no hills above 15 metres, and plenty of places to access the sand, children love it!

Need a break from the sun?

Here are our top tips on what to do in Whakatāne when you need a break for the sun and are looking for inside activities.

West End Beach

The western end of Ōhope Beach - commonly just called West End - is the most popular part of the beach.

Kid-Friendly Adventures

Our recommendation of activities to keep kids of all ages entertained.

KG Kayaks

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

Fisherman's Wharf

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

Blueberry Corner

The favourite among locals known for fresh, quality blueberries, strawberries, raspberries and sensational natural fruit ice creams.

Expression of interest - Local Wild Food Festival

Want to be a part of the Local Wild Food festival?

Meet Barry Cutfield...

Owner/Skipper Barry takes groups of up to 12 people sailing on sailing catamaran Centaurus.

NZ's Favourite Bachelorette Lexie Brown and Moutohorā

"I’ve looked across the water at Moutohora all my life and only this year did I get to actually visit." @misslexibrown

Takutai Adventure - eBikes, eScooter and SUP Board Hire

Providing eBikes, eScooters and SUP Boards for hire - make the most of your time in Ōhope.

Local Wild Food Festival

The Local Wild Food Festival is one of the Eastern Bay of Plenty’s most iconic events, celebrating abundant food found in our diverse natural environment.

Tarawera Falls

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

48 Hours in Whakatāne

Feel a summer road trip brewing? Don’t whizz past Whakatāne when you’re headed down the coast — it’s an ideal spot for a couple of days of sun, ocean fun, nature walks and seaside dinners.

Riverbug Adventures

The kiwi invented riverbug is the most fun and unique way to explore our taonga wai (water treasures).

Pleasent pedalling on Ōpōtiki's Tirohanga Dunes Trail

The route delivers plenty of scenery, vegetation and birdlife; and, if you read the information boards you’ll come across, about 800 years of history too.

Meet the Riverbug

Just five minutes floating downstream in a Riverbug, and Don Allardice was completely hooked.

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.

BareKiwi takes the Road Less Travelled

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.

Whakatāne Gardens

The gardens comprise rose gardens, a formal entrance, scented garden and areas for bulbs, shrubs and perennials.

Ōhope Harbourside Trail

This path for cyclists and walkers alike is a gentle amble for all ages and abilities along the shoreline of one of NZ’s most unspoiled estuaries, Ōhiwa Harbour.

An Insiders Guide to Whakatāne – more than you ever imagined

Labour Weekend might be the traditional welcome to warmer weather and planning longer summer breaks, but Whakatāne’s holiday vibe is all year round.

A family weekend in Whakatāne

Surrounded by untamed wildernesses, achingly beautiful shorelines and forests filled with nocturnal kiwi, Whakatāne is the ideal destination for an adventure-filled family weekend.

Whakatāne Golf Club

Five minutes from Whakatāne, this championship course offers a great golf experience and is one of the finest golf courses in the Bay of Plenty.

A long weekend in Whakatāne

You need more than a weekend in Whakatāne - so why not take another day and enjoy a long weekend in the Eastern Bay of Plenty

Toi’s! Whakatane’s stunning trail challenge

For twenty-nine years, Toi’s Challenge has been a highlight of the eastern Bay of Plenty trail running calendar, featuring a spectacular mix of coastal and forest trails between Whakatāne and Ōhope.

24 Hours in Whakatāne

Hitting the road from the hustle and bustle of Tauranga, Sue Hoffart finds a traffic-light-free town whose neighbours include an intriguing island and New Zealand’s best beach.