Summer

Sun. Surf. Adventure. Shopping. Relaxation. What more could you want? The Whakatāne District is brimming with all the summer holiday vibes. Everything and nothing - the ultimate destination.

On the water

The Whakatāne District is paradise for those who love being in or near the water.

Holiday Parks & Campgrounds

A camping holiday in the Whakatāne District is a perfect way to enjoy the golden beaches, steaming hot pools or lush native forests of the region.

School Holiday Fun

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

Surfing West End, Ōhope with Oliver Dobbin

Meet Ollie, who has the enviable workplace of West End, Ōhope Beach. West End is the perfect place to learn to surf.

Summer Activities in Whakatāne

Wharfside

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

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

Discover Our Summer

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

Moutohorā: Island Sanctuary Tour

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

Te Urewera Treks

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

Riverbug Adventures

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

West End Beach

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

Meet the Riverbug

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

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

NZ's Most Beautiful Towns

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

School Holiday Fun

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

Sunshine Season Guide: Summer - Autumn 2023/24

Your free guide of the Must-do activities, events and top spots this summer season.

Winner - Keep New Zealand Beautiful Awards

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

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.

Wairaka Centennial Park

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

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.

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!

Mason Place Gallery

An Ōhope Beach home-based photographic and art gallery featuring landscapes and native birds including local scenes.

Takutai Adventure - eBikes, eScooter and SUP Board Hire

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

"Which beach have I been dreaming about? Ōhope" - Lloyd Burr

Glorious blue skies. Sandy beaches. Clean water. A refreshing breeze. I’ve been bereft of these ingredients since April 2018, when I moved to London.

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.

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.

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.

Whirinaki Rainforest Experiences

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

Sunshine Season Guide: Summer - Autumn 2024/25

Your free guide of the must-do activities, events and top spots this summer season.

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.

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.

Tauwhare Pā

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

Aniwhenua Reserve Campsite (Lake Āniwaniwa)

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

White Cross Orchard

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

Your Unforgettable Summer Holiday

Whakatāne is summer like you remember. Wide open spaces, friendly faces, days at the beach and so much more.

Sunshine Season Guide 2024 2025 - Event Season

Whether your looking for family-friendly events, sporting events of foodie events... we have you covered.

Bumper summer ahead in the Eastern Bay

We’ve had Covid, we’ve had rain but this season we’re looking forward to the return of a classic kiwi sun-filled summer.

White Island Flights

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

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.

Kid-Friendly Adventures

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

Meet Barry Cutfield...

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

Fisherman's Wharf

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

R n' Bees

For fresh, succulent strawberries grown in our Whakatane orchard, picked daily for you or pick your own berries (when available) come and visit R n Bees Berry Orchard!

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.

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

My Place, Ōhope - Dame Lisa Carrington

Our most decorated Olympian, Dame Lisa Carrington, talks about her love for her childhood home town in the Eastern Bay of Plenty.

Blueberry Corner

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

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.

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.

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.

Coastal Charm

Sun, sand, strolls along the beach… Ōhope is a little slice of paradise with so many options for families, couples, and solo travellers to enjoy this summer.

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.

KG Kayaks

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

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.

Bucket List Summer Colouring Competition

This is your chance to win awesome prizes and keep the kids entertained this summer.

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.

Braemar Springs

Filled with fresh water from deep underground, it’s the perfect spot for a family picnic and refreshing swim on a hot summer day.

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!

Julians Berry Farm and Cafe

Experience one of New Zealand's treasures. Taste our field-ripened berries. Try our famous Julian's berry ice creams, real espresso coffee, and delicious cafe offerings.

Whakatāne Gardens

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

Experience Moutouhorā

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

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!

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.

Flavours of Plenty Foodie Guide

Put together by our friends at Tourism Bay of Plenty, experience the best of the wider Bay of Plenty foodie scene.

Discover Our Summer

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