We've been named Best Large Town Winner at the Keep NZ Beautiful Awards, have been voted NZ's Best Beach three years in a row, have kiwi literally in our backyard and some of the most epic and accessible bush in Aotearoa; there is something for everyone in the Eastern Bay of Plenty.

Why not learn to surf? Ollie and the team at Salt Spray Surf School are an awesome bunch of people who will warmly welcome you into the you world of surfing. You don't need any experience at all, and the beach at West End Ōhope is internationally renowned as a great place to take on your fist wave.

If you prefer a change of pace, head out to the Rangitaiki Plains and experience Awakeri Rail Adventures - Travel along a piece of New Zealand's rich rail history and experience the natural beauty and adventure from the comfort of a rail-cart, cleverly adapted to be self-driven along the rail tracks.  

Why not experience one of New Zealand's best kept secrets - take a trip to Moutohorā/Whale Island. This eco-sanctuary is accessible via guided tour only, this incredible wildlife sanctuary homes a number of New Zealand’s rare and endangered plants, birds and reptiles.  

Whakatāne is a beautiful little town - so much so it was the Best Large Town Winner at the 2023 Keep New Zealand Beautiful Awards. There is plenty of shopping, things to taste and things to do! 

To escape the sun (and the not too often bad weather) you can explore Whakatāne Library and Exhibition Centre - Te Koputu a te Whanga a Toi. Travel through time in the Museum with stories and taonga (treasures) telling the history of the Whakatāne District and beyond.

If we are thinking about food and drink; the town centre has got you covered. Try Volk & Co, The Bean, The Strand or any one of numerous caffeine dealers. For some casual kai there is the amazing Cafe 4U (their sweet treats are incredible), Café Awa and Gibbo's On The Wharf. If you're planning dinner already, you are spoilt for choice including The Comm, Cigol and Roquette.   

Then there is the shopping; boutique fashion, homewares and gift shops including him.her, Presentables, The Good Tonic and so much more.

Something cool about Ōhope Beach, is that it stretches so far, that down the East end, it's actually a spit and Ōhiwa Harbour on the South side is just stunning with plenty of things to see and do.

The pop-up activity hub Wharfside is an awesome little base at Port Ōhope where you can hire e-scooters and e-bikes. Pus, if you want to go out on the pristine harbour, they hire out stand-up paddleboards (SUP) too.

Another way to discover the harbour (as well as Moutouhorā & Otarawairere) is with KG Kayaks. Kenny is your man and can take you on an awesome guided adventure - great for novices and those more experienced and intrepid paddlers. 

By now you will have worked up an appetite so a visit to Fisherman's Wharf is a must! If you like fine dining but with a relaxed atmosphere in a stunning setting, this is the place for you.  

The beauty of the Whakatāne is that it's not just Whakatāne town and Ōhope on the Coast - in our hinterland, the Southern reaches of our district are just stunning and well worth an explore. 

If you like some fast paced action, then you need to experience Riverbug! It's not like anything else you would have done before. This guided white-water adventure along the Rangitaiki River. As Kiwi adventurer and renowned YouTuber BareKiwi put it - it's basically just pure fun! 

For a warm welcome, and the chance to be guided through one of the worlds great forests, you have to stay with Kohutapu Lodge. Surrounded by lush farmlands and forestry, Kohutapu Lodge overlooks the pristine Lake Aniwhenua - teeming with rainbow and brown trout. The team can also introduce you to Whirinaki Te Pua-a-Tāne via Whirinaki Forest Footsteps - journey into the heart of this vast, Jurassic, podocarp rain forest.

Even further inland, we are blessed to have Te Urewera within our rohe. To truly experience the majesty and wonder of this very special place, Te Urewera Treks is a must. They provides a range of unique eco-cultural wilderness treks, bringing you a truly special guided walking experience. 

As you can see, there is HEAPS to do - maybe you'll need to come back? We haven't even touched on Nga Tapuwae-o-Toi Trail or the secret beach at Otarawairere. What about the golf too? Both Whakatāne and Ōhope are brilliant links courses

The best thing you can do is get planning and come see us. If you want some help, then our awesome team at the isite Visitor Information Centre will be more than happy to help out!