Day one

Morning

Rise and shine on your first day in Whakatāne, with a Stand-Up Paddle Board (SUP) session on Ōhiwa Harbour. The harbour side’s tranquil waters make it the perfect spot for beginners, so the whole family can join in the fun. Hire all the gear you need from Takutai Adventure before hitting the water with a paddle in hand.

If surfing’s more your speed, sign the family up for a surf lesson at Salt Spray Surf School. The school is based at Ōhope’s West End, where the breaks are ideal for beginners and seasoned pros alike.

Once you’ve finished up in the water, head to Moxi Cafe for brunch/lunch. With plenty of outdoor seating, brunch at the General Store is served with all the relaxed summer vibes you could need.

Midday

Next, explore the cliff-top views and native bush of the Ngā Tapuwae o Toi trail. If you’ve got littlies along for the ride, you can choose to do just a small section of the track.Pack a picnic and stop for a light lunch at the secluded and peaceful Ōtarawairere Beach. Just keep in mind that parts of the track (Ōtarawairere included) aren’t accessible at high tide, so check your tide times before setting off. 

Evening

Head to Ōhope's favourite Cadera for a delicious Mexican feed. Grab some mocktails for the kids, margarita jugs for the grown-ups, and fill up on tacos, burritos, and quesadillas to your heart’s content. 

After dinner pop over the road to the base of the Ōhope Scenic Reserve track for a Kiwi Night Walk. From April to June (the best time to hear the Kiwi's calls) you can book a guided walk, or you can try your luck with a self-led wander along the track. Bring your torch, and keep your ears peeled for the sound of Kiwi, and Weka playing in the busy and and the many bugs you can spot!

Day two

Morning - Midday

Spend day two across the water, at Moutohorā Eco Sanctuary. Moutohorā Island, or Whale Island, is one of the country’s most carefully restricted pest-free wildlife sanctuaries. Your guided tour of the island starts with a quick 15 minute boat journey across to Moutohorā, followed by four hours of beautiful, untouched nature. Make new friends at a fur seal colony, say a warm hello to some of New Zealand’s rarest wildlife, or dig your own geothermal hot pool at Onepū Bay.

Evening

After heading back to the mainland, finish the day with a well-earned burger at The Wagon. Conveniently located right on The Strand, gorgeously gourmet burgers are the name of The Wagon’s game. Try the Big Beast (with prime NZ Beef, streaky bacon, swiss cheese, salad, aioli, and bourbon BBQ sauce), or the Blue Moo (a 200gm scotch steak with caramelised onion, portobello mushroom, blue cheese, wild rocket & wholegrain mustard mayo). And don’t forget the spicy buffalo wings.

Day three 

Morning

Start the day with the breakfast of champions at Julian's Berry Farm. Grab a table overlooking the berry fields at the child-friendly café, and relax while the kids play at the animal farm, playground, or mini golf course. Pick up a punnet of berries, or pick your own - and be sure to leave room after breakfast for a delicious Real Fruit Ice Cream. *Julian's operates seasonally typically from October to April.

After Julian’s, drive just five minutes down the road to Awakeri Rail Adventures. Jump into your very own self-driving rail vehicle, and rock along the historic railway at speeds of up to 25km an hour. Ride across bridges, stop for a cuppa at the rustic ‘bush restaurant,’ and make plenty of stops for photos along the picturesque way.

Midday

On your way back into town, stop in at the award-winning Mata Brewery for pizzas and a pint. Try the locally named craft beers and ciders. Or opt for a tasting paddle to try a wider selection of the brewery’s locally-made finest. 

Time for some culture perhaps? Why not explore the wonderful Whakatāne Library and Exhibition Centre | Te Kōputu a te Whanga a Toi. It's worth a visit even if you've been before, as the gallery exhibitions changing regularly. The best bit, regardless of the weather it's a perfect place to escape any unexpected rain, and air-conditioned even on the hottest days.   

Evening

Once you’ve solved your way out of the escape room, head a few doors down to Double Zero for a uniquely authentic Italian experience. Fresh pasta, salads, and handmade Napoli-style pizza is all on the menu for dinner. And for dessert, treat yourself (and the kids) to an ice-cold Gelato.
 

Day four

Morning

Whakatāne is rated one of New Zealand’s best fishing destinations - home to yellowfin, skipjack, snapper and hapuka, and more. So start the day bright and early with one of Whakatāne’s many fishing charter companies, and see what’s biting out on the water. 

Follow up the morning’s fishing with a late brunch at local gem, Café Awa. There’s an iced chocolate or berry smoothie for the kids, coffee or a turmeric latte for the grown-ups, and a long and scrumptious menu to satisfy hungry bellies.

Midday

Next, hop in the car and head to Ōpotiki to check out the Mōtū Dunes Trail. Starting at Memorial Park Reserve, the trail cruises along a gorgeous stretch of coastline. Bring your bikes with you and make the return journey in 2-3 hours, including a break for a swim and a picnic. Or leave the cycling for another day, and just take the track’s gradients at a leisurely walking pace.

If the weather’s not playing nice you can head over to the local movie cinema, WhakaMax. Tuck into a hotdog, curly fries, dumplings, or loaded wedges. Or stick to the classic popcorn and choc-dip combo, and watch the latest blockbuster on the big screen.

Evening

For dinner, check out the Tio Ōhiwa Oyster Farm. Just 1km south of Ōhope, the Oyster Farm grows their own oysters and smokes their own fish. Try their takeaway range of seafood, burgers, and old-school fish and chips, best enjoyed sitting on the sand and watching the waves at Ōhope Beach. 

Day five

Morning - Midday

Kick off your last day in the Eastern Bay with a half-day trip to the Tarawera Falls. The falls are found in Lake Tarawera Scenic Reserve. They’re only accessible via private forestry roads, which you’ll need to purchase a $10 permit to travel through. But trust us, the clear-blue river and dramatic falls will be well worth it. Walk the easy 20-or-so minutes from the carpark to the waterfall’s base lookout, then head back the way you came. Or if you’re up for it, keep going along the track towards Tarawera Outlet – about two hours’ walk one-way.

Evening

There’s no better way to end a day of fresh air and exercise than with fish and chips from Gibbo’s on the Wharf. Take your pick from the fresh and fried seafood on offer. Then stroll along the river to find the perfect spot to tuck in, and watch the sun set on your last action-packed day in Whakatāne.

Where to stay?

With two playgrounds, free WiFi, and top-notch facilities, the Ōhope Beach TOP 10 is a great family-friendly spot to stay. Sitting right on the beach, the award-winning holiday park has a range of options to suit every budget. Settle into a beachfront apartment or motel unit, take a cabin, or get a little closer to nature in a non-powered campsite. 

If a holiday park's not your family’s thing, try Beachpoint Apartments. These one or two bedroom self-serviced apartments overlook the beach, and come with a communal heated swimming pool, fitness room, and BBQ space. Just a short walk from Ōhope’s coffee shops, the apartments are an ideal base for the family to explore from.