Family activities | Whakatāne NZ

Whakatāne Aquatic Centre

Swim some laps in the pool, relax in one of the spas, work out in the gym complex, take the kids paddling in the learners or beach pools, or get your thrills on the hydroslide.

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

The Heads

A popular spot known to locals as 'The Heads' where the Whakatāne River meets the sea.

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 self-driven rail-cart

West End Beach

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

River Edge Park

A fun, diverse and detailed riverside park, adjacent to the Warren Cole walkway.

Ōtarawairere

Otarawairere is the hidden jewel of the Whakatāne-Ōhope area. This secluded beach is accessible only on foot or by kayak, but the trip is definitely worth the effort.

Awakeri Hot Springs

Enjoy a secluded holiday, relaxing at the pools, and taking day trip to all the attractions the Bay of Plenty has to offer.

Diveworks Dolphin and Seal Encounters

Join us for dolphin and seal swimming encounters with frequent penguin, sea bird and occasional whale sightings.

Wharfside

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

KG Kayaks

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

Ohiwa Fishing Charters

'The Cougar' departs daily from the Ōhope Wharf to take you on your fishing adventure. A great day out for families, or just a group of mates.

Epic Escape

Choose your ADVENTURE.... Escape Room, Virtual Reality or Board Games

Wairaka Centennial Park

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

Vertigraph

The brainchild of Colin Hughes, these picturesque tiles were designed and created by a team of 12 artisans from the Whakatane Society of Arts and Crafts.

Lake Āniwaniwa Playground (Holly's Playground)

Situated on the shore of the lake, with a flying fox and all sorts of other fun things for the kids to discover.

Mōtū and Rangitāiki Jet Boat Tours

Experience 1.5 hours of awesome jet boating and view the majestic scenery on the Mōtū River or Rangitāiki River.

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.

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.

River Edge Park Miniature Railway

Great fun for the little ones. Trains generally run on Sundays from 10 am - until 3 pm, weather permitting.

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.

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!

Whakatāne Observatory

The Whakatāne Astronomical Society provide night sky viewing from the nationally renowned Whakatāne Observatory.

Whakatāne Library & Exhibition Centre

The centre hosts the Horizon Energy Group Library, the Whakatāne District Museum display and three gallery spaces.

Takutai Adventure - eBikes, eScooter and SUP Board Hire

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

Whakamax Movies

Whakatāne's premier movie and entertainment venue, offering a boutique movie experience with comfortable seating and true cinema-quality sound.

Wairere Falls

Te Wairere Falls is a sacred landmark to all of Mataatua. One of the most beautiful and historically significant places in Whakatāne.

Kawerau Pools

Free heated pools, including a giant spa pool, The whole complex is surrounded by large recreation and play areas, where barbecue and picnic tables are available for families.

Riverbug Adventures

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

Kaputerangi

Kaputerangi or Toi's Pā is of major historical significance and is part of the Kohi Point Scenic Reserve.

Whakatāne Skatepark

The Whakatāne Skate Park offers a seamless blend of street elements, an open-end bowl, and a flowing concrete landscape perfect for skaters of all skill levels.

Diveworks Charters

Fast, 10.5-metre day boat for fishing and diving. For newcomers to seasoned pros.

Lion in the Meadow

This sculpture, commissioned by the Molly Morpeth Canaday Trust and crafted by Jonathon Campbell in 2007, honors the renowned New Zealand author Margaret Mahy.

True Blue

Everyone welcome, from first-time anglers to experienced fishermen. Because a day fishing is never a day wasted!