Walkways & Hiking

The Whakatāne District is renowned for its superb walking and tramping tracks. We have both coastal tracks with incredible ocean vistas and awe-inspiring walkways through ancient native forests.

Whirinaki Te Pua-a-Tāne

One of New Zealand's most remarkable and significant forests and a must-see biodiversity hotspot.

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.

Matariki special - Māori tourism operator Whirinaki Forest Footsteps

In 2021, The NZ Herald ran a series of articles focusing on Māori tourism businesses, showcasing who they are, what they do. This is the story of Whirinaki Forest Footsteps

Tauwhare Pā

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

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!

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.

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.

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.

The Bird Walk - Mokorua

This portion of Ngā Tapuwae o Toi Trail offers a number of views over Whakatāne and the surrounding area.

Whirinaki Te Pua-a-Tāne

One of New Zealand's most remarkable and significant forests and a must-see biodiversity hotspot.

Walkers at with view over Lake Waikaremoana

Walking Legends Guided Walks

Hike the North Island's best walks with a small group, small backpack, great food and wine.

Whakatāne Gardens

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

Whirinaki Te Pua-a-Tāne: Walking Trails

The Whirinaki - majestic, primeval, ancient - stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the great forests of the world.

Ōhope Scenic Reserve

The entranceway to Ōhope Scenic Reserve features a traditional carved entranceway. The reserve itself is home to a large number of kiwi.

Onepū Mountain Bike Park

The Onepu Mountain Bike Park is a great place for all types of riders.

Matariki special - Māori tourism operator Riverbug

In 2021, The NZ Herald ran a series of articles focusing on Māori tourism businesses, showcasing who they are, what they do. This is the story of Don Allardice (Ngāti Kahungunu) of Riverbug.

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.

Moerangi Track

A shared-use track that includes an optional overnight stop at a historic hut and amazing views from the top of the Moerangi saddle.

Historic Trail

Follow an interesting Historic Trail around through the town centre and along the river bank.

Warren Cole Walkway

Perfect for a family ride or walk on a flat, paved shared-use path that follows the riverbank.

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.

Matariki special - Māori tourism operator Te Urewera Treks

In 2021, The NZ Herald ran a series of articles focusing on Māori tourism businesses, showcasing who they are, what they do. This is the story of Hinewai McManus (Tūhoe, Ngā Tamariki o Te Kohu): Te Urewera Treks, Murupara, Ruatāhuna, Whakatāne

Fairbrother Loop Walk

The Fairbrother Loop Walk is the first portion of the Ōhope Scenic Reserve.

Te Urewera Treks

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

White Pine Bush

Nestled in the heart of an enthralling kahikatea forest, the White Pine Bush Road loop is perfect for families.

Latham's Hill Track

Walk over rolling farmland which leads up to native bush and a trig station. There you can enjoy superb views over the Rangitāiki Plains.

Whirinaki Waterfall Loop Track

This easy loop track follows the Whirinaki River through superb podocarp forest with many excellent vantage points of the river.

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!

Whirinaki Forest Footsteps

The Whirinaki Rainforest - a majestic, ancient and spiritual realm. Join us for a guided walking journey into the heart of this vast, Jurassic, podocarp rain forest.

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