Are you planning an amazing holiday? Looking for a great new lifestyle or business opportunity? You'll discover everything you want in Whakatane. Whakatane sits in the spectacular Eastern Bay of Plenty of New Zealand, right beside the Pacific Ocean. These warm waters are world-famous for incredible deep sea fishing and marine sports.
Relax on the stunning golden sands of Ohope Beach, take a White Island live volcano tour, go whale watching and dolphin swimming. Walk or run the beautiful Nga Tapuwae O Toi bush track, watch rare sea birds in unspoiled Ohiwa Harbour, action, fun and lots of memories to be made!!!

Shops and Cafes
Whakatane has a vibrant and attractive shopping district with a wide range of specialty and fashion shops, chain stores, services and cafes. Browse Whakatane for Gifts, Stationery and Photography, Sports and Leisure, Homewares, Food and Beverages and Fashion stores. Local radio and newspapers will keep you up-to-date with local news, views and events during your stay.

Kiwi Capital of the World
In the Whakatane district kiwi are literally in our backyard and we have the unique opportunity to be able to walk off the pavement into the bush and be in kiwi territory. Kiwi calling can be heard from the CBD. Those who live adjacent to the reserves may even have kiwi forage in their garden. There is no other large urban centre that has kiwi in such close proximity. To find out more check out www.whakatanekiwi.org.nz

The Whakatane Kiwi Project currently works on reserve lands including Moutohora (Whale Island), Ohope Scenic Reserve, Kohi Point Scenic Reserve, Mokorua Scenic Reserve and Waiotane Reserve (Wainui).

Fishing, diving and dolphins
Whakatane is rated by top fishing correspondents as New Zealand's best all round fishing destination. During the summer months many different fish can be caught in the waters accessed from the port of Whakatane. These include Yellow fin, Skipjack, and Albacore tuna, along with sharks and Marlin,

Moko the Dolphin
'Moko' is a male Bottlenose dolphin thats been visiting New Zealand's sunniest coastline - Whakatane, since early January. Moko has been seen at all the popular spots around Whakatane. He has been at Ohope Beach where he joined in with the surfers at West End, then he had a look at New Zealand's prettiest bay – Otarawairere – always on an adventure, you can follow Moko – click here

Outdoor activities
The Whakatane District is the gateway to a wide range of excellent hunting experiences in native or exotic forests to hunt for wild deer, wild boar or game birds. Lake Waikaremoana is a nationally significant trout fishery and deer and pig hunting are popular activities in the major forest tracts. Deer species within the conservancy include red, sika and rusa. Our local guides are professional and knowledgeable and offer the experience of a lifetime for the novice or seasoned hunter.

Guided Walks
Experience the magic of the Whirinaki and Te Urewera National Park with experienced guides. Or visit Matata for any easy historic walking tour.


Whakatane River
The Whakatane District is renowned for its superb walking, tramping and mountain biking tracks that include coastal tracks with stunning ocean vistas and walkways through ancient native forests. Te Urewera National Park and Whirinaki Forest Park are a short drive from Whakatane and include a wide range of walks and tramps suitable for all levels of fitness and the time available. To find out more www.whakatane.mtbclub.org.nz

To the south of Whakatane is the Lake Waikaremoana Great Walk which takes 3 - 4 days and is one of New Zealand's premier walking tracks through some of the best scenery in the country. Walking maps, brochures, hut permits and safety information is available at the Whakatane Information Centre and the Rangitaiki Area DOC Office and Murupara Visitor Centre) or visit www.doc.govt.nz

Beaches
Kayak adventures and more! Click on the image icon to view their website.
www.beds-n-leisure.com/hinterland

Ohope Beach
Ohope Beach, just a 5 minute drive over the hill from Whakatane. 11 kilometres of beautiful white sand and safe swimming. It's an ideal playground for families and during the summer season, Whakatane Surf Lifesaving Club lifeguards patrol the beach. West End is a favourite with surfers and is also an access point to the beautiful Otarawairere Bay, one of the most picturesque beaches in the area. Ohope Beach offers a variety of accommodation from camping grounds to motels and homestays.
www.beds-n-leisure.com/hinterland

Otarawairere Bay
This stunning bay is located between Whakatane and Ohope and is only accessible by walking from either Westend, Ohope or Whakatane. The short walk over the hill from Ohope takes a pleasant 20 minutes or allow 1.5 hours to walk from Whakatane taking the Nga Tapuwae o Toi Walking track.

Coastlands
A magnificent white sandy beach approximately 3 km's from Whakatane, which is ideal for fishing and surfing. Enjoy evening strolls at sunset or family picnics. Swimming conditions vary so take care of younger children and unconfident swimmers.

Matata
The long sandy beaches of the Matata Straights are popular for surf casting due to the steep gradient of the beach. Many a snapper or kahawai have been caught from these renowned beaches.
www.beds-n-leisure.com/hinterland

Arts, culture and heritage organisations
Whakatane has a number of community organisations and clubs focused on arts and heritage. Arts and cultural events are regular and include both community artisans and national acts.