There are plenty of things to see and do in Whakatane. Whakatane offers a huge range of attractions and activities from family fun to adventure.

White Island

Whakaari or White Island is an active volcano, situated 48 km from the coastal town, Whakatane. The island is the largest of the four islands in the Olive island chain. It is roughly circular, about two km in diameter, and rises to a height of 321 m above sea level. However this is only the peak of a much larger submarine mountain, which rises up to 1600 m above the nearby seafloor. The main activities on the island now are guided tours and scientific research. White island attracts visitors from all over the world including a variety of sealife. White Island is also one of world’s best scuba diving destinations and provides a unique dive experience as you can explore the underwater steam vents or commune with large schools of fish. It attracts hundreds of divers from all over the world every year. White island is accessible by boat or helicopter or you can opt for a scenic flight over the island. View the live web camera here.

Fishing

Looking for Whakatane charter boats? Fishing Charters in Whakatane and the Bay of Plenty are among the best in the world. From Saltwater fishing to fresh water fishing for trout in rivers and lakes. 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, congregating to feed on huge shoals of baitfish from December to late April. Whakatane is the country’s yellow-fin tuna “capital” but superb fighting marlin along with snapper and hapuka lurk around the many off shore reefs. Whakatane charter boats are ready and waiting to seek them out and assist with your fishing experience. Click here for Whakatane Tide Times

Flying

Whether you want to fly and see the sights around our region or try flying a plane yourself…we’ve got it covered!
Our aviators are based at the Whakatane airport and offer scenic flights, charter flights, photography, Ssurveying, flight training and freight.
Be flown around the sights or fly yourself and an Instructor on a flight around Whakatane. Or you can try basic training where you learn and do some of the basics to control an aircraft.

Family

Whakatane is the perfect holiday destination for the entire family. Venture out with your kids and enjoy Whakatane’s range of family fun activities and family entertainment together. Whakatane offers a wide range of entertainment for all ages, from cinemas, playgrounds and swimming pools to berry farms and adventures.

Golf

Whakatane, Kawerau and Ohope Golf clubs offer some of the most prestigious golf courses in the Bay of Plenty, New Zealand. Whether it’s the fast running greens or the lush forgiving fairways, our golf clubs offer golfers of all levels a challenging and rewarding 18 holes. Whakatane golf club is situated inland of the coastlands region. Kawerau golf club is located beneath the backdrop of Mt Edgecumbe while Ohope golf club enjoys the spectacular views offered by the Ohiwa Harbour and Ohope beach.

Art

Looking for art and crafts in Whakatane? The Eastern Bay of Plenty, with its stunning coastal outlook, warm and sunny climate, has a burgeoning arts scene. The outstanding natural surroundings have long provided the inspiration for many artists in the region. Check out www.creativeeastbay.org.nz
There is a genuine relaxed atmosphere in the Eastern Bay that enables our artists and craftspeople to make full use of their creativity, resulting in a huge quality and variety of art and crafts. The vibrant arts and crafts scene has been influenced by the revival and resurgence of Maori culture.

Maori Culture

Māori are the tangata whenua (indigenous people of the land) of New Zealand and their culture is an integral part of Whakatane.
The local Maori people delight in sharing their heritage with visitors and will enrich your experience wherever you go. Encounter the warmth, proud spirit, deep sense of history and quick humour that is this culture. Maori culture is one of Whakatane’s biggest draw cards now that the Mataatua Wharenui (meeting house) has returned home after 130 years.
Discover the extraordinary story of the house. Marvel at its grandeur and the beauty of the ancestral carvings. Be enthralled as the carvings and legends of Ngati Awa are brought to life through world-class digital technology.
Enjoy the legendary hospitality our people are renowned for. Meet the house. Meet the people. Experience New Zealand’s food, culture and legends with a visit to Whakatane.

Swimming

Whakatane has one public swimming pool, namely the Whakatane District Aquatic Centre on Short Street. There is an outdoor and an indoor swimming pool. This pool is used by many and all for competitive swimming to social swimming, water polo, safety programmes, swim clubs, swim school lessons, inflatables and much more. This fantastic pool is a must try for all. Enjoy the experience! Other pools, include the popular Awakeri Hot Springs and the free Kawerau Thermal Hot Pools.

Dolphins & Whales

Whale and dolphin watching in Whakatane is a must see. Dolphins are abundant in the waters off Whakatane and our tour operators can take you to swim with or watch these fascinating mammals in their natural environment. You may also be lucky enough to see some of the many species of whales that often come close to our shores. It is a truly spectacular experience in the clear subtropical waters off Whakatane.

Horse Trekking

Whakatane horse trekking operators offer a unique horse trekking experience around the district. Whether you trek up the Whakatane river or ride through the mystic and tranquil beauty of Te Urewera National Park, Whakatane horse treks offer a range of scenes and can cater to all riding abilities.

Jet Boating

Come and experience the thrill and excitement of Jet Boating in the Whakatane region. Our former World Jet Boat Champion, Bill Roberts will take you and your friends on a ride that will always be remembered.

Adventure

If you’re looking for something more adventurous to do in Whakatane then our list of adventure activities may have the solution for you. Find activities of a more extreme nature such as jet boating, fishing or high wire courses. Go surfing, play paintball or have a go at rafting or kayaking. You can even fly a plane yourself! See our list below for an activity that is sure to get your blood pumping.

Dining Out

Find fabulous food at restaurants in Whakatane, including cafes, takeaway outletsand bars. View restaurant and takeaway menus, photos, maps & info. Ranging from Kiwi, European to Thai, Indian and more. You’ll also find supermarkets, cake makers, caterers, roast meals and even different food types, from fruit and vegetables to seafood.

For more information please see www.whakatane.info – Our Local Directory Online!