Kayaking

Whakatane and the Eastern Bay of Plenty is the perfect place for all types of kayaking: K1, surf, slalom, white water, multisport, recreational or even fishing!

For easy flat water paddling the Whakatane River (Monty's Revenge Kayak Stage) in the centre of town is the ideal place or for family trips try the Ohiwa Harbour in Ohope.

For the more adventurous sea kayaking from any beach or if the surf is running West End Ohope provides the ideal spot.

For the White Water fanatics the Aniwhenua section of the Rangitiaiki has a few play waves (Grade 2 max!) and an optional waterfall (5 metres!) or the Waioeka River has a great range anywhere from Grade 1 to 3 depending on flows. The lower Waioeka also plays host to the Kayak section of the Motu Challenge. If you are planning a day trip check the river flows .

If Slalom Kayaking is your buzz then Kawerau is the place. Kawerau has it's very own slalom course in the middle of town.

For more information about any of these venues call the Whakatane Information Centre on 0800942528.

Rawhiti Mountain Bike Park

The Whakatane Mountain Bike Club has created a network of tracks in a private forest just a few kilometres from Ohope beach.
Access to the park is restricted to Whakatane Mountain Bike Club members and permit holders. Although not free the permits cost $5 and are available at the Whakatane Information Centre and at The Whakatane Cycle Centre and Spokes Cycles.

Tracks

There is approximately 12 kilometres of riding with in the Park with the majority single track. Most tracks are steep both up and down, so more suitable for fit riders. The club is working on creating some beginner tracks and these should be completed by the end of 2008. Track names include: The Ground Effect Grinder, Mals Mayhem, Exit track, Swampy Thing, Eastern Express and Work Whoops. Tracks in the park have been used for the Ohope Ordeal Mountain Bike Race( http://www.ohopeordeal.org.nz/ )and Monty's Revenge Multisport Event (http://www.whakatane.com/feature_montys.html. )

Location

3 kilometres east of Ohope on the way to Opotiki. Turn right onto the Burma Road then continue on to a rough car park next to a forestry gate with Rawhiti Mountain Bike Park clearly sign posted.

Trail Map

Available at the Whakatane Information Centre and the 2 cycle shops in central Whakatane. The Whakatane Cycle Centre and Spokes Cycles.

Permit

Access is restricted to Club members and permit holders only. Permits can be purchased from The Whakatane Cycle Centre and Spokes Cycles or the Whakatane Information Centre 0800 942 528.

Want someone to ride with?

The Whakatane Mountianbike club has regular rides and events so check out their website  http://whakatane.mtbclub.org.nz/

Nga Tapuwae o Toi walkways

Thisstunning track takes in the famous Kohi Point Walkway and the Mokoroa Bush Scenic reserve. The 18 kilometre circuit has been rated as the best run in New Zealand. Discover beautiful beaches, rocky coves and take in views of the coast from Coromandel to the East Cape.

The fastest run is 1 hour 16 minutes but you can take your time with most people being able to complete the circuit with a combination of running and walking within 5 hours. You can break the run up by doing shorter circuits or by using the bus system between Whakatane and Ohope.

This incredibly scenic track includes ancient pa sites, native bush, stunning cliff top views and the beautiful Otarawairere beach. A must for all runners.

The track can become impassable at Otarawairere Bay when a combination of high tides and big waves coincide. please check with the Whakatane Information Centre if in doubt. Track maps are also available at the Information Centre.

The track hosts the annual Toi's Challenge Run/Walk event held every November. See the events calendar for more details.

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.

Ocean Playground & Skate Park

This playground is an integrated adventure facility that provides structured activity and creative play for all children. This scenic recreation area includes the Tracks Skate Park. 

Ohope Beach

Ohope Beach, just 6km over the hill from Whakatane is a major draw card for holidaymakers, with its 11 kilometres of golden Pacific sand and safe swimming waters. West End, long a favourite with surfers, is also one of the access points to Otarawairere Beach, one of the most picturesque beaches in the Bay of Plenty.

Ohope is a growing residential area, with superb views and a range of attractive properties beckoning new residents from all over New Zealand. Its current population is 2,760.

Port Ohope and Ohiwa Harbour are magical areas with hundreds of seabirds making their summer home on the rich mudflats and sandbanks of the inner harbour.   The harbour also provides a range of recreation opportunities including fishing, water skiing, sailing, kayaking, and windsurfing among the many attractions.

Accommodation ranges from superb quality beachfront motels and lodges to family camping grounds.

For more information about Ohope Beach visit www.liveintheeasternbay.co.nz

Kohi Point Walkway - Whakatane to Ohope

From Seaview Rd, Whakatane to Ohope Beach (West End) or reverse

This incredibly scenic walk includes ancient pa sites, native bush, stunning cliff top views and the beautiful Otarawairere beach. A must for keen walkers.

One section of the walkway is blocked by high tide. Please check with the Whakatane Information Centre (0800 942 528) for the latest tide information. If you are walking to Ohope and wish to return to Whakatane by bus, the Beach Hopper Bus can pick you up at the Ohope Beach Haven store. Phone the Whakatane Information Centre for Bus times.

Mokoroa Bush Scenic Reserve or the "Bird Walk"

Duration - White Horse Junction to the bottom of Mokoroa Gorge - 1 hour
Loop Walk - 1.5 hours
The Mokoroa Bush Scenic Reserve is a fine example of the self-healing powers of New Zealand's native forests. Most of the area was originally cleared for farming between 1910 and 1920. In 1969 it was declared a scenic reserve and now has a high canopy of native trees and is home to many native birds. This offers a number of views over Whakatane and the surrounding area.

The Department of Conservation (DOC) and the Whakatane District Council invite you to experience the natural and historical richness along the walkway. Please respect the many taonga, or treasures, you will encounter and help us to ensure they endure for the benefit of future generations. To protect the wildlife, including kiwi, dogs are not permitted.