Otarawairere bay aerial shot

National Geographic Travel explores the Eastern Bay of Plenty

National Geographic Travel's cultural explorers, Heather Greenwood Davis (writer), Erika Larsen (photographer) and Christoph Niemann (Illustrator) visited Whakatāne to explore our diverse region where Māori culture and geothermal wonders are on full display.

During their visit they experienced Whakatāne’s Mataatua Marae, the Ngā Tapuwae o Toi walkway and had a traditional hangi feast at Kaputerangi pā, a site of major historic significance.

Pōwhiri

Experience the power behind a traditional Māori welcome ceremony at Mataatua Marae.

Hāngi

Join National Geographic and friends for a traditional feast at Kaputerangi pā in Whakatāne.

Discover a people, a land and a culture with National Geographic.

You Might Also Like...

Kiwi chick in Whakatāne

Kiwi Experiences

In Whakatāne, kiwi are literally in our backyard; we can walk off the pavement into the bush and be in kiwi territory.

Whakatane at Sunrise

When to visit

Our Summer extends into Autumn - and winter means a shift away from the coast to explore the heartland of our District.

Wairaka Playground and River Walkway

Top things to do for kids

With our safe swimming beaches, sunny climate and abundance of nature on our doorstep, the Whakatāne District makes a great holiday getaway with the family.

Family riding through bush

Cycle hub holiday!

Whakatāne makes an ideal holiday hub for rides like Moerangi and Motu Trails - with great stuff to do off the bike. You don’t have to look far for cycle fun in Whakatāne.

On track with Awakeri Rail Adventures

On track for adventure

Awakeri Rail Adventures has carried well over 1400 passengers through the rolling Awakeri countryside in converted golf carts on the disused Awakeri/Tāneatua railway line.

24 Hours in Whakatāne

24 Hours in Whakatāne

Hitting the road from the hustle and bustle of Tauranga, Sue Hoffart finds a traffic-light-free town whose neighbours include an intriguing island and New Zealand’s best beach.