Top things to do in Whakatāne 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. Here are a few ideas on things to do with the kids while you're in town.

Playgrounds

Grab a coffee and set the kids free on one of two large playgrounds at Ōhope. Mahy Reserve and Maraetōtara will keep the kids busy for hours.

Top Playgrounds

Our pics for playgrounds

Tauwhare Pā

Visit an actual pā site and explore some of the rich cultural history of this area. A beautiful short walk with spectacular views of the harbour. After this short walk, be sure to stop for dinner around the corner at…

Tauwhare Pā

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

Warren Cole Walkway

A scenic walk through Whakatāne township and down to the Heads, with a variety of things to keep kids interested on the way, including the skate park, sculptures and playgrounds.

Warren Cole Walkway

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

Go fishing

Pack your bait and some snacks and head to either the Port Ōhope Wharf or Whakatāne Harbour for a fun and easy fishing experience.

Fishing

Whakatāne is undoubtedly one of New Zealand's best fishing destinations. With crystal-clear waters, easily navigable bar and plenty of fine weather, a fishing trip should definitely be on your agenda.

Kayak on the Ōhiwa Harbour

Bring your own gear or hire it from the team at KG Kayaks and explore the beautiful Ōhiwa Harbour.

Ōhiwa Harbour

Ohiwa Harbour, the southern half of Ōhope, offers plenty of opportunities for sightseeing, walks, fishing, kayaking, and more.

Catch a movie at Whakamax

If the weather's not that great, there's always Whakatāne’s premier movie and entertainment venue with the “Whakawaffles Ice Creamery & Café” serving the biggest ice creams, great coffee, and tasty snacks.

Whakamax Movies

Whakatāne's premier movie and entertainment venue, offering a boutique movie experience with comfortable seating and true cinema-quality sound.

Hunt for kiwi

Do you have what it takes to be a kiwi kaitiaki? Find all ten kiwi wandering through our town!

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!

Fairbrother Loop - Ōhope Scenic Reserve

This is the perfect short walk to take with the kids, with informative panels along the way about kiwi and other rare species of bird.

Fairbrother Loop Walk

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

Tio Ōhiwa Oyster Farm

A great place to stop for dinner and enjoy some yummy fish and chips and a view of the harbour. If you're lucky, you might even spot a stingray in the harbour.

Tio Ōhiwa Oyster Farm

Tio Ōhiwa Oyster Farm has been producing oysters since 1968.

A bit of our history…

Visit some of our iconic historical sites in the area, including Muriwai’s Cave down at the Heads or Te Wairere Falls on Toroa St in town. Visit the i-SITE for further information (or check the links below).

Historical Sites

The Whakatāne District is home to many historically significant places.

Whakatāne Aquatic Centre

Offering heated indoor and outdoor pools and spa pools to soak your weary muscles, plus a hydro slide for a little extra excitement.

Whakatāne Aquatic Centre

Swim some laps in the pool, relax in one of the spas, work out in the gym complex, take the kids paddling in the learners or beach pools, or get your thrills on the hydroslide.

Visit Te Kōputu

Enjoy a special introduction to the area’s rich history at Te Kōputu. Free entry to the museum and contemporary art exhibition spaces, plus free Wi-Fi access.

Whakatāne Library & Exhibition Centre

The centre hosts the Horizon Energy Group Library, the Whakatāne District Museum display and three gallery spaces.

Maurie Kjar Memorial Swimming Pool

Although it's not technically in the Whakatāne District, the Kawerau hot pools are free and offer heated pools, including a giant spa pool. The whole complex is surrounded by large recreation and play areas, where barbecue and picnic tables are available for families and larger groups to hire.

Kawerau Pools

Free heated pools, including a giant spa pool, The whole complex is surrounded by large recreation and play areas, where barbecue and picnic tables are available for families.