Eco Experiences - give back in nature

The Whakatāne District is blessed with diverse and thriving natural environments. While the land, sea, rivers and lakes have always been here, they haven’t always been in the thriving state as they are now. Many experiences set amongst our eco-wonderland are enhanced due to countless hours of work by volunteer groups who work to restore our native flora and fauna. There are many ways you can support this work both during and after your stay.

Kiwi Capital of the World ™

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

Environmental Care Groups

There are plenty of locals doing the mahi to keep our sustain and rehabilitate our rohe/region

Moutohorā Eco Sanctuary

One of the best-kept secrets in Aotearoa. The island is a remnant volcano and is home to a number of rare and endangered plants, birds and reptiles.

Tiaki Promise

Tiaki means to care for people and place. By following the Tiaki Promise, you are making a commitment to New Zealand. To act as a guardian, protecting and preserving our home.

Eco friendly stories, activities and operators...

BareKiwi - Te Urewera Treks

"It’s almost best described as something spiritual. It might sound silly but my favourite part was just sitting down over a cup of bush tea for a chat."

Manawa Honey - Horse Trekking - Bare Kiwi

BareKiwi - Ruatāhuna & Manawa Honey

"Slowing down lets you talk to the locals, take in the majesty of the place – it’s like nowhere else."

Kiwi Kōrero - Winter 2022

Kia Ora, welcome to the new column from the Whakatāne Kiwi Trust!

Community planting on the Motu Trails

Community and cycling come together on the Motu Trails

Kiwi Experiences

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

Environmental Care Groups

There are plenty of locals doing the mahi to keep our sustain and rehabilitate our rohe/region

Te Urewera Treks

Te Urewera Treks provides a range of unique eco-cultural wilderness treks, bringing you a truly special guided walking experience.

Eco-Tours And Kiwi Bird Experiences. Let our kaiārahi (local guide) transport you through the Ōmataroa forest lands, and guide you on a journey of manaakitanga (care) and kaitiakitanga (guardianship) of the kiwi.

Experience Moutouhorā

Here's how you can explore Moutohorā/Whale Island for yourself...

Walkers at with view over Lake Waikaremoana

Walking Legends Guided Walks

Hike the North Island's best walks with a small group, small backpack, great food and wine.

BareKiwi - Kohutapu Lodge & Whirinaki Forest Footsteps

"But the best part is not the location or the setting, it’s the people – the hospitality is amazing."

Te Tii

Te Tii is a place that cares for and nurtures the people of Ruatāhuna. It represents a neutral place for whānau living remote from Ruatāhuna and those searching for their roots.

Make a difference - Sustainable & Regenerative Tourism

As an operator in the Eastern Bay of Plenty, through your mahi you can make a difference

Moutohorā: Island Sanctuary Tour

Discover the rare beauty of one of New Zealand’s little-known treasures, Moutohorā / Whale Island a pest-free oasis.

Kohutapu Lodge & Tribal Tours

Surrounded by lush farmlands and forestry, Kohutapu Lodge overlooks the pristine Lake Aniwaniwa.

The Green Room | Te Rūma Kākāriki

Making a difference - an exciting initiative to encourage the Coastal Bay of Plenty’s visitor sector to work towards a net zero carbon and regenerative future.

Diveworks - Whale Island Guided Tours

Your four-hour adventure with us includes a marine eco-tour circumnavigating Moutohora (Whale) Island followed by a scenic walk.

Whirinaki Forest Holidays

Experience What We Live For! Whirinaki forest holidays are our passion.

Whirinaki Forest Footsteps

The Whirinaki Rainforest - a majestic, ancient and spiritual realm. Join us for a guided walking journey into the heart of this vast, Jurassic, podocarp rain forest.

Moutohorā with Google Maps

Take a virtual tour of Moutohorā, one of NZ's most restricted wildlife sanctuaries and home to a number of endangered species.

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!

Kiwi Capital of the World ™

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

KG Kayaks

Kayaking adventures at Whale Island, Ohiwa Harbour and Otarawairere Bay. Guided tours and hires for independent travelers, family groups, businesses and schools.

Moutohorā - History & Culture

Moutohorā / Whale Island is an island rich in Maori and European history; a sulphur mine, pa site and whaling station.

Te Kura Whare

Te Kura Whare is New Zealand’s first living building. It embodies Tūhoe and Tūhoetana values of respect for nature and whenua, inspired by the unity of people.