’Tis the season

Your Eastern Bay of Plenty Christmas guide

The countdown to Christmas is on! From Santa parades to late night shopping, here's your guide to great gift ideas and what's on in the lead up to Christmas.

What's on

Get your Christmas shopping sorted!

Give the gift of a new experience

Whakatāne Observatory

The Whakatāne Astronomical Society provide night sky viewing from the nationally renowned Whakatāne Observatory.

Whakamax Movies

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

Moerangi Track

A shared-use track that includes an optional overnight stop at a historic hut and amazing views from the top of the Moerangi saddle.

River Edge Park Miniature Railway

Great fun for the little ones. Trains generally run on Sundays from 10 am - until 3 pm, weather permitting.

Riverbug Adventures

Do something new, New Zealand! The kiwi invented riverbug is the most fun and unique way to explore our taonga wai (water treasures).

Cascade Charters

Professional, experienced skippers on well-equipped, seaworthy vessels - Cascade and Tracker II.

Mason Place Gallery

An Ōhope Beach home-based photographic and art gallery featuring landscapes and native birds including local scenes.

Te Urewera Treks

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

Big Dan Guiding Services

Trout fishing at its best with local guide Dan Comer, along some of the region's most pristine waterways.

Muriwai's Cave

Muriwai is a loved and honoured ancestress of the Mataatua tribes whose mana has endured down the centuries.

ProSail

Sail from the Whakatāne Harbour on Centaurus, a spacious, 38-foot cruising catamaran.

Ōhope Beach Golf Links

One of New Zealand’s most scenic golf courses, uniquely situated between Pacific Ocean on one side and the beautiful, unspoilt Ohiwa Harbour.

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.

Kawerau Golf Club

This picturesque, well-groomed 18-hole course is on flat, easy walking land and is adjacent to the Tarawera River with mountain views and bird life adding to the enjoyment for players.

The Gambler

Come on board "The Gambler" with renowned skipper Mick Goodin. Deep sea, bottom and game fishing all year round.

Awakeri Rail Adventures

Travel along a piece of New Zealand's rich rail history and experience the natural beauty and adventure from the comfort of a self-driven rail-cart

Find more experiences »

Or shop for great gifts locally

Homewares & Gifts

Whether you’re looking for a gift for a special someone or a special something for yourself, there is a myriad of homeware and gift stores at your beck and call.

Sports & Outdoors

An expansive adventure playground such as the Whakatāne District wouldn’t be complete without the shops to kit you out with everything you need to enjoy it.

Fashion & Clothing

Peruse our superb boutique stores and treat yourself to some unique pieces from labels including Augustine, NYDJ, Federation, Jamie Kay and Lower.

Niko Niko Sushi

In a great central spot, Niko Niko prepare a wide range of fresh sushi to select from the cabinet.

Presentables

A range of exquisite gifts that are sure to please, such as dinnerware, living room décor, glassware, candles, blankets, baby gifts, toiletries, handbags, jewellery, wall art, and much more.

Little Havana

You can’t help but notice this bright and funky taste of Cuba in the heart of Whakatāne.

DiSTiNCT

DiSTiNCT is an eclectic boutique in Ōhope. We offer a wide selection of high quality homeware, clothing, fashion accessories, and general gifts.

General Store - Ruatāhuna

The Te Tii general store in Ruatāhuna services not only the community but also those passing through the village.

The Good Life

Specialising in kitchenware, condiments, homeware, home and body aromatics, babywear, toys, and other knickknacks.

Capiz

Capiz is a designer fashion store in Whakatāne, stocking some of New Zealand's top designer labels.

Renshaws Showcase Jewellers

We are proud to have been bringing the Eastern Bay of Plenty of quality jewellery and friendly local service for three Generations

him.her

New to the Strand. Federation. SABEN. Augustine. ONETEASPOON. New Balance. Age Eyewear. Crate. Stolen Girlfriends Club. five each.

Bouquet Floral - The home of Scilla Chocolates

This unique combination is your one stop shop for beautiful bouquets and exclusive Scilla Chocolates made locally in Ōhope.

Simply Handmade

Unique handcrafted or upcycled gifts, art and crafts from over 20 artists and crafters living in the Eastern Bay of Plenty.

Manawa Honey NZ

Artisan producer of honeys of Te Urewera. From our ancient untouched forests come exquisite tree honeys – Māhoe, Tāwari, Rewarewa and world-famed medicinal Mānuka.