Scenic Parks and Reserves

SULLIVAN LAKE PARK was once part of the Whakatane riverbed. This site was developed in 1967 from a swampy lagoon into a five-hectare reserve and lake. It is now a beautiful and restful area visited by many individuals and groups. Ducks, swans, shags, herons and other bird life use the lake as a wildlife refuge.

KOHI POINT SCENIC RESERVE adjoins the Kapu-Te-Rangi Historic Reserve and comprises 154 hectares of native bush extending from the ridge above the Whakatane Heads across the valley to Otarawairere and along the coast to the west end of Ohope Beach. The Kohi Point Walkway is described more fully in the 'Discover the walks around Whakatane' booklet.

WAIEWE CAMELLIA PARK has abundant varieties of the evergreen camellia, Michaelia doltsopa which creates a flowering canopy through which this spectacular collection of camellias and rhododendrons can be viewed.

MOKOROA BUSH SCENIC RESERVE comprises about 325 hectares of regenerating native bush with extensive stands of rewarewa. There is a well-established walkway through the reserve that follows one of the main ridges from the Mokoroa Gorge and meets up with the walkway to Ohope Beach before exiting at White Horse Drive.

Coastal and District Reserves

COASTLANDS PACIFIC PARK extends from Whakatane Heads to Golf Links Road. A popular fishing and surfing beach.

THORNTON BEACH DOMAIN is adjacent to a camping ground and beach that is popular for fishing and swimming. This area provides shade areas for picnicking and public conveniences.

WALKER ROAD is a national, ecologically significant reserve that has naturally occurring stands of native tea-tree or kanuka (Kunzea ericioides) with a unique candelabra growth habit.

Historic Parks and Reserves

There are many significant historic sites in Whakatane, for both Maori and European. Some of these sites are included here, but for more detailed information please refer to the Heritage Trail, Historic Society booklet or the Whakatane Museum.

WAIRERE WATERFALL was once a prominent landmark, one of three given to Toroa, the leader of the Mataatua waka, by his father Irakewa. Although now largely obscured by the development of the town, the falls remain one of the most beautiful and historically significant sites in Whakatane.

KAPU-TE-RANGI RESERVE lies adjacent to the trig station on the top of the hill between the Wairaka suburb of Whakatane and Otarawairere. This is reputed to be one of New Zealand's earliest pa sites, and provides very fine views of the town, the coast and the Rangitaiki Plains.

PUKETAPU LOOKOUT has been a lookout site for the Ngati Awa tribe for over 600 years. However, no one has lived on the site since the Maori wars. In 1965, Puketapu (sacred hill) was developed by the Whakatane Rotary Club as a lookout and reserve, providing fine views of the town and river mouth. It is accessed from the car park at the junction of Hillcrest and Seaview Roads.

PAPAKA REDOUBT RESERVE was formerly a Maori pa site and later used as a Constabulary Redoubt. The reserve serves as a lookout and is accessible from Hillcrest Road, opposite the car park at the junction of Seaview Road and offers a different perspective of Whakatane and the Rangitaiki Plains.

Walkways booklets and Heritage Trail pamphlets are available from the Whakatane Information Centre on Quay Street. Telephone 07 308 6058. Facsimile 07 308 6020 or Email whakataneinfo@whakatane.govt.nz

Sports Facilities

THE WHAKATANE DISTRICT AQUATIC CENTRE was opened in December 2001. This extensive facility includes two spa pools, a hydroslide, a 25 metre indoor swimming pool, the original outdoor 33m swimming pool which is seasonal, and a learners/ beach recreational pool. The Whakatane Amateur Swimming Club, Whakatane Underwater Club and several of the schools within the area use the facilities on a regular basis for swimming tuition and training. Aquarobics and swimming lessons are available to members of the public. The Aquatic Centre's pool and barbecue facilities can also be hired for organised events. For details contact the Pool Manager on 07 308 4192.

OPENING HOURS
Monday to Friday: 6:00am to 8:00pm
Saturday, Sunday: 7:00am to 6:00pm
& public holidays: 11:00am to 6:00pm
(Outdoor pool closed in winter)
Closed on Christmas day

MURUPARA SWIMMING POOL is open for the summer season between 1st December and 31st March.

OPENING HOURS
Open three hours each day during school terms. Open six hours each day during school holidays, public holidays and weekends.

Sports Grounds

REX MORPETH PARK has 16 hectares of open playing fields that provide excellent year round facilities for rugby, soccer, cricket, athletics, tennis and croquet. The reserves are available for short-term hire. Enquiries should be made to the Parks and Recreation Department at the Whakatane District Council. Email to information@whakatane.govt.nz.

RED CONWAY PARK is a continuation of Sullivan Lake Park that stretches from King Street to Arawa Road. Walkways joining the surrounding residential areas run through this 2.5 hectare area of grassed open space. Red Conway Park is used for mainly general recreation, with rugby and squash facilities.

WARREN PARK. This park has a large grassed area, attractive rose gardens and playground. An 80-year-old eucalyptus tree is a prominent landmark in the northwest corner. Several different sports grounds are marked out, including hockey and touch rugby fields. Changing rooms and toilet facilities are also provided.

EVE RIMMER PARK is named in honour of Whakatane's paraplegic Olympic Gold medallist in track and field events. This park is used for rugby league and is home of the Whakatane Netball Association. The Nita Shannon Netball Complex was officially opened on 3 May 2003.

Playgrounds and Skateparks

Playgrounds can be found in most of Whakatane's parks and neighbourhoods. The two listed playgrounds are close to the central business area and are popular with locals and visitors.

WAIRAKA PLAYGROUND attracts many people because of its location at "The Heads", providing fun and entertainment for both children and adults.

OCEAN PLAYGROUND is an integrated adventure facility, providing appropriate challenges for all children, including those with physical disabilities. This playground provides fantastic opportunities for children to experience structured activities and creative play and provides the opportunity for interaction between children. The Tracks skatepark is also situated in this recreation area.

SKATEPARKS have proven to be very popular for providing challenges and opportunities for young peoples' recreational needs. These are situated at the River Edge Park, Whakatane; Maraetotara Playground, Ohope Beach; Morrison Street Reserve, Taneatua; Civic Park, Murupara and Eivers Par, Te Teko.

BMX TRACKS are located at Eve Rimmer Park in Whakatane and Civic Park in Murupara. These cycle tracks provide another exciting recreational outlet for young people.

Ohope Beach Reserves

There is a range of diverse reserves at Ohope Beach, ranging from areas of high natural and ecological value, to others for formal and informal recreation use. These reserves cater for local residents as well as the large number of holidaymakers and day visitors that are attracted to Ohope Beach. Most of the reserves provide excellent playgrounds and picnic facilities.

OTARAWAIRERE BAY links the Kohi Point Walk (Nga Tapuwae o Toi) to the western end of Ohope Beach. This is a beautiful secluded bay, accessible only by walking or boat.

WEST END is a popular surfing area. A walking track leads over the escarpment to secluded Otarawairere Bay.

MAHY RESERVE is a popular area in the summer as the Surf Lifesaving club is located there. It is an ideal place for picnics, with electric barbecues and tables placed for both sun and shade. The reserve has good playground facilities and parking and is an ideal venue for summer events.

WHAREKURA RESERVE is opposite Ohope Primary School on Pohutukawa Avenue and provides superb tennis courts, toilet facilities and access to the ocean beach.

MARAETOTARA RESERVE is a great spot for all the family with electric barbecue facilities and a playground, which includes an exciting flying fox. The beach and reserve is the venue for the Beach Volleyball Competitions.

BLUETT PARK, which includes Ohope Hall, provides the community with modern sporting and function facilities.

OTAO DOMAIN stretches along the edge of beautiful Ohiwa Harbour and is opposite the Port Ohope Store. A playground and public conveniences are located on the reserve.