The Whakatane District is an adventure playground for the whole family. From the magnificent Ohope Beach to children's playgrounds, walking tracks and fun activities there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Ohope’s Famous Bookshop-on-the-Lawn has over 20,000 second hand books. Fiction, children’s, fact, religion, Westerns, business, romance, military, classics, art, cooking, NZ, health, gardening, craft & science fiction etc. Good value. More books put out every day. Open during summer on fine days.
Experience the fun and thrill of the surfing lifestyle at beautiful West End, Ohope Beach. Local surfers and instructors qualified in surf coaching, first aid and surf awareness will teach individuals or groups. Soft top surfboards, wetsuits, rash vests and sun screen supplied. Surfboard hire.
Come on a choice of two, 2 hour guided walks exploring the landscape that shaped Whakatane. Learn about the cultural, historical and ecological values that make Whakatane special. Tour 1: Visit significant Maori landmarks within the CBD. Tour 2: Visit 3 ancient Maori Pa sites above the town. Bookings essential.
A working studio in an historic building. Hand thrown, hand built pieces including domesticware, terra cotta cookware. Open most days. Commissions accepted.
Whakatane’s massively, hugely, wickedly awesome adventure playground incorporates the adrenaline of paintball, a high and low ropes course, horse trekking and an army style assault course. Hall hireage, bar, catering available to suit. From corporate team building to birthday parties, we run it all!
Quality homespun wool and mohair. Natural colours or hand dyed with plant material or synthetic dyes. Ready made garments and accessories or create your own unique design.
Discover nature’s rare ecological treasures. Visit a local marae and be spellbound by legends of Maori myth, tribal wars and early European settlers. Experienced local guides lead specialised half and full day tours. Easy walking tracks cater for all fitness levels. Transport available.
Moutohora (Whale) Island, Whakatane’s closest ocean landmark is a wildlife sanctuary administered by the Department of Conservation (DOC). Landing tours are only run through the current DOC concessionaire. 2 - 4 hour Eco Marine Tours may include a landing at Sulphur Bay or snorkelling.
Experience one of New Zealand’s treasures. Watch the berries grow. Taste Strawberries,Raspberries, Blackberries, Loganberries, Boysenberries or Ranuiberries. Try a natural fruit ice cream or baking. Enjoy lunch with an Espresso coffee, relax in the sheltered seating area. Playground for children.
Pure paddling pleasure at Ohiwa Harbour or outstanding offshore kayaking at Whale Island (includes water taxi). Check us out for guided tours, kayak hire, team activities, educational groups, moonlight kayaking or family fun on the water. Please call to book. Accommodation also available!
An exhilarating two-hour excursion to experience the best inshore sights of the Bay! Enjoy the wind in your hair as you skim across the sparkling ocean then gently nose into the bays of Whale Island, Otarawairere and along the Ohope coastline, spending time with any marine life we encounter.
Explore on horse back New Zealand’s native bush. Adventure over 400 hectares of farm land, ride up into the hills for spectacular views over the Rangitaiki Plains and out to White Island. Gentle guided treks for the family or adventurous rides for the more confident. Go karting coming soon.
5 km daily kayak trips down the scenic Waioeka River. Very safe for first timers & families. Times flexible. All gear provided. Swimming hole & BBQ area. A great break from the beach. 45 minutes from Whakatane. 16 km out of Opotiki on SH 2 heading to Gisborne. Bookings required.
Located at the very scenic spot, "The Heads", this playground provides fun and entertainment for both children and adults.
Location
Muriwai Drive, Whakatane
Whakatane Museum and Gallery
The museum displays items from the local environment, pre and post European Maori artefacts and other historical items. The Museum has an important collection of Taonga Maori from local tribes tracing their descent from the Mataatua Waka. The Museum is also Trustee of the Kohika Collection. Displays also include local natural history and European items. The gallery has ever-changing exhibitions of local and national artists. Open 7 days. Weekdays: 10am - 4.30pm. Weekends/public holidays: 11am to 3pm.
This playground is an integrated adventure facility that provides structured activity and creative play for all children. This scenic recreation area includes the Tracks Skate Park.
Location
McAlister Street, Whakatane
Whakatane Astronomical Society
Public nights, subject to weather, on Tues- day and Friday from 7.30pm, depending on the time of year. Group bookings for schools, clubs and organised groups. Observe many night sky objects from the southern latitudes through the observatory’s telescopes. Admission charges apply.
26 December to 30 April. Family fun in 10 acres of maize! Silly games, silly pets, picnic facilities, 3D Vortex Tunnel. Special events: “Grimmer Scary Tales” (for children & brave parents!), selected Saturday nights. “CornEvil R16 Horror Maze” Fridays after dark. For details see our website.
The perfect place from which to explore the Eastern Bay of Plenty. Close to beaches, lakes, rivers, Mt Edgecumbe, Mt Tarawera, Te Urewera National Park. Thermal pools, private mineral spas, motels, tourist flats, cabins, power tent sites, bush walks and play areas. We have it all for your enjoyment.
Set amongst the scenic beauty of Te Urewera National Park, Covell Wines is one of New Zealand's few "Bio Gro" Certified Organic Vineyards. Open daily from 10am, the Winery is a leisurely and interesting one-hour drive from Whakatane. The area offers a wide range of accommodation.
Open: 7 days, 10am-4pm
Location
1076 Troutbeck Road, Galatea
Phone
07 366 4827
Fax
07 366 4071
Cinema 5 and Marilyn's Cafe
5 auditoriums equipped with great sound, comfortable seating and air conditioning. Available for private functions. Candy bar, Time out family fun centre, on-site cafe serving Allpress Expresso, gourmet desserts, lunches or pre or post movie snack.
Relaxed family atmosphere. 30 flavours of ice cream, shakes and sundaes. Open 7 days.
Location
Location 108 The Strand, Whakatane
Phone
07 307 0559
Mobile
021 049 2814
Whakatane District Aquatic Centre
This exciting facility includes 2 spa pools, a hydro-slide, 25m indoor heated pool, a 33m heated outdoor pool (September to April), a learners/beach pool and the Leisure Club Gym. Under eight year old children must be accompanied by someone 16 years or older. Come and visit us today!
Large variety of wines and fruit wines including sparkling such as Feijoa, Boysenberry, Lemon and Blueberry. Tastings available. Open seven days from 10am to 7pm.
The official tourism information website for the Whakatane District, including Ohope and Murupara, in the Eastern Bay of Plenty. Whakatane is a coastal town, situated in the North Island of New Zealand, just one hour drive from Tauranga and Rotorua.
