From some of New Zealand's biggest fishing tournaments and multisport events to the Summer Arts festival and BirdsaPlenty festival, the Whakatane community puts on a wide range of events catering for many interests. Take a look at some of Whakatane's biggest events listed below. Or visit the Annual Events Calendar for a full list.
Need some where to stay while you are here? Check out our accommodation page.
Summer Arts Festival
Whakatane's Summer Arts Festival has been an Anniversary Weekend highlight for over twenty years and includes the Molly Morpeth Canaday Art Award and exhibition and a Jazz concert. click here for more info...
Date(s)
January 23 to March 30th 2010
Location
Art Awards and Exhibition - Whakatane War Memorial Hall.
Contact
REAP
Phone
07 308 4098
Ladies Tuna Tournament
The Whakatane Sport Fishing Club runs one of the biggest ladies fishing tournaments in New Zealand every summer. click here for more info...
Surf Life Saving New Zealand 2010 National Championships being held at the Whakatane Surf Life Saving Club, Ohope Beach. Over a 1000 Lifeguards will compete in Ironman to surf boat racing, ski races, beach sprints and swimming races. Great for spectators with 4 event arenas stretched of 1.5km of beach... click here for more info...
A celebration of life on the Rangataiki River, with a festival at Thornton and Kayak and Waka Ama races from Matahina to the coast. click here for more info...
The annual Mataatua Waka Ama regatta takes place during April on the Whakatane River and attracts over 400 competitors from around the region. click here for more info...
Date(s)
19th April 2010
Location
Whakatane River
Contact
Tui Edwards
Phone
07 308 4510
Giant R4 Cycle Race
Pinarello R4: Rotorua, Rotoiti, Rotoehu and Rotoma. Take in some of New Zealand's most beautiful scenery as you cycle from Rotorua to Whakatane. The unique 90km course has been designed to pass four stunning lakes as it winds up the undulating terrain of State Highway 30. Riders will pass forest sections, over the Rotomas to the Rangitaiki plains, rolling through Te Teko to Awakeri and onto the finish in Whakatane. click here for more info...
The Whakatane Great Outdoors Monty's Revenge Multisport event is a day of adventure on one of the most scenic courses in New Zealand taking in seascapes, cliffs, bush and river vistas. Monty's Revenge is an acheiveable 57km course that includes run, bike and kayak sections and is open to individuals or teams.
A new Duathlon option is also available. click here for more info...
The annual business show that features the huge range of Eastern Bay of Plenty business and leisure activities. It's All Here. Free entry to the public. Friday 12pm - 5pm and Saturday and Sunday 9am - 4pm. click here for more info...
The Ohope Ordeal offers a long course (50km), with a mid-race climb that soars to over 450 metres, and a short course (20km) option. On a clear day there are spectacular views over Ohiwa Harbour and out to White Island (Whaakari) and Whale Island (Moutohora). The mix of riding terrain is diverse, with lengthy stretches of single-track and meandering farmland cattle trails, as well as swooping pine needle and shingle covered forestry roads. click here for more info...
The popular Bay of Plenty Electricity's 'Toi's Challenge' running and walking event takes place in Whakatane during November each year. The event takes in one of world's most scenic multi terranin routes - Nga Tapuwae o Toi (in the footsteps of Toi). The 18.5km kilometre course captures the essence of the Whakatane district and includes sea cliffs, Ohope Beach and native bush. click here for more info...
The ultimate challenge takes place in Whakatane each year - the Whakatane Great Outdoors 24hr Adventure Race. Teams from around New Zealand compete in a gruelling and challenging race covering over 100km of rugged bush and water-ways around the Eastern Bay. A new 6 hour option is available to the less serious adventurer. click here for more info...
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.
