Sun, sand, strolls along the beach… Ōhope is a little slice of paradise with so many options for families, couples, and solo travellers to enjoy this summer.
Feel a summer road trip brewing? Don’t whizz past Whakatāne when you’re headed down the coast — it’s an ideal spot for a couple of days of sun, ocean fun, nature walks and seaside dinners.
Surrounded by untamed wildernesses, achingly beautiful shorelines and forests filled with nocturnal kiwi, Whakatāne is the ideal destination for an adventure-filled family weekend.
The route delivers plenty of scenery, vegetation and birdlife; and, if you read the information boards you’ll come across, about 800 years of history too.
From its ocean, river and estuaries to the fields and bush-clad mountains, this is a region of remarkable abundance, and local eateries take full advantage.
"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."
We invited Kiwi adventurer BareKiwi to the Whakatāne district, asked him to bring his camera, introduced him some of the locals, and these are the epic results.
For twenty-nine years, Toi’s Challenge has been a highlight of the eastern Bay of Plenty trail running calendar, featuring a spectacular mix of coastal and forest trails between Whakatāne and Ōhope.
Hitting the road from the hustle and bustle of Tauranga, Sue Hoffart finds a traffic-light-free town whose neighbours include an intriguing island and New Zealand’s best beach.
In 2021, The NZ Herald ran a series of articles focusing on Māori tourism businesses, showcasing who they are, what they do. This is the story of Whirinaki Forest Footsteps
In 2021, The NZ Herald ran a series of articles focusing on Māori tourism businesses, showcasing who they are, what they do. This is the story of Hinewai McManus (Tūhoe, Ngā Tamariki o Te Kohu): Te Urewera Treks, Murupara, Ruatāhuna, Whakatāne
In 2021, The NZ Herald ran a series of articles focusing on Māori tourism businesses, showcasing who they are, what they do. This is the story of Don Allardice (Ngāti Kahungunu) of Riverbug.
Awakeri Rail Adventures has carried well over 1400 passengers through the rolling Awakeri countryside in converted golf carts on the disused Awakeri/Tāneatua railway line.
Lisa Turpie is no stranger to the Whakatāne retail scene, having previously owned The Good Life on The Strand for eight years. Her new venture on Appenzel Drive, Pear, is a home furnishing and furniture store offering French and European-inspired pieces.
Whakatāne makes an ideal holiday hub for rides like Moerangi and Motu Trails - with great stuff to do off the bike. You don’t have to look far for cycle fun in Whakatāne.
With our safe swimming beaches, sunny climate and abundance of nature on our doorstep, the Whakatāne District makes a great holiday getaway with the family.
This is a stunning loop-journey from Whakatane, heading around the spectacular Pacific Coast to Ohope, along the sand, then inland through forest that is roamed by kiwis, back to town. The track is the stage for annual Toi's Challenge, founded in 1996, and one of New Zealand's iconic trail events.
National Geographic Travel's cultural explorers, Heather Greenwood Davis (writer), Erika Larsen (photographer) and Christoph Niemann (Illustrator) visited Whakatāne to explore our diverse region.
Sun to Surf is a unique and exciting oceanside event, which will take place on the final day of daylight saving. Starting in the late afternoon allowing competitors to run into the twilight from the scenic township of Whakatāne to the stunning finish on NZ's Best Loved Beach.
If you've conquered a half marathon and you want an altogether different kind of walking challenge, put Julian’s Berry Farm Toi's Challenge in your diary!
While other clubs around the country suffer from wet feet during the winter months, Whakatāne’s sun-filled golf courses offer crisp, dry greens year-round, coupled with spectacular scenery.
Part five of our daily instalments featuring inspirational Māori leaders from the Eastern Bay of Plenty for Māori Language week: Rua Kenana – Tūhoe prophet from the Urewera!
Part two of our daily instalments featuring inspirational Māori leaders from the Eastern Bay of Plenty for Māori Language week: Dr Ranginui Joseph Issac Walker
We asked you to go out and capture then create a one minute video that you think illustrates the Eastern Bay of Plenty and our slogan, 'Everything under the sun'.
