Sights and Activities

Kayaking

Keen for a paddle? The Eastern Bay of Plenty is a superb area for kayaking, with many beautiful rivers and lakes, and a stunning coastline. Even the weather is ideal, with light winds and mild temperatures for most of the year. Whether you’re a beginner or highly experienced, a family or a group, there are trips here for you. Enjoy the fun.

Here's the Eastern Bay's top paddles...

White Island

For a truly unique adventure the destination must be Whakaari (White Island), one of the world’s few accessible live volcanoes. Located 48 kilometres off the shores of Whakatane it is accessible by boat or helicopter or opt for a scenic flight over the island. This continuously active volcano, where sulphur-lipped fumaroles and roaring steam vents create a stark wonderland amidst the mud and ash-soaked crater, which almost bisects White Island. The acid lake in the island’s depths offers an unforgettable insight into nature’s primal creativity.

White Island is also one of world’s best scuba diving destinations and provides a unique dive experience as you can explore the underwater steam vents or commune with large schools of fish. It attracts hundreds of divers from all over the world every year.

How to visit to White Island

Arts, Culture and Heritage

The lifestyle of Whakatane attracts numerous artists and artisans.  If you enjoy arts and crafts, pick up an Arts Trial brochure and spend a day visiting local galleries or studios or join a guided tour by Terry Tours.  Whakatane has some exceptional Maori historic sites, which are easily accessible by foot or car from the centre of town.

1. Creative Trail
2. Historic Trail
3. Arts, Culture and Heritage organisations

Walks and Tramps

You’ll incredible walking trails around Whakatane, what ever your fitness or mobility.  The Whakatane i-Site has maps, brochures and tips.  Nga Tapuwae o Toi takes you from Whakatane up and over bush-clad hills to Ohope Beach (allow 4 hrs) with stunning cliff-top views of the ocean and East Cape. Otarawairere Beach is a easy stroll (allow 30 mins) to a secluded paradise cove.ss Ohiwa Harbour and the Pacific Ocean.  There are other courses at Kawerau, Te Teko, Murupara and Opotiki, offering fun for the whole family.

1. Short Walks
2. Nga Tapuwae o Toi
3. Whirinaki Forest
4. Te Urewera Forest
5. Guided Walks

Outdoor Activities

The Whakatane District is rich in outdoor experiences for the outdoors enthusiast.  From superb hunting grounds to guided walks in pristine ancient forests or simple family camping holidays, we've got something for everyone.

1. Hunting
2. Camping
3. Guided Wilderness Adventures

Fishing, Diving and Dolphins

Whakatane is rated as one of New Zealands best fishing spots with a variety of on-shore, or off-shore options.  We've got a fleet of charter boats that can accommodate your requirements.  Or choose a beach-fishing spot for fabulous surf-casting up and down the coast from Matata to Coastlands.  If you enjoy trout fishing, the inland waters of Te Urewera National Park offer plenty of opportunities.  White Island is one of the world's best scuba diving destinations and provides a unique experience around a live marine volcano.  Or choose an incredible dolphin swimming experience in the warm waters off Whakatane.

1. Ocean Fishing
2. Trout Fishing
3. Diving and Dolphins

Family Activities

Whakatane is an ideal holiday destination for families.  We've got a whole range of activities to keep the family entertained from strawberry picking or kayaking on Ohiwa Harbour to wandering through a 'maze of maize'.

Visit Family Activities here..

Golf

There’s plenty of golfing challenge in Whakatane.  Whakatane Golf Club has a world-class undulating course with rural views.  Ohope Golf Club offers a challenging ocean-side links course, with sensational views across Ohiwa Harbour and the Pacific Ocean.  There are other courses at Kawerau, Te Teko, Murupara and Opotiki, offering fun for the whole family.

View Golf Courses here...

Beaches, rivers and harbours

Whakatane is a playground for those who love the water.  From stunning beaches that include Ohope and Otarawairere to magical Ohiwa Harbour where you can take guided moonlight kayak trips or fish and ski.  Our rivers offer all kinds of recreation from jet boating to guided trout fishing trips.

1. Beaches
2. Rivers and Harbours