Top 10 Things To Do in the Whakatane District

With so much to see and do in the Whakatane District, we’ve selected some the favourites to help make the most of your stay.

  1. Cruise or fly to Whaakari (White Island)
  2. Swim with dolphins and seals or go scuba diving at White Island one of the world’s top dive sites
  3. Visit historic Maori pa sites and landmarks, within easy walking distance of the town centre
  4. Kayak pristine Ohiwa Harbour or Whale Island
  5. Hike Nga Tapuwae o Toi track, a stunning cliff-top and beach walkway
  6. Swim or relax at Ohope Beach
  7. Explore Whirinaki Forest, one of NZ’s oldest native forests
  8. Fish superb ocean and river spots
  9. View the stunning night skies at the Whakatane Observatory
  10. Golf in paradise at Ohope Golf Course, a spectacular Links course

Top 10 Family Activities

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. For more information see our Family Activities section.

  1. Relax in the sun, surf and sand at Ohope Beach
  2. Visit Awakeri Hot Springs for a relaxing soak
  3. Take a guided kayak adventure with KG Kayaks on Ohiwa Harbour or Whale Island
  4. Learn to surf at By Salt Surf School
  5. Walk or cycle along the Warren Cole river bank walkway to The Heads stopping off at the Skate Park, playground and Whakatane Wharf for Fish and Chips
  6. Fish for sprats from the Ohope Wharf
  7. View the stunning night skies at the Whakatane Observatory
  8. Take a gentle hike to the beautiful, secluded Otarawairere Bay
  9. Take a ride on the miniature train - visit the Information Centre for dates.
  10. Visit Julians Berry Farm & Cafe to pick fruit and enjoy fresh berry icecream (open October 5)

Top walks

You’ll find brilliant walking, running and picnic trails, whatever your fitness or mobility. Ask at the Visitor Information Centre for maps and tips or check the Walking section of this website

  1. Nga Tapuwae o Toi (in the footsteps of Toi) takes you from Whakatane, up and over bush-clad hills to Ohope Beach (a 3 to 4 hour walk) then back to Whakatane further inland (another 3 or 4 hours). You pass close to Kapu-te-rangi pa site, and there are spectacular views of the ocean and East Cape.
  2. Otarawairere beach. For an easier stroll, start at Ohope’s West End and wander over to Otarawairere (30 minutes return), a secluded paradise cove with crashing waves and crunching sands.
  3. Whakatane heritage trail shares the rich history of the area. Spend an hour, or all day, and discover a sense of Whakatane’s past.
  4. Whakatane river bank path offers easy exercise opportunity, stretching from The Heads to the Whakatane Bridge (1.5 hours walk one way). Along the way, pass the wharves, river’s edge park, Japanese Gardens and children’s play area. You’ve got numerous places to short-cut back to town for refreshments.
  5. Ohiwa Harbour beach, walking from the boat ramp towards the harbour mouth is something special. There are stunning views over the harbour that’s an internationally renowned bird-haven so take your time and unwind.
  6. Tauwhare. This historic pa site is just after Ohope on the road to Opotiki. A very short wander takes you to Tauwhare pa site - overlooking Ohiwa Harbour,
  7. Onekawa. Park at Ohiwa Domain, near Ohiwa Family Holiday Park on the Opotiki side of the harbour. From here, walk up to Onekawa pa site, a good 30 minutes’ climb through pretty native bush. There’s also a small waterfall, which at night is surrounded by glowworms. From the hilltop, the view of the harbour is sensational.
  8. Whirinaki Forest. Trees a thousand years old tower above the twisting trail. Gnarled branches droop with orchids and creepers. This is Whirinaki, two hours’ drive from Whakatane and 30 minutes from Murupara. New Zealand forest simply does not get better.