Riverside Walks and WalkwaysWHAKATANE GARDENS are situated on what was once 'Eivers Beach' between McGarvey Road and McAlister Street on the town side of the Whakatane River stopbank. The area comprises rose gardens, a formal entrance, scented garden and areas for bulbs, shrubs and perennials. In February 2003, Whakatane's Sister City in Japan, Kamagaya, contributed to the construction of an authentic Japanese Garden. This garden is popular for summer weddings and concerts.
RIVER EDGE PARK is a rich, diverse and detailed riverside park. It provides recreation facilities of significance to the whole district including Tracks skatepark, the Ocean Playground, the amphitheatre and Model Engineers' Railway.
OTUAWHAKI and THE PROMENADE were originally part of the first waterfront 'development' of the town in the earliest European settlement era. This strip of riverbank extends from the present wharf at its eastern end to the Yacht Club at the western end. The Whakatane Visitor Information Centre opened by Prime Minister Helen Clark in 2002 is situated in a prime position overlooking both the river and the main business area. The Promenade is lined with seats and picnic tables that are popular with both locals and visitors. The Promenade also provides direct access to the Otuawhaki Wharf.
WAIRAKA PARK, which extends from the present boat ramp to opposite the Signal Station, was officially opened in early 1940 as the District's contribution toward New Zealand's Centenary and is called 'Wairaka Centennial Memorial Park'. The marble plaque set into the rock is inscribed 'Wairaka Park'. The central area of the park is a popular family area with a playground, and a small beach with a swimming area that is separated from the main river by a rock wall. The activities of the fishing and sightseeing boats travelling in over the difficult Whakatane Bar make enjoyable and sometimes exciting viewing. |
