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Family Playing on Ohope Beach

Summer

Sun. Surf. Adventure. Shopping. Relaxation. What more could you want? The Whakatāne District is brimming with all the summer holiday vibes. Everything and nothing - the ultimate destination.

The Whakatāne District is paradise for those who love being in or near the water.

A camping holiday in the Whakatāne District is a perfect way to enjoy the golden beaches, steaming hot pools or lush native forests of the region.

Less ‘are we there yet’ and more exploring native bush, bike trails, hot pools, fishing, and plenty of  Winter sunshine

Meet Ollie, who has the enviable workplace of West End, Ōhope Beach. West End is the perfect place to learn to surf.

Summer Activities in Whakatāne

Te Urewera Treks provides a range of unique eco-cultural wilderness treks, bringing you a truly special guided walking experience.

Filled with fresh water from deep underground, it’s the perfect spot for a family picnic and refreshing swim on a hot summer day.

The spectaular Tarawera Falls is a 35-metre high waterfall on the Tarawera River that flows out of Lake Tarawera and across a lava flow

Experience the fun and thrill of the surfing lifestyle at beautiful West End, Ohope Beach. Local qualified instructors will teach individuals or groups.

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.

This path for cyclists and walkers alike is a gentle amble for all ages and abilities along the shoreline of one of NZ’s most unspoiled estuaries, Ōhiwa Harbour. 

Venture off the beaten path and into the whimsical realm of Maggie's Funtastic Garden near Edgecumbe, where artist and sculptor Maggie Fenton has created two acres of themed gardens that will delight kids.

For fresh, succulent strawberries grown in our Whakatane orchard, picked daily for you or pick your own berries (when available) come and visit R n Bees Berry Orchard!

The favourite among locals known for fresh, quality blueberries, strawberries, raspberries and sensational natural fruit ice creams.

If you're keen for a simple family spin, go to Maraetotara in Ōhope. Ride up the unsealed Maraetotara Road into the bush-edged Burma Rd to the main Ōhope-Whakatāne highway.

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.

If you're in town for a holiday or looking to keep the kids busy and entertained, there's plenty to do! Find out what's on for the school holidays.

eBikes, eScooters, SUP (Stand-up paddleboards) and yummy coffee are on the menu at Wharfside 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.

Kayaking adventures at Whale Island, Ohiwa Harbour and Otarawairere Bay. Guided tours and hires for independent travelers, family groups, businesses and schools. 

Meandering over Ōpōtiki’s dunes and beach, it's just as good for walking and running as it is for biking. With no hills above 15 metres, and plenty of places to access the sand, children love it!

Five minutes from Whakatāne, this championship course offers a great golf experience and is one of the finest golf courses in the Bay of Plenty.

Whakatāne is the ultimate summer destination. The ideal place to Rewind, Connect and Reset for your summer.