Surrounding Areas
Beyond the vibrant town centre of Whakatāne lies a region rich in natural beauty, culture and adventure. From scenic forests and rugged coastlines to welcoming communities and unique heritage, each nearby area offers its own special story and lifestyle.
Kawerau
Just 30 km from Whakatāne, Kawerau sits at the base of Pūtauaki (Mount Edgecumbe) beside the Tarawera River. With a population of 7,539 (Census, 2023), it’s one of the smallest districts in New Zealand – but one of the most close-knit. Originally established in the 1950s to support the pulp, paper and geothermal industries, Kawerau retains its strong community roots, affordability and deep connection to te taiao (the natural world).
Home to one of the highest proportions of Māori residents in the country (63.2%,Census 2023), Kawerau has a strong bicultural identity. It’s known for its flat, walkable layout and tree-lined streets, supporting an easy, active lifestyle. Outdoor lovers enjoy treasures like the dramatic Tarawera Falls and nearby lakes, while locals benefit from free access to geothermally heated pools and other community amenities.
Powered by renewable geothermal energy and blessed with pure spring water, Kawerau is an appealing choice for families, first-home buyers and retirees alike.
Kawerau District Council | Kawerau i-SITE
Ōpōtiki
Just 55 km east of Whakatāne, Ōpōtiki offers a peaceful coastal lifestyle rich in culture, nature and growth potential. With a population of 10,089 (Census, 2023), it has seen steady growth of nearly 9% since 2018. Set where the Waioeka and Ōtara rivers meet the sea, Ōpōtiki blends heritage charm with access to some of the most spectacular outdoor experiences in Aotearoa.
The district has a strong community identity, with 66.2% Māori (Census, 2023) – many of whom are affiliated with the iwi of Whakatōhea– shaping the area’s cultural and social landscape. Outdoor enthusiasts are spoiled for choice, from fishing, hunting and horse riding, to exploring the renowned Motu Trails on foot or by bike.
Ōpōtiki is also the northern gateway to the East Cape via State Highway 35, part of the Pacific Coast Highway. With affordable housing, historic architecture and an increasingly remote-worker-friendly vibe, Ōpōtiki is a smart choice for families and individuals wanting to live well by the coast, where whakapapa (connection to ancestry) and nature matter.
Ōpōtiki District Council | Ōpōtiki i-SITE |
Murupara
Set inland in the central Bay of Plenty, just over an hour from Whakatāne, Murupara offers a lifestyle deeply grounded in nature, community and culture. With a population of 1,884 (Census, 2023), it’s small but strong, and sits within the rohe of Ngāti Manawa. Surrounded by the majestic Whirinaki Te Pua a Tāne and Te Urewera forests, Murupara is a launch point to some of the most untouched and spiritually rich landscapes in Aotearoa.
The town’s identity is strongly Māori, with nearly 90% of residents identifying as Māori (Census, 2023). Life here is centred around manaakitanga (hospitality, kindness and mutual respect), connection to the whenua (land) and intergenerational ties. It’s a place where values run deep, neighbours support one another, and time feels slower, in the best possible way.
Murupara is ideal for those seeking affordability, space and genuine connection to te taiao (the natural world).
Matatā
Just a scenic 20-minute drive from Whakatāne, Matatā is a peaceful seaside village offering a laid-back lifestyle on the edge of the ocean. Home to around 670 residents, it forms part of the Matatā–Otakiri area, with a broader local population of 1,746 (Census, 2023). Known for its long, sandy beaches and coastal views stretching to Moutohorā (Whale Island) and Whakaari (White Island), Matatā is perfect for swimming, surfcasting or simply relaxing by the water.
The community enjoys the simple pleasures - fish and chips by the sea, great coffee from friendly cafés and a welcoming playground for tamariki (children). The lagoon walk is a favourite local activity, offering moments of stillness and sweeping coastal vistas.
Matatā combines coastal charm with easy access to many amenities in Whakatāne - ideal for those seeking a peaceful lifestyle close to the water.
Tāneatua & Waimana
Located south of Whakatāne, Tāneatua and Waimana sit deep within the Ngāi Tūhoe rohe and serve as cultural and geographic gateways to the vast Te Urewera forest. These communities are steeped in history, tradition and sustainability.
Tāneatua is home to Te Kura Whare, the headquarters of Tūhoe Te Uru Taumatua and New Zealand's first 'Living Building' - a globally certified structure that embodies Tūhoe values, autonomy and connection to place. Nearby Waimana provides easy access into Te Urewera and reflects the ongoing relationships Tūhoe hold with their ancestral lands.
Though small, both communities offer a unique blend of cultural richness, environmental stewardship and whānau-based living. They are perfect for those seeking a life rooted in heritage, self-determination and closeness to nature.
