School Holiday Fun

These school holidays, Discover Our Local, with a visit to Whakatāne

I ēnei hararei kura, Tūhuratia te Rohe, ā, nau mai haere mai ki Whakatāne

Discover the beauty and friendliness of Whakatāne town - voted most Beautiful Place at the 'Keen NZ Beautiful Awards' | Tūhuratia te rerehua o Whakatāne - te tāone ātaahua rawa atu i ngā whakawhiwhinga o Aotearoa

Explore coastal and ngahere/native bush walking tracks, accompanied by the chorus of native birdsong | Torohia ki tai, torohia ki uta i waenganui i te korihi manu

Hit the road and ride one of our many paihikara/cycle trails | Ekengia paihikara i ngā ara paihikara maha i tō mātau rohe

Learn to eke ngaru/surf at Ōhope Beach, voted New Zealand’s best beach | Akohia te eke ngaru i Ōhope, tātahi nama tahi i Aotearoa

School Holiday Events

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.

Ōhope Beach

Abundant sunshine, warm waters and safe swimming make Ōhope Beach the perfect holiday destination.

Onepū Mountain Bike Park

The Onepu Mountain Bike Park is a great place for all types of riders.

Salt Spray Surf School

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

Golf

The Eastern Bay of Plenty’s sun-filled golf courses offer crisp, dry greens year-round, coupled with spectacular scenery.

VMAC Rides - E bike & E scooter Hire

Providing electric rides from eBikes & eScooters - make the most of your time in Whakatane/Ohope by renting a VMAC Ride

The perfect school holiday destination - Whakatāne, often voted the Sunshine Capital of New Zealand, and Ōhope voted NZ's best beach.

Walk in the footsteps of Toi along a stunning coastline and through bush teeming with native birds, or take to the water with a leisurely kayak adventure, or the rush of white water.

Tauwhare Pā

Learn of the district's history and enjoy brilliant views of Ohakana Island, Port Ōhope and the East Cape.

Child standing next to Kiwi statue with Moutohora in background

Kiwi Wandering Trail

A self-guided scavenger hunt in Whakatāne, New Zealand, the Kiwi Capital of the World!

Awakeri Rail Adventures

Travel along a piece of New Zealand's rich rail history and experience the natural beauty and adventure from the comfort of a self-driven rail-cart

Whakatāne Library & Exhibition Centre

The centre hosts the Horizon Energy Group Library, the Whakatāne District Museum display and three gallery spaces.

Wanting to get away from it all? Dig your own geothermal hot pool on a secluded island, immerse yourself in the local history of our area and try our delicious kai!

Moutohorā Eco Sanctuary

One of the best-kept secrets in Aotearoa. The island is a remnant volcano and is home to a number of rare and endangered plants, birds and reptiles.

KG Kayaks

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

Ōmataroa Eco Tours

Eco-Tours And Kiwi Bird Experiences. Let our kaiārahi (local guide) transport you through the Ōmataroa forest lands, and guide you on a journey of manaakitanga (care) and kaitiakitanga (guardianship) of the kiwi.

Tio Ōhiwa Oyster Farm

Tio Ōhiwa Oyster Farm has been producing oysters since 1968.

New experiences, rides and adrenalin-fueled fun for the family not too far from home!

Cycle hub holiday!

Whakatāne makes an ideal holiday hub for rides like Moerangi and Motu Trails - with great stuff to do off the bike. You don’t have to look far for cycle fun in Whakatāne.

Fishing

Whakatāne is undoubtedly one of New Zealand's best fishing destinations. With crystal-clear waters, easily navigable bar and plenty of fine weather, a fishing trip should definitely be on your agenda.

Walkways and Hiking

The Whakatāne District is renowned for its superb walking and tramping tracks. We have both coastal tracks with incredible ocean vistas and awe-inspiring walkways through ancient native forests.

Guided Tours

We have a great range of adventure and sightseeing tour options available, including guided wilderness adventures on rivers and in our native forests, fishing trips, and more.

Free activities...

Whakaari Experience Room

The Whakaari/White Island Experience room provides a stunning up-close and informative experience of this geothermal wonder.

Whakatāne Library & Exhibition Centre

The centre hosts the Horizon Energy Group Library, the Whakatāne District Museum display and three gallery spaces.

West End Beach

The western end of Ōhope Beach - commonly just called West End - is the most popular part of the beach.

Kawerau Pools

Free heated pools, including a giant spa pool, The whole complex is surrounded by large recreation and play areas, where barbecue and picnic tables are available for families.

Te Tira Hou

A collaboration between Owen Dippie and Tame Iti this mural is titled 'Te Tira Hou' the New Generation.

Wairere Falls

Te Wairere Falls is a sacred landmark to all of Mataatua. One of the most beautiful and historically significant places in Whakatāne.

River Edge Park

A fun, diverse and detailed riverside park, adjacent to the Warren Cole walkway.

Lady on the Rock

This bronze statue atop Turuturu Rock lies at the mouth of the Whakatāne River and commemorates the bravery of Wairaka.

The Heads

A popular spot known to locals as 'The Heads' where the Whakatāne River meets the sea.

Kaputerangi

Kaputerangi or Toi's Pā is of major historical significance and is part of the Kohi Point Scenic Reserve.

Braemar Springs

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

Taurahere Tangata

Hidden within this complex mural by American street artist Brian Gonnella, Taurahere Tangata, are many stories, references, and important Tīpuna of the Kopeopeo area.

David Poole Art Studio

An innovative two and three-dimensional artist with a unique and dynamic approach to art.

Ōtarawairere

Otarawairere is the hidden jewel of the Whakatāne-Ōhope area. This secluded beach is accessible only on foot or by kayak, but the trip is definitely worth the effort.

Kiwi Wandering Trail

A self-guided scavenger hunt in Whakatāne, New Zealand, the Kiwi Capital of the World!

Kayaking on Ōhiwa

Ōhiwa Harbour offers wonderful paddling, with plenty of beaches to stop for a rest.

What's on these holidays...

Our area is ripe with activities for families of all ages.

Family activities

Our district is an adventure playground for the whole family. From the magnificent Ōhope Beach to children's playgrounds, walking tracks and fun activities, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Top Playgrounds

Our pics for playgrounds

Picnic Spots

Our picks for picnics

Top things to do for kids

With our safe swimming beaches, sunny climate and abundance of nature on our doorstep, the Whakatāne District makes a great holiday getaway with the family.

Plan Your Trip

With so many spectacular things to see and do, where extraordinary cultural history touches every feature, enthralling, ever-changing landscapes are so close, and our wonderful people eager to welcome you with open arms, planning your trip here will be an absolute pleasure.

Contact us

As the local isite Visitor Information Centre, we know everything (almost) you need to know about visiting the Whakatāne District. We can help you book and plan your accommodation, tickets, travel and fun things to do while you’re in town.

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