Keep NZ Beautiful Awards - Winner

Welcome to Whakatāne - judged The Most Beautiful Large Town Winner at the Keep NZ Beautiful Awards 

  • Tois view
  • Whakatāne iSITE - Quay Street
  • Mataatua marae
  • Tois Challenge
  • Otarawairere - mum & son
  • Wharfside - Port Ohope & Wharf
  • Savvie Florist
  • VMac Scooters
  • Mataatua Wharenui Grounds
  • Looking out at river
  • Boat crossing the bar
  • Walkers along the river
  • Carvings at The Heads
  • Waka ama on the river
  • Te Koputu a te Whanga a Toi

Our community were truly humbled to be named Award Winner at the 2023 Keep NZ Beautiful Awards, aswell as Supreme Winner at the 2021 Awards. While this award acknowledges the undoubted beauty of our town and environment, it was noted by judges the strength of community. 

For 2023 Whakatāne was awarded the title of Most Beautiful Large Town. The Keep New Zealand Beautiful Awards judges were impressed by the sheer amount of work going on in the environment space, and the efforts made towards creating a waste and climate-conscious future.

This included a new tree strategy aiming to increase canopy cover by 20 percent over the next 20 years, the new wetland ‘sponge park’ to help local streams recover from weed infestations, and a plan to rejuvenate nearby wetlands and restore the health of the Awatapu lagoon.

The judges also paid homage to the ‘dedication and passion’ of the Whakatāne people, and the district’s committed focus to Iwi engagement and community-led projects.

A huge thanks from us to all those who have been working hard on the actions that have secured this recognition. 

Taste - Meal

Taste

The Eastern Bay of Plenty lives up to its name with plentiful produce and extraordinary dining experiences.

Shopping

Shopping

If you love leisurely perusing boutiques, galleries and specialty stores, you’ll be delighted at our established shopping spots.

Spread the word!

If you are a local Whakatāne district business or operator and want to show your support, you can download the badge below and use it in your marketing

This badge is free to be used in promotion of Whakatāne and the surrounding district. The badge has been created in consultation with the Keep New Zealand Beautiful Awards team, so we ask that it be used in its original form and not altered. To save simply click the link below, then RIGHT CLICK/HOLD (mobile) on the image and choose save/download. 

For further information, email social@whakatane.com  

 

>> DOWNLOAD BADGE HERE - .jpg <<

Adult mail kiwi with Kiwi Capital Logo

Kiwi Capital of the World ™

In Whakatāne, kiwi are literally in our backyard; we can walk off the pavement into the bush and be in kiwi territory.

Moutohorā Island

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.

Te Whaiti Nui A Toi Canyon

Whirinaki Te Pua-a-Tāne

One of New Zealand's most remarkable and significant forests and a must-see biodiversity hotspot.

Look out point.

Ngā Tapuwae O Toi Trail

Nga Tapuwae o Toi, or the ‘Footprints of Toi’, is a walking trail that captures the essence of the Whakatāne District.

Carvings at The Heads

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