Discover & Explore Whakatane Bay of Plenty NZ


Magi and Sam Whakatane from Lookout and Ohope Beach. Whakatane is known for having the most

Whakatāne's climate is without equal; it has claimed the title of the Sunshine Capital of New Zealand for four years, a highly-contested competition throughout the country. Things to do in Whakatāne Whakatāne is the cultural hub of the Whakatāne District.


Magi and Sam Whakatane from Lookout and Ohope Beach. Whakatane is known for having the most

Whakatane and its surrounding region were important battle sites during the New Zealand Wars (1843-1872). Land disagreements between the Europeans and the Indigenous people led to the conflict. Parts of Whakatane are preserved in commemoration of all the lives lost on both sides.


Ohope Beach, Whakatane Beach, New zealand, Scenery

Welcome to Whakatāne, New Zealand. The Bay of Plenty's best kept secret. Whakatāne invites you to throw away your watch, relax in the sunshine, experience the special lure of the ocean and marvel at the relaxed friendliness of the people - as you discover all the little things that make Whakatane so exceptional.


About Whakatāne and the Eastern Bay of Plenty Whakatāne NZ

Stay informed with the latest Whakatane news, updates, opinion and analysis from NZ Herald. Find exclusive interviews, videos, photo galleries and more. Sunday, 07 January 2024


Stunning Aerial View Over Town of Whakatane. the Heart of the Eastern Bay of Plenty, New Zealand

About Nau mai, welcome to Whakatāne; a riverside town in the eastern Bay of Plenty of the North Island of New Zealand. This popular holiday destination is known for its pristine white sand beaches at Ōhope (voted New Zealand's most loved beach by kiwis), wildlife sanctuary Moutohorā Island, and being Supreme Winner at the most recent Keep New Zealand Beautiful Awards.


Whakatane remains sunshine capital of NZ NZ Herald

The 143-hectare island is a remnant volcano and also homes a number of New Zealand's rare and endangered plants, birds and reptiles. Along the shoreline, spot brown fur seals and little blue penguins. Located nine kilometres from Whakatāne, the island is under the protection of the Department of Conservation (DOC), with highly-restricted access.


Discover & Explore Whakatane Bay of Plenty NZ

Whakatāne frequently records the highest number of sunshine hours in New Zealand. This sunny town is known for easily accessible outdoor adventures. Whakatane Heads, Bay of Plenty By TNZ The main centre for the eastern Bay of Plenty, Whakatāne is one of the sunniest towns in New Zealand.


Whakatane, New Zealand. Boats anchored along the town's waterfront Stock Photo Alamy

1. Do Some Kiwi Spotting in the Ohope Scenic Reserve Let's kick off our list of the best things to do in Whakatane with Kiwi spotting! Who would have thought that this little bit of forest between Whakatane and Ohope is home to more than 300 kiwi birds and countless other native wildlife?!


Whakatane, New Zealand WorldAtlas

Dolphin & Whale Watching in Whakatāne Kayaking & Canoeing in Whakatāne Scuba & Snorkelling in Whakatāne Swim with Dolphins in Whakatāne Fishing Charters & Tours in Whakatāne Religious Sites in Whakatāne Historic Sites in Whakatāne Monuments & Statues in Whakatāne Farms in Whakatāne Points of Interest & Landmarks in Whakatāne Lookouts in Whakatāne


Whakatane Tourism (2023) New Zealand > Top Places, Travel Guide Holidify

Welcome to Whakatāne Whakatāne is the Bay of Plenty's sunshine capital, Kiwi Capital of the World™ and cultural hub. Local Māori believe New Zealand was first discovered more than 1,000 years ago by Tiwakawaka, who settled his people in what is now Whakatāne.


Deals and Packages Whakatāne NZ

This eruption took place on Whakaari/White Island, New Zealand, on 27 April 2016, more than three years before the catastrophe in December last year that claimed the lives of 21 people (17 of them Australians) and injured 26 others.


Whakatane Cafes, Restaurants, and Dining Guide

GETTING AROUND WHAKATANE CYCLING IN THE EASTERN BAY OF PLENTY. Exploring the Eastern Bay of Plenty by bike is easy. It is a flat easy bike ride along the Ohope Harbourside Trail alongside one of New Zealand's most unspoiled estuaries, Ōhiwa Harbour. This trail is suitable for all ages so it's a great option for families.


The entrance to Whakatane harbour on the rugged East Coast of the Bay of Plenty, New Zealand

Whakatāne has an urban population of 16,850, making it New Zealand's 33rd-largest urban area and the Bay of Plenty's third-largest urban area, after Tauranga and Rotorua. Another 21,950 people live in the rest of the Whakatāne District.


Stunning Aerial View Over Town of Whakatane. the Heart of the Eastern Bay of Plenty, New Zealand

New Zealand North Island Bay of Plenty Region Whakatāne Plan Your Trip to Whakatāne: Best of Whakatāne Tourism Essential Whakatāne Do Places to see, ways to wander, and signature experiences. 2023 Awakeri Rail Adventures 559 Rail Services Ohope Beach 574 Beaches Mataatua: The House That Came Home 136 Speciality Museums Julians Berry Farm & Café 253


Whakatane, New Zealand Destination of the day MyNext Escape

How to get to Whakatane: Whakatane is well connected to the rest of New Zealand by road, located on Pacific Coast Highway and within an hour's drive from Tauranga and Rotorua. The closest international airport is Auckland Airport (3h30mins drive) with plenty of car rental options available.


Things to Do Tauranga & Whakatane, Bay of Plenty Activities

Step back in time and discover the story of Whakatāne's rich cultural heritage as one of the first Maori settlements in New Zealand. This three-day break is centered around the Eastern Bay's local Māori culture and offers a rare window into the area's rich history, myths, and legends. Where spectacular is par for the course

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