Whakatane - North Island, New Zealand

Whakatane is the largest town in eastern Bay of Plenty around Whakatane River. The town centre is nestled between the river and bush covered hills. Whakatane offers a variety of exciting activities like swimming with the dolphins, trips to the Whale Island bird sanctuary and the volcanic White Island. Whakatane in Maori means 'to act as a man.' The first Europeans to come here were the flax traders in the 1800s.

Whakatane has a tumultous history of retaliating against the European settlers. Whakatane was home to the fanatical Maori sect Hau Hau and they killed a missionary. When the Government sent an agent to investigate the murder, his vessel was attacked and he and his crew were killed.

The Government declared martial law and confiscated a large part of the Bay of Plenty. This led to a full scale attack of Whakatane by the leading Maori revolutionary, Te Kooti. He was driven back by government forces. Today Whakatane is a trading area and service town for the surrounding regions and a great tourist attraction.

The centre of Whakatane township is at the intersection of Commerce St and the Strand. The distinguishing feature here is a large rock outcrop called Pohaturoa. This is a sacred place to Maori.

There is a small park around this rock and it has carved benches and a black marble monument to Te Apanui, a great Maori chief. From here it is a 3 minute walk to reach the base of the Wairere Falls. This leads to a 4 km river walk to the heads and is a pleasant evening activity.

The Whakatane District Museum and Gallery lies on Boon St. The museum contains exhibits on European, Maori and geological history. There are precious Maori treasures from the local iwi or tribe.

Whakatane Activities

Jet boating on the Rangitaki River, about 25 kms south of Whakatane, is an exhilarating experience. It starts at the Matahina Dam and goes to the Aniwhenua Falls traversing a number of whitewater rapids courses.

There are lots of fishing guides along the way. A Maori elder conducts guided forest walks with emphasis on Maori medicine and bush survival skills with an option to go horse riding.

The waters around Whakatane are ideal for whale and dolphin watching. There are operators who conduct trips year round. They also offer swimming with the dolphins subject to the right conditions.

About 7 kms east of Whakatane, the beach resort of Ohope greets you. It is at the entrance of Ohiwa Harbour and abounds in natural shellfish, serving as a convenient and renewable food source to the Maori way of life.

Whakatane is home to several interesting walks. The best is the Kohi Point Scenic Reserve stretching from Whakatane Town Centre all the way to Kohi Point taking in panoramic views of Whakatane, Whale Island, White Island and Te Urewera National Park.

Whakatane is getting up to speed with the cafe culture. There are some decent coffee shops and a couple of waterside restaurants doubling up as bars in the evenings. Ohope Beach has a couple of cafes. There is a Cinema 5 Multiplex on the Strand and a couple of bars in the Whakatane Hotel.

LooknbookNZ can arrange your Whakatane accommodation and Whakatane activities bookings and let you and your family/friends enjoy the attractions that the eastern Bay of Plenty has to offer with Whakatane acting as your base.