Whakatane District: Coast, Culture and Nature

Whakatane District combines a long coastline with distinctive landscapes, cultural meeting places and routes for a variety of outings. For a family trip, you can focus on beaches and water, discover history, or combine both with walks. The best way to decide what kind of accommodation to look for is to start with what you want to focus on during your days.

Experience the Coast, Beaches and Water

More than 50 kilometres of coastline give the district a strong maritime character. Ōhope Beach stretches for 11 kilometres from the entrance to Ōhiwa Harbour to West End; its white sand is easy to walk on. The beach offers a long stretch of coastline to explore. Ōhiwa Harbour offers a different mix: views, walks, fishing and kayaking.

Salt Spray Surf School operates at the western end of Ōhope Beach. There, sheltered, shallow waters and gentle waves make it easier to learn to surf. If a surf lesson is part of your plans, check the schedule in advance. If you’re walking in Ōhope and want to return to Whakatāne afterwards, you can catch the Beach Hopper Bus at the Ōhope Beach Haven stop.

Discover Local Culture and History

Whakatāne Museum presents current and upcoming exhibitions in the Te Kōputu a te Whanga a Toi and Te Whare Taonga o Taketake galleries. As the exhibition programme changes, it’s worth checking what’s on before your visit. The museum preserves more than 600,000 collection items and offers a wide range of resources and services for researchers, students and the public.

A visit to Mataatua can offer an intense encounter with the people of Ngāti Awa. Historic sites and trails also shape experiences in the district: Kaputerangi is considered one of New Zealand’s oldest settlement sites. The sweeping views from Kaputerangi Reserve illustrate the site’s strategic significance. Wairere Waterfall is among Whakatāne’s most scenic and historically significant places; it is illuminated in the evening.

The Ngā Tapuwae o Toi Trail passes through Kōhī Point Scenic Reserve, Ōhope Scenic Reserve and Mokorua Scenic Reserve. The route includes pā sites of great historical significance, making it possible to combine physical activity with a glimpse into the district’s history.

Compare Landscapes and Trails

Te Urewera covers about 40 percent of Whakatane District’s 4,400 km². The fertile Rangitāiki Plains have a different character, with kiwifruit, olives, citrus fruit, avocados and many different berries grown there. The agricultural land and the vast landscape of Te Urewera add further dimensions to the district beyond its coastal settlements.

Ōhope Scenic Reserve is home to many kiwis that have been reintroduced through the Whakatāne Kiwi Project. Wildlife populations and access conditions can change; check the latest information before visiting. For a shorter outing, try the Warren Cole Walk and Cycleway: this easy, fully paved trail runs 4.3 kilometres along the Whakatāne River and is suitable for walks and family rides. The elevation gain is about 10 metres.

Whirinaki Te Pua-a-Tāne Conservation Park offers short day walks, multi-day hikes, fishing, mountain biking and horse riding. Its outdoor recreation and education centre is suitable for schools and other groups. The most frequently used access to the park is via River Road, behind the village of Minginui, to the River Road car park, the starting point for many walks. Facilities and trail conditions can change; check the latest information before setting out.

Choose the Right Focus for Your Accommodation Search

These differences help guide your plans without reducing the many facets of Whakatane District to a single type of outing.

Discover More Destinations

Whakatane, Ohope, Edgecumbe, Murupara, Matata, Taneatua, Awakeri, Nukuhou, Minginui

For the broader travel overview: Bay Of Plenty.