9 Things to Do in Whakatane That You Shouldn't Miss

February 25, 2018 Kaleigh Reichenbach

Whakatane (/fɑːkəˈtɑːni/ fah-kə-TAH-nee, alt. /ˌwɒkəˈtɑːni/; Maori: "Whakatāne", Māori pronunciation: [fakaˈtaːnɛ]) is a town in the eastern Bay of Plenty Region in the North Island of New Zealand, 90 km east of Tauranga and 89 km north-east of Rotorua, at the mouth of the Whakatane River. Whakatane District is the encompassing territorial authority, which covers an area to the south and west of the town, excluding the enclave of Kawerau.
Restaurants in Whakatane

1. Ohope Beach

Ohope, Whakatane, New Zealand +64 27 296 3014
Excellent
74%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 461 reviews

Ohope Beach

Reviewed By paullegate - Luton, United Kingdom

Whilst we were driving from East Cape to Waihi we decided to stop off at Ohope Beach, unfortunately we had extremely stormy weather throughout our journey. When we arrived at Ohope Beach it was deserted unsurprisingly, the whole place was windswept. On better days there would be fine views of the surrounding area, on the day we visited there was limited visibility, definitely a place to re-visit when the weather is a lot nicer.

2. Julians Berry Farm & Cafe

12 Huna Road, Whakatane 3191, New Zealand +64 7-308 4253
Excellent
64%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 182 reviews

Julians Berry Farm & Cafe

Julians Berry Farm and Cafe is a unique Whakatane attraction offering freshly picked or pick-your-own berries, delicious berry ice creams, berry jams and other berry products, along with a range of local olive oils, handmade gifts and fresh local produce. Enjoy a great day out in the large, child-friendly cafe area, playground, basket ball half court, animal petting farm, soccer area, mini golf and other family activities. The Berry Farm is open from October to early February, 8am - 6pm for berries and ice creams, and 9am - 4pm for the cafe.

Reviewed By Nicole H - Hobart

Mini golf was a fun course but basic old style. Had a huge connect 4 game, and also basketball and kids playground. We went at Xmas time so they were all picked out so we didn’t pick fruit. We did try the cafe and the breakfast was good, the pancakes were also great. They had a good selection of jams, chutneys and icecream. The place seemed very popular but had lots of seats.

3. Otarawairere Bay

West End, Ohope, New Zealand
Excellent
83%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 39 reviews

Otarawairere Bay

Reviewed By diver201 - Tauranga

Great spot for swim while walking the track from Ohope to Whakatane. Lots of steps, but stunning bush (especially in summer when the Pohutukawas are out) and refreshing for a swim when you make it.

4. Whakatane River Walk

The Strand, Whakatane, New Zealand
Excellent
55%
Good
41%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 169 reviews

Whakatane River Walk

Reviewed By Julia S - Whakatane, New Zealand

Love the walk or cycle along the Whakatane Warren Cole Walk/Cycleway - its a pleasure to take in the river and surrounds to the Heads and back

5. Immayogi.com

Mair Street | The Surf Club, Ohope 3121, New Zealand +64 27 957 3305
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 4 reviews

Immayogi.com

Yoga in Ohope Beach with Amy L. Green, RYT 500 Looking out over New Zealand's "Best Beach", Amy blends stretching, strengthening and breathing excercises, bringing awareness to safe and sustainable alignment and pushing yogis to their edge, while giving options so that EVERY BODY can find the "sweet spot" in each pose. All levels welcome.

Reviewed By hope42morrow - Xiamen, China

Although it has been awhile since I took lessons with Amy Green, her yoga instruction still helps and assists me today. She provides a balanced class, demonstrating correct poses and adjustments, but also circulating and either suggesting or helping with individual adjustments as needed. There is also a good mix of the spiritual influences of yoga with the reasons and explanations that tell you how and why it helps your body (and how to do it right).
I now live in a country where I frequently have to rely only on visuals during my yoga lessons, as I don't understand the language of instruction. As I make adjustments, it is her instructions and suggestions I hear in my head and think about when I don't understand instructions or no adjustments are offered. As my body really doesn't work and bend the way most people's do, this is even more important!

6. Mataatua: The House That Came Home

Mataatua, Te Manuka Tutahi, 105 Muriwai Drive, Whakatane 3120, New Zealand +64 7-308 4271
Excellent
81%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 98 reviews

Mataatua: The House That Came Home

After more than 130 years away, Mataatua Wharenui - New Zealand's only repatriated and most travelled Maori meeting house - stands once again as the unifying soul of the Ngati Awa (one of the Maori tribes of the Bay of Plenty) New Zealand. Built in 1875, it travelled to Sydney, Melbourne, Victoria & Albert Museum and South Kensington Museum (London), Dunedin and Otago (South Island) before being rebuilt back in its place of origin, Whakatane, in 2011. Your journey at Mataatua (The Face of God) will Ignite the Soul within, as you discover the extraordinary story of the house that has travelled through time. Mataatua is a living and breathing being and our experience provides an opportunity for intimate engagement with the people of Ngati Awa. Be enthralled as the carvings and legends of Ngati Awa are brought to life through world-class digital technology. A spine tingling experience, HIKO; Legends Carved in Light, is the 2011 GOLD Nga Aho award winner from the New Zealand Designers Institute.

Reviewed By shirley327 - Denmark, Australia

The traditional Maori ceremony of a welcoming into their meeting house. The ceremony was carried out with sacred heartfelt honouring of their special place and their ancestors. This experience is an honour and introduction to the Maori culture and we would highly recommend visiting and being part of this ceremony.

7. Blueberry Corner

364 Thornton Road | Coastlands, Whakatane 3194, New Zealand +64 7-308 0444
Excellent
77%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 77 reviews

Blueberry Corner

Reviewed By kinx81 - Vancouver Island, British Columbia

Fresh blueberries, frozen, in jam, in ice cream, in baked goods. YUM. Tried the mini blueberry pie for $3.50 and the blueberry muffin for $4. So good. Bought blueberries to snack on later. So sweet. Must try the ice cream next time I’m in town. Lots of outdoor Seating under shade. Flies are pretty bad though but because of the chickens next door. Kids play area.

8. Kohi Point Lookout

Kohi Point Lookout Road, Whakatane, New Zealand
Excellent
67%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 70 reviews

Kohi Point Lookout

Reviewed By Peter_dR_NZ - Hamilton, New Zealand

The views from the lookout really are amazing and well worth the tramp. My personal favorite of this track however is the bay between Ohope and Whakatane. It features a sheltered beach, trees for shade, rockpools, etc... Be prepared to spend a few hours here at least.

9. Whakatane i-SITE Visitor Information Centre

cnr Quay Street & Kakaharoa Drive, Whakatane 3120, New Zealand +64 7-306 2030
Excellent
66%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
0%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 49 reviews

Whakatane i-SITE Visitor Information Centre

Whether you're a regular to the Whakatāne District or a first-time visitor, we'll help make your stay a great one. For help booking activities or accommodation, and for further information or advice, contact the team at the Whakatāne Visitor Centre. We can make all your bookings during your stay - at no extra cost. We can also supply you with information and brochures on what to see and do during your visit. We're booking agents for Intercity, Naked Bus, Tranz Rail and Ferries. We have a wide range of maps available, from local walking tracks to road maps.

Reviewed By Jjasg10 - Singapore, Singapore

There are racks of brochures, some souvenirs , bright and airy, staff is very helpful. You can book tours with them as they can simply make calls to check for vacancies and availabilities.
Is situated at the round-about and you can simply park your car beside this building or along the Strand which is free packing.
Not sure how Long you can park but if you want to walk along the beach and back it doesn't take too Long to do it as you can simply also drive around along the coastal for walks.

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