Location: Whakatane
Top Things to do in Whakatane
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The 7 Best Things to do Good for a Rainy Day in Whakatane, North Island
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. Kiwi Jet Boat Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 48 reviews
A trip with Kiwi Jet Boat Tours up the Rangitaiki River can be described as truly unforgettable. Our tour starts in North Island's largest man-made dam, Matahina. The dam was commissioned in 1967 and underwent major re-strengthening in 1987 after the 6.5 magnitude Edgecumbe earthquake. You will begin your tour by travelling across the majestic Lake Matahina, with one of our local experienced operators. The tour will take approximately 75 minutes and will see you career toward spectacular ignimbrite cliffs. You will pass through the natural gorge enhanced by weeping falls, caves, trout pools and neighboring farmland. Your driver will navigate seamlessly through the white water rapids and give you a moment to appreciate the beauty of our backyard, before you arrive at the ever changing Aniwhenua Falls. Kiwi Jet Boat Tours provides you with an all-round thrilling real jet boating experience, with heart racing excitement and gorgeous scenery, you will be left talking about it
2. Mataatua: The House That Came Home
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 132 reviews
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 georginasisam - Auckland Central, New Zealand
A wonderful experience that broadens and deepens your knowledge of Maori and local culture. Highly recommend for anyone visiting Whakatane. Excellent hosts and guides. Welcoming, authentic, knowledgeable, interesting and talented. I wish all tours were like this one!
3. Massage Me & Beautify You
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 13 reviews
Massage Me & Beautify You is located in the outskirts off the cbd in beautiful Whakatane. A TRANQUIL & SERENE salon in which we have created a warm, relaxing and welcoming atmosphere where you will feel like you are escaping to another world. Our aim is to provide our clients with a holistic experience understanding your needs where both the body and the mind can leave refreshed.
4. Red Barn Gifts Co-op - Simply Handmade@the Red Barn
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 11 reviews
Come see the work of over 30 artists, crafters and up cyclers from the Eastern Bay of Plenty. Wide range of items for sale - perfect for gifts and souvenirs of your visit. Bespoke and custom orders taken. Only 10 minutes from the Whakatane i-site on the coastal road to Tauranga. Visit the nearby berry gardens. Bask in rural setting and enjoy a coffee at the attached cafe.
Reviewed By odysseyfs - Bunbury, Australia
Really yummy homemade food, pies were to die for! Also brought a lovely hand knitted headband from the lovely lady who makes everything in the gift shop! There was so many beautiful up cycled gifts and kiwiana items, for a small giftshop it took me awhile to make my around it. Great to see the Red Barn still open and booming for business! I have many childhood memories of stopping in at the Red Barn.
5. Blueberry Corner
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 92 reviews
Reviewed By BOPtrees
This is our favourite place to take the kids & grandkids for real fruit ice creams & smoothies. Also the little farm area where children can interact with the animals is always a drawcard. The playground is a bonus as the adults can relax while still keeping an eye on the youngsters. You can also buy lovely fresh and frozen berries there which we like.
6. Whakatane i-SITE Visitor Information Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 68 reviews
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 62Peter1952 - Ashburton, New Zealand
Stopped in at I Site info centre,as you do when in a new place. very pleasant young ladies, assisted me , with my enquiries.
7. Whakatane Museum and Arts
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10 reviews
Linking the Whakatane District community with their Museum and Galleries.
Reviewed By 763anne - Coromandel Peninsula, New Zealand
May be what some call small but this Museum and Arts was tops on displays, variety information, the Art Exhibition and was full of exhibits that were fascinating and interesting. The use of a wheel chair was a bonus for someone with a disability.
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