What to do and see in Whakatane, North Island: The Best Things to do Good for Couples

Operating in the Eastern Bay of Plenty since 2002 we offer guided tours and freedom hires in a variety of locations around the Whakatane /Ohope Beach area. With local guides, our unique moonlight/ sunset tours and offshore tours at spectacular Moutohorā / Whale Island are particularly popular. The trip out to Whale Island by sailing catamaran is always memorable, plus the regular seal encounters and hot water beach experience make it a day to remember. Departure times are Whale Island :8am, Coastal Adventure 8 30am, Ohiwa Explorer by arrangement, Freedom hire available all day. Safety on the water and catering for occasional kayakers (novices) is what we are about ! See you soon !

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

Your White Island Volcano Adventure with KahuNZ takes you to the edge of and into a continuously active volcano, a living breathing geological giant where you will experience first hand the power of nature in its untouched form. Your view from high above spans the entire island. Towering steam columns, bold landforms and intricate textures make for an amazing spectacle. Drifting down and passing slowly along the crater rim you can sense the energy of each billowing crater and steaming vent. Close up, rich colours accentuate this rare environment of extreme beauty and raw energy. Landing provides the opportunity to take a one hour guided walk amongst the scene from the dawn of time.

For a truly unique adventure the destination must be Whakaari (White Island), one of the world's few accessible live volcanoes. Located 48 kilometres off the shores of Whakatane in the Eastern Bay of Plenty, New Zealand, it's accessible with a scenic flight with White Island Flights. Book a White Island Flight today, and see a view of the island that can only be seen from above.

Guided walking tours of Whale (Moutohora) island sanctuary, a pristine wildlife reserve 9kms from Whakatane. The tour includes boat trip to the island, circumnavigation, walking on island to saddle lookout. Your skipper and guide Phil with Diveworks has 23 years of involvement with regeneration and restocking of native flora and fauna, he has been involved with the introduction of endangered Saddleback, most of the Kiwi, Tuatara lizard and the many Scientific monitoring, Firewatch and Cultural expeditions during the Islands establishment period. In 2009 he concluded a 3 year DOC concession to monitor and study the newly establishing seal colony which later resulted in a permit to swim with them. Phil has extensive information and records of the pest eradication program and the introduction and monitoring of Kiwi and Tuatara. He will tell you how Kakariki were introduced and then recaptured and will proudly show you trees he himself planted now exceeding 10 meters in height. The whole trip is exciting, informative and culminates with a Hot water beach swim.

WE ARE OPEN 8 AM - 5.30 PM SEVEN DAYS PER WEEK Welcome to Awakeri Rail Adventures in sunny Whakatane. Travel along a piece of New Zealand's rich rail history and experience the natural beauty of New Zealand from the comfort of your own self driven rail cart cleverly adapted to be driven along the rail tracks.

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.