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

Watch or swim with dolphins and friendly seals in the warm Bay of Plenty waters, near White Island in Whakatane, in New Zealand. Diveworks Charters has been in operation since 1997 and is a genuine family affair. Phil designed and purpose-built the 10m Diveworks boat so it easily handles the sea and is great for divers and snorkelers! During summer, Diveworks Dolphin and Seal Encounters provides the opportunity to swim, view and enjoy dolphins that have come into the Bay of Plenty to feed and breed. Sightings of baby dolphin are incredible and swimming with the friendly Kekeno seals as they swim at Whale Island (Moutohora). - approx 4 hour tour - usually morning tours. Diveworks Charters other boat tours include: Whale Island Guided Walks, Fishing Trips and Diving at White Island. “Over 35,000 people have been on Diveworks - our tour parties are small and with every trip you will feel like one of the family.”

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 !

Terry Tours offers guided tours for cruise ship passengers and other visitors in and around the Bay of Plenty including the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua and the historical city of Tauranga. We will meet cruise ship passengers at the Port of Tauranga who are wanting to experience small group tours with a personal flavour. Learn about the history, culture, flora, fauna and local stories from our expert guide in the safety and comfort of our comfortable, air conditioned vehicle. If you want, we can customize a tour to suit your group.

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

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.