Whakatane/ White Island
Visit Whakatane, Bay of Plenty, NZ
Whakatane, one hours 30 minutes’ drive south of Tauranga, along the coast of the Bay of Plenty, is the main town in its district, a centre for shopping and transport links, and a great place for sightseeing, adventure activities, and hot mineral pools.
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Whakatane has a very long history of Maori occupation; an estimated 40% of local people are of Maori descent. The region became a prominent in the colonial wars of the 1870s. The town’s museum and guided tours provide educational experiences.
The land around Whakatane is used mainly for dairy farming, commercial forestry and horticulture. But areas of native bush remain and are popular for hiking and hunting.
Accommodation in Whakatane (NZ)
Whakatane has hospitality for those on a budget, including bed and breakfast (B&B), backpackers and farmstay/homestay accommodation. More luxurious options include holiday homes, self-contained apartments and cottages, motels, hotels and lodges. Campers and motorhome drivers are catered for atholiday parks.
Transport around Whakatane
.Regular coach services connect with all main centres and around the Bay of Plenty.
Whakatane airport has regular connections to Auckland and Wellington.
Mountain bikes can be hired for transport around the town or having fun on mountain bike trails. Horse trekking and motorcycle tours are alternative ways to get around.
Tourist Activities at Whakatane
Enthusiasts of fishing and/or diving can join charter expeditions to some excellent locations, including White Island, New Zealand’s most active volcano.
Whakatane is also popular for surfing, sailing and kayaking. Boat cruises for whale watching and swimming in dolphins are available all year round.
Many hiking trails and bush walks around the Whakatane area offer spectacular views and an interesting look at unique ecology and birdlife – a photographer’s dream.
Scenic flights, by aircraft or helicopter, are an exciting way to see the active volcano White Island.
The town has a museum, art & craft galleries, shops and restaurants that can fill a rainy day
Golfing is very popular in Whakatane. There are two in the immediate area and another three courses south along the Bay.
