Things to do in Whakatane

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View of Whakatane in New Zealand
View of Whakatane in New Zealand
View of Whakatane in New Zealand
The women of the Mataatua Canoe, left to themselves when the men went ashore for the first time, found a waka (canoe) drifting out to sea again. The paddles were forbidden to women, but a high spirited teenager, Wairaka, who was the daughter of Chief Toroa, boldly seized one of the paddles and paddled the waka back to shore. As she did this, she shouted, Kia Whakatane au i ahau:, and her actions saved the women but also coined the name of the town. A bronze statue of Wairaka stands on a rock at the Whakatane Heads to commemorate this act.
Whakatane is a Maori word and the 'wh' is pronounced like an 'f'. The statute of Wairaka is at the mouth of the Whakatane River in the Bay of Plenty area on the North Island.

Whakatane Attractions

They say the best things come in small packages, and this alluring city is no exception. From popular tourist attractions to exciting excursions, there are so many fun things to do in Whakatane.

Discover the sights of Whakatane with some popular tours & day trips, or try out our list of {2 fun activities in Whakatane fun activities in Whakatane}. We have no booking fees and free cancellation, so you can rest easy and channel all your energy into planning your dream vacation.

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What to do in Whakatane

Free Things to Do in Whakatane

Some say the best things in life are free. Be sure to explore the following around Whakatane:

Statue of Wairaka - This is a wonderful place to get your culture fix and find out about the local arts scene.

Wairere Falls - Spend some time near the water to unwind and revive your energy.

Whakatane Hospital - Widely renowned among local residents, this place is worth stopping by.

Pohaturoa - Take your camera and let the natural surrounds spark your imagination.

Things to Do in Whakatane with Kids

Whakatane is a great place for a family getaway. Take the little ones along and have a go at these family friendly experiences together:

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Whakatane? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Whakatane

Whakatane Hospital

Though Whakatane Hospital might be what brings you to town, perhaps you'll have a chance to explore more of Whakatane while you are here.

Whakatane Hospital

Wairere Falls

5/5(2 reviews)

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Wairere Falls during your travels in Whakatane. While in the area, you can find time to visit its spas.

Wairere Falls

Te Papaka & Puketapu

5/5(1 review)

Find out about the history of Whakatane with a stop at Te Papaka & Puketapu. Discover the volcano viewpoints while you're in the area.

Te Papaka & Puketapu

Te Manuka Tutahi Marae

You can find out about the history of Whakatane when you stop by Te Manuka Tutahi Marae. While in the area, you can find time to visit its spas.

Te Manuka Tutahi Marae

Mataatua: The House That Came Home

5/5(2 reviews)

You can spend an afternoon studying the exhibits at Mataatua: The House That Came Home in Whakatane. While in the area, you can find time to visit its spas.

Mataatua: The House That Came Home

Whakatane Aquatic Centre

5/5(1 review)

You can take time to visit Whakatane Aquatic Centre during your travels to Whakatane. Discover the volcano viewpoints while you're in the area.

Whakatane Aquatic Centre

Whakatane District Museum and Gallery

You can spend time studying the exhibits at Whakatane District Museum and Gallery during your trip to Whakatane. While in the area, you can find time to visit its spas.

Whakatane District Museum and Gallery

Whakatane River Walk

You can take time to visit Whakatane River Walk during your travels to Whakatane. While in the area, you can find time to visit its spas.

Whakatane River Walk

Muriwai’s Cave

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Muriwai’s Cave during your travels in Whakatane. Visit the spas in this walkable area, or simply enjoy its coffeehouses.

Muriwai’s Cave

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Whakatane

Whakatane is a Maori word and the 'wh' is pronounced like an 'f'. The statute of Wairaka is at the mouth of the Whakatane River in the Bay of Plenty area on the North Island.

Whakatāne Town

If you're spending some time in Whakatāne Town, Te Papaka & Puketapu and Whakatane District Museum and Gallery are top sights worth seeing.

Whakatāne Town
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Maraetotara

If you're spending some time in Maraetotara, Bay of Plenty and Otarawairere Bay are top sights worth seeing.

Maraetotara
The women of the Mataatua Canoe, left to themselves when the men went ashore for the first time, found a waka

Coastlands

Though Coastlands might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Te Papaka & Puketapu and Wairere Falls.

Coastlands
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Poroporo

While there might not be top attractions in Poroporo, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Te Papaka & Puketapu and Wairere Falls.

Poroporo
See our Where To Stay guide

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Whakatane

Adobe

Ohope

Frequently asked questions

Is Whakatane worth visiting?
Offering a blend of coastal beaches and watersports, there are plenty of things to do in Whakatane. When you're here, visit Maraetotara Reserve, a top attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Whakatane?
Maraetotara Reserve and Wairere Falls are two great places to start your sightseeing adventures. Remember to explore the dining and retail options in Whakatane while you're here too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Whakatane?
Don't leave without checking out Maraetotara Reserve, rated the top tourist attraction in Whakatane.
Is three days enough to stay in Whakatane?
Three days will be enough time to tick off many city attractions, including Maraetotara Reserve, Wairere Falls and Te Papaka & Puketapu. The average stay in Whakatane is two days. If you have the time to extend your escape, Ohope isn't far away.
What are some activities to do in Whakatane with kids?
Planning what to do in Whakatane with kids has never been so simple. Whether you have teenagers or little ones, there's a range of family-friendly attractions to keep them busy here.

What to do in Whakatane for adults?
Adults of all ages will find plenty of things to do in Whakatane. Whether you're into history, art, outdoor pursuits or just love exploring new places, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Whakatane?
One of the easiest ways to find free things to do in Whakatane is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider tips on interesting neighborhoods, parks and other major attractions you can visit without taking your wallet out. Maraetotara Reserve is one sight that doesn't charge an admission fee.