Title: Things to Do in Whakatane in 2026 | Expedia.com [Whakatane Travel Guide](https://expedia.com/Whakatane.dx3784)[Hotels in Whakatane](https://expedia.com/Whakatane-Hotels.d3784.Travel-Guide-Hotels)[Flights to Whakatane](https://expedia.com/Cheap-Flights-To-Whakatane.d3784.Travel-Guide-Flights)[Car Rentals in Whakatane](https://expedia.com/Car-Rentals-In-Whakatane.d3784.Car-Rental-Guide)[Whakatane Vacation Packages](https://expedia.com/Whakatane.d3784.Destination-Travel-Guides) # Things to do in Whakatane ## Find and book activities, attractions and tours ## Visit Whakatane Types of activities Where to stay [Whakatane Travel Guide](https://expedia.com/Whakatane.dx3784) ![Aerial view of the coastline's rugged rocks meeting the turquoise sea, with lush green hills embracing the town, Whakatane, Bay of Plenty Region, New Zealand.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/3784/57be6091-1f41-4c14-9dac-1f24a6996caf.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![View of Whakatane in New Zealand](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/3784/254558c4-75b3-4cad-afd8-000a0cca435b.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![View of Whakatane in New Zealand](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/3784/3b510814-4476-4bc0-8e51-e3de433ecf33.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![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.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248634965840926/6f5b8e2c-c7bd-429e-be35-c67d99b662f2.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![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.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/3784/0d6f1373-c77d-4c1f-91b4-efe8f4c53c31.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ### 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](https://www.expedia.com/things-to-do/en/search?rid=3784&rfrr=ATG.LP.BodyContent&categories=ToursDayTrips), or try out our list of {1 fun activities in Whakatane [fun activities in Whakatane](https://www.expedia.com/things-to-do/en/search?rid=3784&rfrr=ATG.LP.BodyContent)}. We have no booking fees and free cancellation, so you can rest easy and channel all your energy into planning your dream vacation. --- - ![find price illustration](https://a.travel-assets.com/travel-assets-manager/pictogram-bex/light__find_price.svg) ### Explore activities Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer. - ![calendar shield illustration](https://a.travel-assets.com/travel-assets-manager/pictogram-bex/light__calendar_shield.svg) ### Book with ease Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities. - ![trophy illustration](https://a.travel-assets.com/travel-assets-manager/pictogram-bex/light__trophy.svg) ### Treat yourself One Key members save % or more on select activities, hotels, cars and vacation rentals. [Learn about One Key](https://www.expedia.com/welcome-one-key) --- ## Recommended things to do in Whakatane | Number of things to do | 1 | | ------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Cheapest thing to do on Expedia | [Ōhope: Guided Cruise with Oyster Farm Visit and Lunch](/things-to-do/ohope-guided-cruise-with-oyster-experience-local-stories.a51067973.activity-details): $88 | | Top 5 things to do | [Ōhope: Guided Cruise with Oyster Farm Visit and Lunch](/things-to-do/ohope-guided-cruise-with-oyster-experience-local-stories.a51067973.activity-details) | | Under $25 | | | With kids | [Ōhope: Guided Cruise with Oyster Farm Visit and Lunch](/things-to-do/ohope-guided-cruise-with-oyster-experience-local-stories.a51067973.activity-details) | ## What to do in Whakatane - For free - With kids ### 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](https://www.expedia.com/things-to-do/en/search?rid=3784&rfrr=ATG.LP.BodyContent&categories=Family%20Friendly) together: - [Ohiwa Explorer Guided Tour](https://www.expedia.com/things-to-do/ohiwa-explorer-guided-tour.a1298973.activity-details) - [Te Puia Day Pass with Guided Tour](https://www.expedia.com/things-to-do/te-puia-day-pass-with-guided-tour.a476910.activity-details) - [Hobbiton Movie Set Tour](https://www.expedia.com/things-to-do/hobbiton-movie-set-tour.a194165.activity-details) - [Waitomo Glowworm Caves Boat Tour](https://www.expedia.com/things-to-do/waitomo-glowworm-caves-boat-tour.a463464.activity-details) --- Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Whakatane? [Search event tickets](https://www.expedia.com/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. [](https://expedia.com/Whakatane-Hospital-Whakatane.d553248621573985855.Vacation-Attraction) #### 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. [](https://expedia.com/Te-Manuka-Tutahi-Marae-Whakatane-Town.d553248621526967506.Vacation-Attraction) #### Mataatua: The House That Came Home 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. [](https://expedia.com/Mataatua-The-House-That-Came-Home-Whakatane-Town.d553248621532610930.Vacation-Attraction) #### 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. [](https://expedia.com/Whakatane-River-Walk-Whakatane.d553248621532610929.Vacation-Attraction) #### Te Papaka & Puketapu Find out about the history of Whakatane with a stop at Te Papaka & Puketapu. Discover the volcano viewpoints while you're in the area. [](https://expedia.com/Te-Papaka-Puketapu-Whakatane-Town.d553248621526967500.Vacation-Attraction) #### Whakatane War Memorial Hall You can learn about the history of Whakatane with a visit to Whakatane War Memorial Hall. Discover the volcano viewpoints while you're in the area. [](https://expedia.com/Whakatane-War-Memorial-Hall-Whakatane-Town.d553248621573985856.Vacation-Attraction) #### Whakatane Aquatic Centre You can take time to visit Whakatane Aquatic Centre during your travels to Whakatane. Discover the volcano viewpoints while you're in the area. [](https://expedia.com/Whakatane-Aquatic-Centre-Whakatane.d553248621573985857.Vacation-Attraction) #### Wairere Falls 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. [](https://expedia.com/Wairere-Falls-Whakatane-Town.d553248621526967505.Vacation-Attraction) #### 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. [](https://expedia.com/Whakatane-District-Museum-And-Gallery-Whakatane.d6108256.Vacation-Attraction) ### Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Whakatane ![Default Image](https://images.trvl-media.com/media/content/expus/graphics/deals/TE_Clouds_card_r1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Maraetotara If you're spending some time in Maraetotara, Bay of Plenty and Otarawairere Bay are top sights worth seeing. [](https://expedia.com/Whakatane-Maraetotara.dx693200173255282688) ![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.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/3784/0d6f1373-c77d-4c1f-91b4-efe8f4c53c31.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Whakatāne Town If you're spending some time in Whakatāne Town, Whakatane River Walk and Mataatua: The House That Came Home are top sights worth seeing. [](https://expedia.com/Whakatane-Whakatane-Town.dx959724600028393472) ![The women of the Mataatua Canoe, left to themselves when the men went ashore for the first time, found a waka](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248634965840926/6f5b8e2c-c7bd-429e-be35-c67d99b662f2.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Coastlands Though Coastlands might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Whakatane River Walk and Mataatua: The House That Came Home. [](https://expedia.com/Whakatane-Coastlands.dx553248634965840926) ![Default Image](https://images.trvl-media.com/media/content/expus/graphics/deals/TE_Clouds_card_r1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Poroporo While there might not be top attractions in Poroporo, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Whakatane River Walk and Mataatua: The House That Came Home. [](https://expedia.com/Whakatane-Poroporo.dx693200168961736704) [See our Where To Stay guide](https://expedia.com/Whakatane.dx3784.Where-To-Stay?rfrr=TG.LP..Neighborhoods) --- Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check [things to do near me](https://www.expedia.com/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 ![West End Ohope Beach. New Zealand](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6272060/01afefa8-68c0-4488-a530-7ade9a3631b8.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Ohope ## Frequently asked questions ### Is Whakatane worth visiting? ### How do I spend a day in Whakatane? ### What is the top tourist attraction in Whakatane? ### Is three days enough to stay in Whakatane? ### What are some activities to do in Whakatane with kids? > - [Ōhope: Guided Cruise with Oyster Farm Visit and Lunch](https://expedia.com/things-to-do/ohope-guided-cruise-with-oyster-experience-local-stories.a51067973.activity-details) ### What to do in Whakatane for adults? ### Are there free things to do in Whakatane? ![](https://a.travel-assets.com/mad-service/footer/bnaBanners/BEX_Footer.jpg) ## Go further with the Expedia app Save even more - get up to 20% on select hotels when you book on the app. Our app deals help you to save on trips so you can travel more and manage it all on the go. 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