Coastlands

Whakatane

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.
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.

Popular places to visit

Whakatane Golf Club

5/5(1 review)

Enjoy a round of golf in Whakatane at Whakatane Golf Club. While in the area, you can find time to visit its spas.

Whakatane Golf Club

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

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

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 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

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

Things to do

White Island & Whale Island 1-Hour Volcano Scenic Flight

Whakaari - White Island Cultural and Flight Experience

$387
per adult
Whakaari - White Island Cultural and Flight Experience
See all activities in Whakatane

Coastlands Hotel Deals

Stunning holiday home close to beach

Stunning holiday home close to beach

Whakatane Coastlands
$194 nightly
The price is $220 total per night from Mar 9 to Mar 10
$220 total
Mar 9 - Mar 10
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this vacation home in Whakatane. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Whakatane Aquatic Centre and Whakatane District ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (118 reviews)
Host were amazing with communication. Amenities and Whare clean tidy, Beautiful settings and surroundings.

Reviewed on Feb 8, 2026

Stunning holiday home close to beach
Private Coastal Sanctuary, Next to the beach!

Private Coastal Sanctuary, Next to the beach!

Coastlands Bay of Plenty Region
Stay at this vacation home in Whakatane. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Whakatane Golf Club and Whakatane District Museum ...
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Private Coastal Sanctuary, Next to the beach!
Paradise on the Sand

Paradise on the Sand

Whakatane Bay of Plenty
$134 nightly
The price is $151 total per night from Mar 10 to Mar 11
$151 total
Mar 10 - Mar 11
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this apartment in Whakatane. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Whakatane Golf Club and Whakatane District Museum and ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (44 reviews)
Very welcoming lovely place to stay with our dog

Reviewed on Jan 28, 2026

Paradise on the Sand
The Com Plex Motel

The Com Plex Motel

3 out of 5
39 The Strand Whakatane Bay of Plenty
$84 nightly
The price is $97 total per night from Mar 9 to Mar 10
$97 total
Mar 9 - Mar 10
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this motel in Whakatane. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (417 reviews)
Compact rooms with all basic amenities. Close to the restaurant. Great staff. Parking straight outside ground floor rooms. Excellent support for late check in.

Reviewed on Mar 4, 2026

The Com Plex Motel
Whakatane Holiday Park

Whakatane Holiday Park

2 out of 5
1 Mcgarvey Rd Whakatane Bay Of Plenty
$49 nightly
The price is $56 total per night from Mar 10 to Mar 11
$56 total
Mar 10 - Mar 11
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this holiday park in Whakatane. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Whakatane District Museum and Gallery and Pohaturoa ...
9/10 Wonderful! (232 reviews)
Very nice clean room , friendly staff

Reviewed on Feb 24, 2026

Whakatane Holiday Park
Awa Motel

Awa Motel

4.5 out of 5
15 The Strand Whakatane
$83 nightly
The price is $96 total per night from Mar 8 to Mar 9
$96 total
Mar 8 - Mar 9
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this motel in Whakatane. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (638 reviews)
Friendly well mannered staff. Lovely clean and tidy room

Reviewed on Mar 3, 2026

Awa Motel
See all 137 properties in Coastlands
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Other neighborhoods around Coastlands

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, Wairere Falls and Whakatane River Walk are top sights worth seeing.

Whakatāne Town
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Poroporo

While there might not be top attractions in Poroporo, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Mataatua: The House That Came Home and Te Manuka Tutahi Marae.

Poroporo
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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
See our Where To Stay guide

Coastlands

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