©️ Western Bay of Plenty Tourism
Whakatane is the kiwi capital of the world, being the only place you can come and see or hear the kiwi in local’s backyards. There are two kiwi trusts in the Bay of Plenty, and the kiwi are found here more than anywhere. A kiwi’s call can be heard more than one kilometre away on a calm and still night. The best time to hear them is two hours after dark and just before dawn.
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Walk / bike
Whirinaki Te Pua-a-Tane Conservation Park – has five beautiful walks, and something for all ages.
Nga Tapuwae o Toi – a coastal walkway. You can walk the full 18km loop track or just do a section of it.
Onepu Mountain Bike Park – a free bike park with four main trails and has something for the whole family.
Kiwi Wandering Trail – Whakatane is known for the kiwis that can easily be heard from local’s backyards. Grab a scavenger hunt from the i-Site or download the map and go on a little kiwi hunt through the town, there are ten life-like bronze kiwi statues to be found! It’s 1.6km and will take around an hour return.
Tarawera Falls – a 35-metre high waterfall. The water flows through caves in the lava and pours out halfway up the cliff. After rain, some water overflows and comes out above the cliff, turning it into a 65-metre waterfall. It takes around 20 minutes to get there and will require a permit, available at the Information Centre in Kawerau.
Te Urewera – lots of great walks around the lake and through the forest, ranging from just an hour to a couple of days.
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Beach / swim
Ohope Beach – voted as NZ’s most loved beach (AA Traveller poll 2014). The most popular side, West End, is great for surfing and kayaking. At low tide you’ll be able to walk hundreds of metres before it gets deep, making it perfect for younger children. A short hike over the hill takes you to Otarawairere, a secluded bay surrounded by pohutukawa trees and rock pools to explore.
Ohiwa Harbour – safe swimming, hop in a kayak and explore the islands, boating, walking trails and picnicking. Check out Tauwhare Pa.
Otarawairere Bay – take a picnic and enjoy. Just a short 15-minute walk over the hill from Ohope’s West End.
Braemar Springs – a beautiful freshwater swimming hole and great picnic area.
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Beach / swim (continued)
Te Waiu o Pukemaire / Braemar Springs – a beautiful little freshwater swimming spot – great on a hot summers day.
Whakatane Heads – the popular spot where the river meets the sea, also known as ‘The Heads’. Great for sunsets and seeing the ‘lady on the rock’ statue.
Wairaka Centennial Park – a very fun playground right by the river where older children can jump in for a cool swim from the jumping board. There is also a splash pad for little ones and barbeques and picnic tables.
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Pools
Whakatane Aquatic & Fitness Centre – come for a splash at the pools, the whole family will love it.
Awakeri Hot Springs – naturally heated pools with two children’s pools and playground.
Maurie Kjar Memorial Swimming Pool – free hot pools with a recreation area, barbeques and picnic tables.
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Tours
Port Ohope Stand-Up Paddleboard – explore the Ohiwa Harbour with a paddleboarding lesson or adventure day tour.
Whale Island Kayaking, KG Kayaks – guided kayaking tours of whale island. Operates in Dec/Jan.
Kiwi Jet Boat Tours – go on an exhilarating ride on the Rangitaiki River and to the Aniwhenua Falls.
Salt Spray Surf School – learn how to surf.
Moutohora Eco Sanctuary – visit this island by boat (Either with Moutohora Island Sanctuary Tour) or kayak. When you get there, go for a walk and listen to the birds or dig yourself a lovely geothermal pool at Onepu Bay.
Awakeri Rail Adventures – a leisurely self-driven rail cart, offers four different trips.
Motu River Jet – a full hour of thrills and adventure as you wind through majestic scenery along the Motu River.
Riverbug Adventures – ride the rapids on a very funky and fun riverbug – which is something like a raft and kayak. Children must be 5 or older.
Epic Escape – a great rainy day activity – solve the game to escape the room before the time runs out.
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Fruit picking and fruit ice creams
Julians Berry Farm and Cafe – taste berries right from the plant. Try some berry ice creams. The kids can feed the baby animals, have a play in the playground or have a round of mini-golf. Child-friendly cafe. Open late September – end of Feb.
Blueberry Corner – come enjoy some real fruit ice creams and buy some to take home from their busy orchard shop. Let the kids play in the playground area and bouncy pillow. Open from late October – March
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