Whakatane District has more than 50 km of coastline; at the same time, Te Urewera accounts for about 40 percent of the District’s 4,400 km². These figures alone show that the District cannot be reduced to a single coastal experience. Ōhope Beach, culturally significant places and trails in natural areas appeal to a range of interests.

Beach, harbour and surfing

Ōhope Beach stretches for 11 km from the entrance to Ōhiwa Harbour to the West End. The beach has soft white sand that is easy to walk on. At Ōhiwa Harbour, options include enjoying the views, walking, fishing and kayaking. Salt Spray Surf School operates at the western end of Ōhope Beach. There, sheltered, shallow waters and gentle waves make it easier to learn to surf. If you walk to Ōhope and want to return to Whakatāne, you can catch the Beach Hopper Bus at the Ōhope Beach Haven stop. Check the timetable in advance.

Trails and walking areas

The Warren Cole Walk and Cycleway runs along the Whakatāne River. It is an easy, fully paved route for walks and family bike rides. It is 4.3 km long, with an elevation change of about 10 m. The Ngā Tapuwae o Toi Trail passes through Kōhī Point Scenic Reserve, Ōhope Scenic Reserve and Mokorua Scenic Reserve. Among the trail’s features are pā sites of great historical significance.

Whirinaki Te Pua-a-Tāne Conservation Park offers short day walks and multi-day hikes, as well as opportunities for fishing, mountain biking and horse riding. The most commonly used access route leads behind the village of Minginui along River Road to the River Road car park, the starting point for many walks. As trail and facility conditions can change, check the latest information before setting out.

Ōhope Scenic Reserve is home to many kiwi that have been reintroduced through the Whakatāne Kiwi Project. Wildlife numbers and access conditions can change, so check the latest information before visiting.

Cultural heritage in Whakatāne

Whakatāne Museum preserves more than 600,000 collection items and offers a wide range of resources and services to researchers, students and the public. In the Te Kōputu a te Whanga a Toi and Te Whare Taonga o Taketake galleries, the museum presents current and upcoming exhibitions. As the exhibition programme, collection size and services may be updated, it is advisable to check the latest information before visiting.

A visit to Mataatua can offer an immersive encounter with the people of Ngāti Awa. Kaputerangi is considered one of New Zealand’s oldest settlement sites. The expansive views from Kaputerangi Reserve illustrate the site’s strategic importance. Wairere Waterfall is also one of Whakatāne’s particularly scenic and historically significant places; it is illuminated in the evening.

An agricultural character

The fertile Rangitāiki Plains are a growing region for kiwifruit, olives, citrus fruit, avocados and a wide variety of berries. This agricultural aspect adds another local dimension to the District and broadens the picture beyond the coast, trails and cultural heritage.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Edgecumbe, Murupara, Matata, Whakatane, Ohope, Taneatua, Awakeri, Nukuhou, Minginui

For the main travel overview: Bay Of Plenty.