Whakatāne Live

Walk along the Whakatāne river from the Whakatāne bridge to the "Heads" - or vice versa. Join the path easily from the city centre, simply head toward 'The Warehouse' and keep walking.

The Whakatāne Gardens hosts the Skate Park, the Amphitheater and the River Edge Playground. On some sundays you can try the miniature railway (more information here)

The Whakatāne Visitor Information Centre stands in front of the river, once arriving in the town center.

The Whakatāne wharf and estuary are homes to many fishing boats, the Whakatāne Sports Fishing Club and restaurants

The Mataatua Reserve houses a replica of the Mataatua waka, where the original landing took place

Past the playground is "The Heads" where the Whakatāne River rushes into the sea through a narrow gap studded by rocks. Across the river, the bronze statue of Wairaka stands atop the largest rock. This commemorates her courageous defiance of tradition which not only saved the Mataatua waka but gave the town and district its name

Returning towards the town centre, along the road is Muriwai's cave. Muriwai was an aunt of Wairaka and lived in the cave in the latter part of her life. A famed priestess, her advice was much sought after.

10 bronze Kiwis are hidden in the streets of Whakatāne. Will you be able to find Manaia, Two Toes, Ahi, Miro, Big Al, Ōhope, Waewae, Kaputerangi, Pea, and Te Hau ? They are waiting for you !

The Puketapu Lookout and The Papaka Redoubt are the site of ancient Māori fortifications. Here the Armed Constabulary built a stronghold to protect the town after it had been raided by Te Kooti in 1869.

This incredibly scenic walk includes ancient pa sites, native bush, stunning cliff top views and the beautiful Otarawairere Beach. A must for nature lovers.

The walk is home to most of the common native bush birds. Keep an eye out for Tui, Bellbirds, fantails, ruru and the occasionnal Kereru. Views over Whakatāne and the surrounding areas.

The Mokoroa Bush Scenic Reserve is a fine example of the self-healing powers of New Zealand's native forests. Most of the area was originally cleared for farming between 1910 and 1920. In 1969 it was declared a scenic reserve, and it now has a high canopy of native trees and is home to many native birds. This portion of the track offers a number of views over Whakatāne and the surrounding area.

The Fairbrother Loop Walk is the first portion of the Ōhope Scenic Reserve. The reserve includes one of the country's largest remaining coastal pohutukawa forests ans has outstanding scenic and conservation values. This area is used by the Kiwi Trust Project for night walks on friday nights.

Rent a surf board, body board and wetsuit

Surf lessons

Whakatane Tennis Club

Whakatāne Golf Club

In North America each autumn more than 250 million Monarchs leave the United States and southern Canada and journey south for up to 2,500 miles to their overwintering roosts in the mountain fir forests of west Mexico City. Their numbers have been declining and scientists are worried.

In NZ we know even less about our Monarchs and their overwintering behaviour. Where do they overwinter? How many sites are there?

Monarch butterflies are known as indicator species as they are easy to see and also not afraid of humans. They are considered todays canaries of the coal mines. The information from the tagging programme permit to protect Monarchs and measure changes to our environment not only for Monarch butterflies but what affects other insects too.

Wairaka Centennial Park, Playground & Swimming area, also know as "The Heads"

Maraetotara Reserve