Places to Go near Whakatane

There are so many places to visit from Whakatane.

beautiful beaches

There are so many places to visit from Whakatane. Here are just a few ideas.

Rotorua

Rotorua NZ

A must see - Rotorua is the home of hot pools annd geysers, mud pools and Maori shows.

Visit the Historic Government Gardens, watch the geysers and experience traditional Maori dance and cuisine.

As the spiritual home of New Zealand's tangata whenua (original people of the land), Rotorua is the ideal place to experience some of the many facets of Maoridom.
Experience an overnight stay on a marae (Maori gathering place centred on a wharenui 'meeting house'), sample Maori culture, share of hongi (the pressing of noses to signify the exchange of 'the breath of life'), say "Kia Ora" (an informal greeting) and try food cooked hangi-style.

Hangi is the name for a Maori earth oven which traditionally used hot stones to create steam. Old-time local Maori utilised Rotorua's natural geothermal steam resources to cook their traditional hangi feasts, and their descendents still do today!

Experiencing a Maori concert performance is an essential part of a Rotorua visit. There are a many venues from hotels to marae to a purpose-build Maori village. There are also non-traditional options offering a more theatrical style that combine the best of traditional with a contemporary twist.

Whale Island

Whale Island NZ

Whale Island or Moutohora, is a wild life reserve that lies 9.6km north-west of Whakatane. It is home to a number of lizard species including New Zealand's endangered native lizard the Tuatara as well as Kiwi, Little Blue Penguin and Seals. Access to Whale Island is restricted but you can join tours run by the local Coast Guard and Department of Conservation during the months of December, January and February.

Artworks - Awateri

Pottery NZ

Dave Mercer turns quality, designer pieces crafted in a range of beautiful NZ timbers. He specialises in hollow forms, large natural edge bowls, vases, functional works and trophies. His jewellery includes unusual earrings and pendants using bone, shell and wood composites. Individual tuition available.Mon - Fri, 9am - 5pm. Sat & Sun by appointment. Please phone first.

Otarawairere Bay

Otarawairere Bay is only accessible by walking

This stunning bay is located between Whakatane and Ohope and is only accessible by walking from either Westend, Ohope or Whakatane. The short walk over the hill from Ohope takes a pleasant 20 minutes or allow 1.5 hours to walk from Whakatane taking the Nga Tapuwae o Toi Walking track.

Ohope Beach

beautiful white sand and safe swimming

Ohope Beach, just over the hill from Whakatane has 11 kilometres of beautiful white sand and safe swimming. It's an ideal playground for families and during the summer season, Whakatane Surf Lifesaving Club lifeguards patrol the beach. West End is a favourite with surfers and is also an access point to the beautiful Otarawairere Bay, one of the most picturesque beaches in the area.

Whakatane Museum and Gallery

Whakatane Museum

The Museum has displays of the history and environment of the Eastern Bay of Plenty District. As the prime museum of the District our role is to preserve historical objects made or used in the Eastern Bay of Plenty.

The Museum has an important collection of Taonga Maori from local tribes tracing their descent from the Mataatua Waka. The Museum is also Trustee of the Kohika Collection. Displays also include local natural history and European items. The gallery has ever-changing exhibitions of local and national artists.

Stone Carving

Stone carving up close

Come and see original pieces being carved. As an amateur stonecarver, Stewart Sutton creates sculptures from local stone, Oamaru stone and man-made materials.

His original pieces are inspired by nature and local culture.

Please phone first to arrange an appointment. Ph 07 308 9911 Whakatane.

Divine Jewelery

Divine

This studio has a unique selection of handmade paua and beadwork jewellery. An ever changing range of original designs in paua, mother of pearl, glass, swarovski crystal, freshwater and biwa pearls. Feel welcome to come and browse.

Location; 45 Woodlands Road, Opotiki

Phone; 07 315 5176

Weaving

Weaving Studio and Garden

Visit the weaving studio and gardens of Barb and Allan Rogers. Barb is a talented weaver and has a wide range of wall hangings for sale. There is a large garden to explore with tropical plants, bromeliads, flowering shrubs, with a peaceful bushwalk that leads down to a natural pond area. Plants and bromeliads for sale.

Open: Every day. Please phone first. $3 entrance fee.

Phone; 07 315 4814

Address; Looney Rd, Waiotahi, Opotiki

Scilla Chocolates

Handmade Belgian Chocolates

Visit this unique chocolate factory and sample a handmade chocolate made with the finest Belgian Chocolate.

Beautiful range of gift boxes and tins to purchase.

Open: Most days, when the sign is out. Please phone first.

Free Phone 0800 724 552, 132 Harbour Rd, Ohope

Cheddar Valley Pottery

Visit this lovely historic building and working studio. You can see hand-thrown and hand-built pieces, including domesticware, NZ designs, garden art, tiles and personalized items in stoneware and terracotta.

Open: Most days 9am-5pm, phone to check Phone 07 312 4583

1034 Wainui Rd, Ohope

Art by the Sea

Art by the Sea New Zealand

Visit Warwick Armstrong in his studio and gallery located right on Ohope Beach to see his wide variety of art and illustration, ranging from the realistic to the quirky, from landscapes to buildings. Commissions willingly executed in a variety of mediums.

Open: By appointment or when the sign is out

Jessops Gifts Studio

Savour the delights of our Lavender Farm Feijoa Orchard and Studio. Shelves brimming with exquisite gifts handmade on the premises. Lavender oil, Royal Jelly shampoo, conditioner, handcream and specialty soaps from spray free fruit. Gift studio is open from Nov to Mar: 10.30am - 4pm. April May Feijoa sales: 9am - 5pm. Winter: Fridays only or phone first. Lavender in bloom Dec to Jan.

Location; 4 Lambet Road, RD2, Whakatane

Phone; 07 322 8443

Covell Estate Wines

One of the few organic vineyards in NZ

Set amongst the scenic beauty of Te Urewera National Park, Covell Wines is one of New Zealand's few "Bio Gro" Certified Organic Vineyards. Open daily from 10am, the Winery is a leisurely and interesting one-hour drive from Whakatane. The area offers a wide range of accommodation.

Phone 07 366 4827

Coastlands Beach

A magnificent white sandy beach approximately 3 km's from Whakatane, which is ideal for fishing and surfing. Enjoy evening strolls at sunset or family picnics. Swimming conditions vary so take care of younger children and unconfident swimmers.

Matata

The long sandy beaches of the Matata Straights are popular for surf casting due to the steep gradient of the beach. Many a snapper or kahawai have been caught from these renowned beaches.