-	All photographs of Whakatane

Whakatane is the municipal centre for the Bay of Plenty Region in the North Island of New Zealand. Situated at the eastern end of BOP, where the Whakatane River meets the Pacific Ocean. Whakatane still has strong ties to its rich Maori culture. The locals are renowned for their friendliness and hospitality. This stunning Pacific coastline is Whakatane’s main attraction, playground and food basket. Whakaari/White Island, New Zealand’s most active volcano, is a popular day-trip. Just over the hill is Ohope Beach and the Ohiwa Harbour. To the south of the town is the Te Urewera National Park, home to the country’s widest range of native birds and the Tuhoe Maori tribe.

Maori legend states that Whakatane was first settled in about 1150 by a chief called Hoi te Huatahi, he built his Pa (fortified village) on the bluffs that over look the town today. The Maatatua canoe arrived in Whakatane, from Hawaiki around 1350, and some of its people settled here. Today of the 35,000 people living in the Whakatane District, about 40% have Maori ancestry. The main tribes or iwi are the Ngati Awa, Tuhoe, and Te Whakatohea.

Today Whakatane’s main industries are forestry and paper production, dairy farming, horticulture and tourism. The rich fertile soils of the BOP and its warm temperate climate make this the prefect place to for growing fruit and vegetables. The region has plenty of orchids and market gardens, with roadside stalls supplying the freshest, choicest produce.

Whakatane’s town centre has a great array of shopping possibilities, there are a couple of malls, two large supermarkets and some interesting local art shops. There are plenty of Cafes, bars and restaurants, all offering very good fare, most situated in nice surroundings. At the north end of the town, where the road ends, is the Mataatua Reserve, with a replica of the Mataatua canoe. From here you can watch the boats navigating the sometimes treacherous sand bars at the Whakatane Heads

Most of Whakatanes activities are based in, on and around the ocean. Fishing is very popular, be it off the rocks, from the beach, in the water or on a boat. There is a fleet of private charter boats which offer a wide range of amazing activities. The Bay of Plenty has abundant marine life and many stunning dive spots. You can have a go at big game fishing. The Tuna, Marlin, Sharks Whales and Dolphins follow the warm currents in the bay throughout the summer. Here you can swim with the sharks, dolphins or view whales.

There are many awesome surf spots near Whakatane. West end Ohope can produce some nice small waves and the there is always a crew of local lads having fun to add to the ambiance. When the swell gets big that’s when the wave at the Heads starts working, and you will see vertical walls of water pealing off into a curved bay, sometimes for 800 meters or more. There is a surf school in town which supplies all the gear and will introduce you to the locals.

Situated 48 km north east of Whakatane is Whakaari/White Island, New Zealand’s most active volcano. There is a six hour long day trip on luxury motor launch, (weather permitting) which leaves Whakatane daily. Helicopter trips are also available from Rotorua and Whakatane.airports.

There are some very nice walks in and around the town. The Nga Tapuwae o Toi Walkway between the Whakatane Heads to Ohope Beach is a good one. It follows the coast and includes an ancient Pa site, and Otarawairere Beach. It takes about 1.5 hours to walk it flat-out, but its better to pack a towel and some sandwiches and take your time. Some parts of the track are blocked by water at high tide so it pays to check out the tide-times before you embark. The Whakatane Heritage Trail follows the river through the town taking in many interesting historic sites.

Whakatane offers a whole host of accommodation options. The local camping ground is a popular place to pitch a tent or park your campervan, there are plenty of bed and breakfasts, homestays, farmstays, a backpacker hostel, apartments, holiday houses, self contained cottages, batches, and caravans, to rent. During summertime it gets busy here, so we recommend that you book your accommodation in advance.