Coastlands Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

The women of the Mataatua Canoe, left to themselves when the men went ashore for the first time, found a waka (canoe) drifting out to sea again. The paddles were forbidden to women, but a high spirited teenager, Wairaka, who was the daughter of Chief Toroa, boldly seized one of the paddles and paddled the waka back to shore. As she did this, she shouted, Kia Whakatane au i ahau:, and her actions saved the women but also coined the name of the town. A bronze statue of Wairaka stands on a rock at the Whakatane Heads to commemorate this act.
The women of the Mataatua Canoe, left to themselves when the men went ashore for the first time, found a waka (canoe) drifting out to sea again. The paddles were forbidden to women, but a high spirited teenager, Wairaka, who was the daughter of Chief Toroa, boldly seized one of the paddles and paddled the waka back to shore. As she did this, she shouted, Kia Whakatane au i ahau:, and her actions saved the women but also coined the name of the town. A bronze statue of Wairaka stands on a rock at the Whakatane Heads to commemorate this act.

Popular places to visit

Whakatane Golf Club

Enjoy a round of golf in Whakatane at Whakatane Golf Club. While in the area, you can find time to visit its spas.

Whakatane Golf Club

Whakatane Hospital

If Whakatane Hospital is what brings you to town, hopefully you'll have a chance to explore more of Whakatane.

Whakatane Hospital

Te Manuka Tutahi Marae

You can find out about the history of Whakatane when you stop by Te Manuka Tutahi Marae. While in the area, you can find time to visit its spas.

Te Manuka Tutahi Marae

Wairere Falls

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Wairere Falls during your travels in Whakatane. While in the area, you can find time to visit its spas.

Wairere Falls

Mataatua: The House That Came Home

You can spend an afternoon browsing the exhibits at Mataatua: The House That Came Home during your trip to Whakatane. While in the area, you can find time to visit its spas.

Mataatua: The House That Came Home

Te Papaka & Puketapu

Find out about the history of Whakatane with a stop at Te Papaka & Puketapu. Discover the volcano viewpoints while you're in the area.

Te Papaka & Puketapu

Activities

White Island & Whale Island 1-Hour Volcano Scenic Flight

Whakaari - White Island Cultural and Flight Experience

NZ$610
per adult
Whakaari - White Island Cultural and Flight Experience
See all activities in Whakatane

Our pick of the best Coastlands Hotel Deals

Stunning holiday home close to beach

Stunning holiday home close to beach

Whakatane Coastlands
The price is NZ$365 per night from 1 Mar to 2 Mar
NZ$365
1 Mar - 2 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this holiday home in Whakatane. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities and patios. Popular attractions Whakatane Aquatic Centre and Whakatane District ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (118 reviews)
Host were amazing with communication. Amenities and Whare clean tidy, Beautiful settings and surroundings.

Reviewed on 8 Feb 2026

Stunning holiday home close to beach
Private Coastal Sanctuary, Next to the beach!

Private Coastal Sanctuary, Next to the beach!

2 out of 5
Coastlands Bay of Plenty Region
Stay at this holiday home in Whakatane. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Whakatane Golf Club and Whakatane District Museum ...
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Private Coastal Sanctuary, Next to the beach!
Paradise on the Sand

Paradise on the Sand

Whakatane Bay of Plenty
The price is NZ$256 per night from 10 Mar to 11 Mar
NZ$256
10 Mar - 11 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this apartment in Whakatane. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities and patios. Popular attractions Whakatane Golf Club and Whakatane District Museum and ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (44 reviews)
Very welcoming lovely place to stay with our dog

Reviewed on 28 Jan 2026

Paradise on the Sand
The Com Plex Motel

The Com Plex Motel

3 out of 5
39 The Strand Whakatane Bay of Plenty
The price is NZ$162 per night from 11 Mar to 12 Mar
NZ$162
11 Mar - 12 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Whakatane. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (409 reviews)
Always a "Go To" in Whakatane - Just a short walk to eateries and township. Clean, tidy and modern.

Reviewed on 24 Feb 2026

The Com Plex Motel
Whakatane Holiday Park

Whakatane Holiday Park

2 out of 5
1 Mcgarvey Rd Whakatane Bay Of Plenty
The price is NZ$107 per night from 25 Feb to 26 Feb
NZ$107
25 Feb - 26 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this holiday park in Whakatane. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Whakatane District Museum and Gallery and Pohaturoa ...
9/10 Wonderful! (232 reviews)
Very nice clean room , friendly staff

Reviewed on 24 Feb 2026

Whakatane Holiday Park
Awa Motel

Awa Motel

4.5 out of 5
15 The Strand Whakatane
The price is NZ$143 per night from 25 Feb to 26 Feb
NZ$143
25 Feb - 26 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Whakatane. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (635 reviews)
Great location, stayed in the front villa, very nostalgic, roomy and well appointed kitchen.

Reviewed on 18 Feb 2026

Awa Motel
See all 142 properties in Coastlands
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Other neighbourhoods around Coastlands

Whakatane is a Maori word and the 'wh' is pronounced like an 'f'. The statute of Wairaka is at the mouth of the Whakatane River in the Bay of Plenty area on the North Island.

Whakatāne Town

While visiting Whakatāne Town, you might make a stop by sights like Wairere Falls and Mataatua: The House That Came Home.

Whakatāne Town
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Poroporo

While Poroporo may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Mataatua: The House That Came Home and Te Manuka Tutahi Marae.

Poroporo
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Maraetotara

If you're spending some time in Maraetotara, Bay of Plenty and Otarawairere Bay are top sights worth seeing.

Maraetotara

Coastlands Travel Guide

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