Whakatāne Town Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

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.
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.
Whakatane on point 👌 A good recovery spot after morning stair climbs.

Popular places to visit

Whakatane Hospital

4.5/5(4 reviews)

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

5/5(6 reviews)

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

5/5(8 reviews)

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

5/5(2 reviews)

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

Whakatane River Walk

4.5/5(25 reviews)

You can take time to visit Whakatane River Walk during your travels to Whakatane. While in the area, you can find time to visit its spas.

Whakatane River Walk

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 Whakatāne Town Hotel Deals

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 29 Mar to 30 Mar
NZ$162
29 Mar - 30 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 ...
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 10 Mar to 11 Mar
NZ$107
10 Mar - 11 Mar
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$148 per night from 2 Mar to 3 Mar
NZ$148
2 Mar - 3 Mar
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
Tuscany Villas Boutique Motel

Tuscany Villas Boutique Motel

2.5 out of 5
57 The Strand Whakatane Bay of Plenty
The price is NZ$153 per night from 13 Mar to 14 Mar
NZ$153
13 Mar - 14 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Whakatane. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and private hot tubs. Popular attractions Wairere Falls and Whakatane River Walk are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (106 reviews)
Room was spacious and spotless. Everything was in excellent condition and very very clean. Super friendly staff. Would highly recommend and will definitely stay again!

Reviewed on 22 Feb 2026

Tuscany Villas Boutique Motel
One88 On Commerce

One88 On Commerce

4.5 out of 5
188 Commerce Street Whakatane Bay of Plenty
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$181 per night from 22 Mar to 23 Mar
NZ$181
22 Mar - 23 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Whakatane. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
10/10 Exceptional! (573 reviews)
Beautiful and clean in a great location.

Reviewed on 26 Feb 2026

One88 On Commerce
Barringtons Motor Lodge

Barringtons Motor Lodge

4.5 out of 5
34 Landing Road Whakatane
The price is NZ$145 per night from 15 Mar to 16 Mar
NZ$145
15 Mar - 16 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star motel in Whakatane. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and room service. Popular attractions Whakatane Aquatic Centre and Whakatane War Memorial ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (247 reviews)
Clean spacious room, wonderful host

Reviewed on 16 Feb 2026

Barringtons Motor Lodge
See all 137 properties in Whakatāne Town
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.

The Annual Holiday Sale

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Other neighbourhoods around Whakatāne Town

The women of the Mataatua Canoe, left to themselves when the men went ashore for the first time, found a waka

Coastlands

While Coastlands 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.

Coastlands
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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

Whakatāne Town Travel Guide

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