Whakatane District – Coast, Culture and Nature

Whakatane District has more than 50 km of coastline. At the same time, Te Urewera accounts for about 40 percent of the District’s 4,400 km². Another perspective on the region comes from the fertile Rangitāiki Plains, where kiwifruit, olives, citrus fruit, avocados and a wide variety of berries are grown. The coast, landscapes and agriculture offer different starting points for planning your trip—depending on whether you enjoy spending time by the water, hiking or learning about the District’s history.

Coast, beach and Ōhiwa Harbour

Ōhope Beach stretches for 11 km from the entrance to Ōhiwa Harbour to West End. Its white sand is easy to walk on, making it suitable for a long beach stroll. Different activities take centre stage at Ōhiwa Harbour: there are opportunities to enjoy the views, go for a walk, fish and kayak.

The Salt Spray Surf School operates at the western end of Ōhope Beach. There, sheltered, shallow waters and gentle waves make learning to surf easier. If you plan to take a lesson, check the times in advance. This will help you plan surfing as a separate part of your day, rather than treating it as the same activity as a beach stroll or other outings around the harbour.

Walking trails and nature experiences

The Ngā Tapuwae o Toi Trail passes through Kōhī Point Scenic Reserve, Ōhope Scenic Reserve and Mokorua Scenic Reserve. The trail includes pā sites of great historical significance. This means the walk combines scenic views with a chance to see places that are important to the region’s history.

For a shorter route, consider the Warren Cole Walk and Cycleway: this easy, fully paved path is 4.3 km long and follows the Whakatāne River. It is intended for walks and family rides, and has an elevation gain of about 10 m. Details about the surface, route length and elevation gain can help you compare this route with the multi-day hikes in Whirinaki Te Pua-a-Tāne Conservation Park, without conflating the two types of outing.

Whirinaki Te Pua-a-Tāne Conservation Park offers short day walks and multi-day hikes, as well as opportunities for fishing, mountain biking and horse riding. The most frequently used access route leads behind the village of Minginui via River Road to the River Road car park, the starting point for many walks. An outdoor recreation and education centre located there is suitable for schools and other groups. As facilities and track conditions can change, check conditions before setting out.

Ōhope Scenic Reserve is home to numerous kiwi that were reintroduced through the Whakatāne Kiwi Project. Wildlife populations and access conditions can change, so check current access information before your visit.

Culture and history

Whakatāne Museum presents current and upcoming exhibitions in the Te Kōputu a te Whanga a Toi and Te Whare Taonga o Taketake galleries. It preserves more than 600,000 collection items and offers a wide range of resources and services to researchers, students and the public. If you want to see a particular exhibition, check the current programme before your visit.

Kaputerangi is considered one of New Zealand’s oldest settlement sites. At Kaputerangi Reserve, expansive views illustrate the site’s strategic importance. Wairere Waterfall is also one of Whakatāne’s most scenic and historically significant places; it is illuminated in the evening. A visit to Mataatua can also offer an immersive encounter with the people of Ngāti Awa.

Your planned experiences can be a good starting point when choosing a hotel: beach walks, kayaking, museum visits and hikes each suggest different priorities for your trip. If you want to return to Whakatāne after a hike in Ōhope, you can catch the Beach Hopper Bus at the Ōhope Beach Haven stop. Check the timetable in advance so you can include the return trip in your day’s plans.

Discover more destinations: Whakatane, Ohope, Edgecumbe, Murupara, Matata, Taneatua, Awakeri, Nukuhou, Minginui.

View the broader travel overview: Bay Of Plenty.