Whakatane District

Bay of Plenty Region

Returning from an early morning photo shoot
Returning from an early morning photo shoot
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.
The statue commemorates when Wairaka, a Maori chieftess, saved her tribe's canoe from being taken out to sea. The town of Whakatane was named after the event. Wairaka, yelled "Whakatane," meaning "act like a man" to give her and the other women the strength to save the canoe from the rising tide. Seeing it at sunrise is a great photo opportunity too!
Rainforest route on a dirt road

Popular cities in Whakatane District

View of Whakatane in New Zealand
Whakatane
Known for Friendly people, Spas and Islands
Get away to upscale Whakatane! Enjoy the island views, adventure, and monuments.
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West End Ohope Beach. New Zealand
Ohope
Known for Beaches, Ports and Spas
Upscale Ohope is calling! Discover its beaches, surfing, spas, and more.
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Matata
Matata
Check out Awakeri Hot Springs and Pukehina Beach—just a couple of the sights around Matata.
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Thornton
Thornton
Known for Golf
Get away to Thornton! Enjoy the golf and more.
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Kawerau
Kawerau
Check out Awakeri Hot Springs and Lake Rotoma—just a couple of the sights around Kawerau.
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Pikowai
Pikowai
Check out Pukehina Beach and Awakeri Hot Springs—just a couple of the sights around Pikowai.
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