Whakatane

Travel Guide

Aerial view of the coastline's rugged rocks meeting the turquoise sea, with lush green hills embracing the town, Whakatane, Bay of Plenty Region, New Zealand.
Aerial view of the coastline's rugged rocks meeting the turquoise sea, with lush green hills embracing the town, Whakatane, Bay of Plenty Region, New Zealand.
View of Whakatane in New Zealand
View of Whakatane in New Zealand
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.

Where to stay in Whakatane

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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
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

If you're spending some time in Whakatāne Town, Wairere Falls and Whakatane River Walk are top sights worth seeing.

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

Coastlands

Though Coastlands might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Wairere Falls and Mataatua: The House That Came Home.

Coastlands
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Poroporo

While there might not be top attractions in Poroporo, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Wairere Falls and Mataatua: The House That Came Home.

Poroporo
Tuscany Villas Boutique Motel

Tuscany Villas Boutique Motel

2.5 out of 5
57 The Strand Whakatane Bay of Plenty
The price is ￥11,659 per night from Apr 7 to Apr 8
￥11,659
￥13,571 total
Apr 7 - Apr 8
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Whakatane. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and private hot tubs. Popular attractions Wairere Falls and Whakatane River Walk are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (107 reviews)
Welcoming staff, cleanliness excellent, comfortable bed, quiet location although so central.

Reviewed on Mar 8, 2026

Tuscany Villas Boutique Motel
Whakatane Holiday Park

Whakatane Holiday Park

2 out of 5
1 Mcgarvey Rd Whakatane Bay Of Plenty
The price is ￥7,694 per night from Mar 12 to Mar 13
￥7,694
￥8,871 total
Mar 12 - Mar 13
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this holiday park in Whakatane. Enjoy free WiFi, 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 Feb 24, 2026

Whakatane Holiday Park
Awa Motel

Awa Motel

4.5 out of 5
15 The Strand Whakatane
The price is ￥11,276 per night from Mar 12 to Mar 13
￥11,276
￥13,067 total
Mar 12 - Mar 13
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Whakatane. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (639 reviews)
We had a wonderful stay at Awa Motel. The room was great, very clean, and spacious, which made it really comfortable for our visit. The place is well looked after and everything felt fresh and tidy. The staff were very friendly and accommodating, making us feel welcome from the moment we arrived. ...

Reviewed on Mar 8, 2026

Awa Motel
See all 145 properties in Whakatane
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.
Stunning holiday home close to beach

Stunning holiday home close to beach

Whakatane Coastlands
Stay at this vacation home in Whakatane. Enjoy free WiFi, 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 Feb 8, 2026

Stunning holiday home close to beach
right in the town centre

right in the town centre

Whakatane Whakatane
Stay at this vacation home in Whakatane. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Whakatane River Walk and Wairere Falls are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (52 reviews)
Ideal location close to everything you need. Equiped with all the necessary. Beds were super comfortable and bonus that there was a washer and drier. Only downside was the lawns were quite long, the rubbish bin was full and the shower head may need replacing as the water was just dribbling out. Other ...

Reviewed on Oct 26, 2025

right in the town centre
Cosy studio with AC and pool access

Cosy studio with AC and pool access

Whakatāne Bay of Plenty Region
Stay at this apartment in Whakatane. Enjoy a garden, patios, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Wairere Falls and Te Papaka & Puketapu are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
Fantastic quiet location, wonderful hosts, lovely linens and comfy bed. Just a perfect stay, complete with amazing native bird song each morning in the neighbouring valley. Would totally recommend for anyone with keen to get away from motels

Reviewed on Mar 9, 2026

Cosy studio with AC and pool access
See all properties in Whakatane
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.

Popular places to visit

Whakatane Hospital

Though Whakatane Hospital might be what brings you to town, perhaps you'll have a chance to explore more of Whakatane while you are here.

Whakatane Hospital

Mataatua: The House That Came Home

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

Mataatua: The House That Came Home

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

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

Whakatane River Walk

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

Whakatane Aquatic Centre

You can take time to visit Whakatane Aquatic Centre during your travels to Whakatane. Discover the volcano viewpoints while you're in the area.

Whakatane Aquatic Centre

Reviews of Whakatane

4.8
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
4
5 - Excellent 80%
4 - Good
1
4 - Good 20%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Wonderful town! Wish we had more time to stay there longer.