Whakatane Information Office

Whakatane (population 18,000) is the principal town of the eastern Bay of Plenty. The natural harbour at the mouth of the Whakatane River was the landing place for the Mataatua canoe in the 14th century. The Information Centre is in a modern building on the riverside. Tours to White Island usually leave from Whakatane. If you planning to travel the East Cape Whakatane could be a good place to stay at the start or finish as Opotiki has limited accommodation.

Snaking east from Tauranga, State Highway 2 hugs the coast for much of the journey to Whakatane, Bay of Plenty's third most populated centre. It's a pleasant drive, the view punctuated by glimpses of the volcanic White Island and often accompanied by the rumble of a locomotive on the railroad track beside you. Look out to sea and you'll need two hands to count the number of charter boats taking advantage of what many regard as some of the country's finest fishing. If you're after a good plate of snapper, or a deep sea battle with blue marlin, you've come to the right place. Whakatane is a pretty, if somewhat sleepy, seaside town best known for its water activities. Fishing, diving, swimming with dolphins and jet boating up the Rangitaiki River offer something for the more adventurous, while travellers who prefer their feet firmly on terra-firma will probably enjoy a wander through the town gardens or the local museum. Whakatane is steeped in Maori history. It was already a flourishing commercial centre by the 13th century. It was at this time, during the second wave of migration, so the story goes, that the warrior, Toroa, sailed from Hawaiki in a massive waka (ocean-going canoe), arriving in the estuary with his family, animals and crops. As the men disembarked to meet local leaders, the tide changed and the women and children on board the boat began drifting out to sea. It was Toroa’s daughter, Wairaka, who cried, "E! Kia whakatane au i ahau!" - Let me act as a man! - then took the oars and paddled them all to safety. From this incident, the region took its name and it’s why you'll see Wairaka immortalised as the 'woman on the rock' - the bronze statue in the town's harbour. 'Over the hill' as the locals will tell you, lies the settlement of Ohope, a beautiful golden sand beach and popular local surf spot. It's well within walking distance - a seven kilometre stroll along clifftops, through native bush and across ancient Maori pa sites. You might want to pack a tasty lunch though - one section of the walk is blocked during high tides. It's best to check with the information centre before you set out. Once there, the beach is the main attraction but you could also pay a visit to the beachside studio of artist Warwick Armstrong or perhaps over-indulge in handmade Belgian chocolates from the boutique factory down the road. A round at the stunningly scenic Ohope golf course is also recommended. Afterwards, catch a bus back to Whakatane for a dinner of the region's finest seafood.