Whakatane Regional Information

Whakatane is the main centre in the Eastern Bay of Plenty, with a population of just over 32,000 and a reputation as a pleasant, sunny holiday spot year round. Its main lure lies in the easy access it provides to beaches and to White Island, an active volcanic island which attracts many visitors each year. The city of Whakatane is located in the region of the same name, which covers 433,000 hectares.

White Island is a fantastic place to visit, either from the air, by boat or from beneath the waters surrounding the island. There is also the possibility of landing on the island for a closer encounter with the volcano, through a guided walk or tour of the island. As an active volcano, it is one of the most interesting in the world, providing visitors with a spectacular display of hissing, roaring and steam vents. At the island's centre, a stunning acid lake is easily viewed, complete with a continuous eruption of steam from a vent under the lake. The vent is actually below sea level, but is protected from the sea by the volcano's high crater walls. White Island is estimated to be between 100,000 and 200,000 years old, and is one of only a handful of easily accessible volcanoes in the world.

Beneath the waters around the island, visitors can take advantage of one of the world's best scuba diving destinations. The experience allows you to explore the underwater vents and swim amongst large schools of fish. For those who are drawn to the water, Whakatane also offers the chance to swim with dolphins, go trout or deep sea fishing, embark on a dive or go windsurfing at a local beach.

Back on dry land, you will see the fruits of the Whakatane District's soil and farming land. The region has impressive forestry resources and dairy farms, as well as a growing number of horticultural operators running market gardens, apple and kiwifruit orchards, and flower nurseries. Te Urewera National Park also constitutes a large part of the district and is home to a diverse range of native flora and fauna.

The Nga Tapuwae o Toi bushwalk is a great way to view Whakatane's natural beauty and capture the essence of the region. At 15km, the walk is a seven hour round trip, taking walkers past Maori pa sites and through native forest. During the walk, you can enjoy coastal views and have the chance to spot sea and forest dwelling birds. Smaller sections of the track can also be walked.

If you seek a taste of history, try a visit to the Whakatane Museum, an excellent regional museum that tells the stories of early Maori and European settlers through photographs and artifacts. There is also information provided on the natural wonders of the region, including White Island. Adjacent to the museum is the local art gallery, exhibiting the work of Whakatane based artists.

Navigate with our great Whakatane map to stay on the right track and find what you're looking for when traveling in the region. While you're on the road, be prepared for all seasons with weather forecasts, reports and current information on Whakatane weather.

For further information on Whakatane, visit the Whakatane District's information site.