About Whakatane

Whakatāne — Local Business & Tourism Gateway in the Bay of Plenty, NZ

Whakatāne sits in the Eastern Bay of Plenty, North Island New Zealand, and is one of the region’s most important towns for local services, coastal tourism, and adventure day trips. Known for being the landing place of the Mātaatua waka, Whakatāne holds deep cultural significance and a leading position in New Zealand’s early settlement history.

traditional Māori carved gateway in Whakatāne

Why Whakatāne Became an Important Town

  • One of NZ’s first planned waka settlements

  • Named after Wairaka’s historic act of leadership

  • A key access point for Bay of Plenty tourism

  • Service hub for Ōhope, Edgecumbe, Kawerau, Murupara, and the wider Eastern Bay

  • Growth center for fishing, forestry, transport, and local business

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Visit Whakatāne for Tourism & Day Trips

  • Discover Whale Island (Moutohorā) from the harbour

  • Plan coastal walks and beaches in Ōhope

  • Explore Whirinaki Te Pua-a-Tāne Conservation Park tracks

  • Book local tourism operators and services

  • Discover restaurants, cafés, accommodation, and activities

Why It’s a Must-See Bay of Plenty Destination

Whakatāne is:
✔ A major tourism connector town
✔ A leading local business hub
✔ A gateway for eco tourism, coastal travel, and day trip adventures
✔ One of the most historically named towns in New Zealand

For residents and visitors, it delivers high-value discovery in one of the most visited regions of New Zealand’s North Island — the Bay of Plenty.

What This Directory Offers

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Tourism operators, cafes, services, and accommodation in the Bay of Plenty