Page 22 - 2020-ETEC-eBook

WHAKATANE

White Island Tour Group at the Crater. - Courtesy of Whakatāne i-Site.
Ōhope - Ōhope is a small coastal settlement, best known for its stunning 10-kilometre-
long beach. The warm, safe waters of Ōhope Beach see it regularly ranked amongst New
Zealand’s best. Explore the area on foot or by bike, enjoy fish and chips on the beach, or take
to the water swimming, surfing, sailing or stand up paddle boarding.
Whirinaki and Te Urewera - The Eastern Bay of Plenty isn’t just about the coast. Travel
inland and discover Whirinaki Te Pua-a-Tāne Conservation Park – one of the world’s last
prehistoric rainforests. Take in this natural wonder’s towering ancient trees and diverse
landscapes which are home to more than 50 endangered species. While the immense Te
Urewera is nature at its best, with the North Islands largest native forest wilderness. Both
forests are a scenic drive from Whakatāne and include fantastic walking and biking tracks.
Fun on the Water - Jump on a kayak with KG Kayaks see advert page 23 to find
adventure in a sheltered harbour or grab your diving gear and explore the waters around
Moutohorā (Whale Island) with Diveworks Charters see advert page 23. Many visitors
choose to hit the waves on a surf board or stand up paddle board, or head out to sea on a
fishing charter to hook snapper, kahawai and kingfish.
Rich Māori Heritage - Māori culture is woven throughout the fabric of the Eastern Bay
region. There are many ways to experience authentic Māori culture, from marae visits and
sharing traditional earth cooked Māori hāngi, to stunning historical coastal walks like Ngā
Tapuwae o Toi. You can experience the unforgettable Mataatua Wharenui, a fully carved
Māori ancestral house that travelled the world for over a century before returning home to its
people – the Ngāti Awa tribe of Whakatāne.
Visit the friendly Whakatāne i-Site staff for advice and free brochures on activities and
sights including walking, historic sights, fishing, kayaking and trips to Whakaari – White
Island.

22 View from “The Heads” of “The Lady on the Rock - Wairaka” with Whale Island in the background.
- Courtesy of Whakatāne i-Site.