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Whakatāne Activities WHAKATANE

Diveworks Charters: Dolphin & Seal Encounters. Whale Island Guided Walks.
Fishing & Dive Trips. Ph Phil or Steph on 0800 354 7737 (See ad above).
KG Kayaks: Whale Island Kayaking (sailing to the island), visit the hot water beach.
Coastal Adventure & Ohiwa Harbour Tours, plus freedom hires. Ideal for families, novices welcome.
Call to book: 027 272 4073 www.kgkayaks.co.nz Highly recommended on Trip Advisor
White Island Tours: Explore an Active Volcano – 6 hour Marine Adventure
Ph 0800 733 529 www.whiteisland.co.nz – see advert page 22.

Dolphin watching White Island
with Diveworks Charters Sulphur Mine Factory Remains

There are two routes from Whakatāne to Ōpōtiki, one via Taneatua, the gateway to Te
Urewera which is a very enjoyable drive for those with more time. The more popular &
shorter coastal route is described below.
50km Whakatāne to Ōpōtiki via Ōhope Beach and Ohiwa Harbour Nil
on the Pacific Coast Highway
This route is the most direct and most used, start from the town centre, by travelling south
along Commerce Street, turning left up the Mokoroa Gorge. There is an alternative route
north along the Strand turning right at the hotel and then right up the ridge to Hillcrest.
This steep section is not recommended for vehicles towing but does provide good views of
Whale Island and the Whakatāne Heads. The two routes then merge and head for Ōhope.
Before the descent, the view of East Cape, the Eastern Bay of Plenty, Ōhope Beach and Mt
Hikurangi on a clear day, is worth a pause. At the bottom of the hill as you enter Ōhope
on the right is the entranceway to Ōhope Scenic Reserve which features a traditional
carved entranceway. The reserve itself is home to a large number of kiwi protected by the
Whakatāne Kiwi Project. 25