Coastlands Travel Guide

Whakatane

The women of the Mataatua Canoe, left to themselves when the men went ashore for the first time, found a waka (canoe) drifting out to sea again. The paddles were forbidden to women, but a high spirited teenager, Wairaka, who was the daughter of Chief Toroa, boldly seized one of the paddles and paddled the waka back to shore. As she did this, she shouted, Kia Whakatane au i ahau:, and her actions saved the women but also coined the name of the town. A bronze statue of Wairaka stands on a rock at the Whakatane Heads to commemorate this act.
The women of the Mataatua Canoe, left to themselves when the men went ashore for the first time, found a waka (canoe) drifting out to sea again. The paddles were forbidden to women, but a high spirited teenager, Wairaka, who was the daughter of Chief Toroa, boldly seized one of the paddles and paddled the waka back to shore. As she did this, she shouted, Kia Whakatane au i ahau:, and her actions saved the women but also coined the name of the town. A bronze statue of Wairaka stands on a rock at the Whakatane Heads to commemorate this act.

Popular places to visit

Whakatane Golf Club

Enjoy a round of golf in Whakatane at Whakatane Golf Club. While in the area, you can find time to visit its spas.

Whakatane Golf Club

Whakatane Hospital

If Whakatane Hospital is what brings you to town, hopefully you'll have a chance to explore more of Whakatane.

Whakatane Hospital

Te Manuka Tutahi Marae

You can find out about the history of Whakatane when you stop by Te Manuka Tutahi Marae. While in the area, you can find time to visit its spas.

Te Manuka Tutahi Marae

Wairere Falls

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Wairere Falls during your travels in Whakatane. While in the area, you can find time to visit its spas.

Wairere Falls

Mataatua: The House That Came Home

You can spend an afternoon browsing the exhibits at Mataatua: The House That Came Home during your trip to Whakatane. While in the area, you can find time to visit its spas.

Mataatua: The House That Came Home

Te Papaka & Puketapu

Find out about the history of Whakatane with a stop at Te Papaka & Puketapu. Discover the volcano viewpoints while you're in the area.

Te Papaka & Puketapu

Things to do

White Island & Whale Island 1-Hour Volcano Scenic Flight

Whakaari - White Island Cultural and Flight Experience

฿11,518
per adult
Whakaari - White Island Cultural and Flight Experience
See all activities in Whakatane

Top hotels in Coastlands

The Com Plex Motel

The Com Plex Motel

3 out of 5
39 The Strand Whakatane Bay of Plenty
The price is ฿2,689 per night from 29 Mar to 30 Mar
฿2,689
฿3,092 total
29 Mar - 30 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Whakatane. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
The Com Plex Motel
Whakatane Holiday Park

Whakatane Holiday Park

2 out of 5
1 Mcgarvey Rd Whakatane Bay Of Plenty
The price is ฿1,544 per night from 10 Mar to 11 Mar
฿1,544
฿1,775 total
10 Mar - 11 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this holiday park in Whakatane. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Whakatane District Museum and Gallery and Pohaturoa ...
9/10 Wonderful! (232 reviews)
Very nice clean room , friendly staff

Reviewed on 24 Feb 2026

Whakatane Holiday Park
Awa Motel

Awa Motel

4.5 out of 5
15 The Strand Whakatane
The price is ฿2,644 per night from 2 Mar to 3 Mar
฿2,644
฿3,040 total
2 Mar - 3 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Whakatane. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (635 reviews)
Great location, stayed in the front villa, very nostalgic, roomy and well appointed kitchen.

Reviewed on 18 Feb 2026

Awa Motel
Tuscany Villas Boutique Motel

Tuscany Villas Boutique Motel

2.5 out of 5
57 The Strand Whakatane Bay of Plenty
The price is ฿2,728 per night from 8 Mar to 9 Mar
฿2,728
฿3,138 total
8 Mar - 9 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Whakatane. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and private hot tubs. Popular attractions Wairere Falls and Whakatane River Walk are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (106 reviews)
Room was spacious and spotless. Everything was in excellent condition and very very clean. Super friendly staff. Would highly recommend and will definitely stay again!

Reviewed on 22 Feb 2026

Tuscany Villas Boutique Motel
Ōhope Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park

Ōhope Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park

2.5 out of 5
367 Harbour Road Ohope
The price is ฿2,596 per night from 1 Mar to 2 Mar
฿2,596
฿3,037 total
1 Mar - 2 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach holiday park in Ohope. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a beach locale. Popular attractions Ohope International Golf Club and Ohiwa Harbour ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (24 reviews)
-

Reviewed on 23 Feb 2026

Ōhope Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park
One88 On Commerce

One88 On Commerce

4.5 out of 5
188 Commerce Street Whakatane Bay of Plenty
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ฿3,048 per night from 9 Mar to 10 Mar
฿3,048
฿3,505 total
9 Mar - 10 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Whakatane. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
10/10 Exceptional! (572 reviews)
Lovely well appointed 1 bedroom apartment. So comfortable & super impressed with the warm welcome

Reviewed on 17 Feb 2026

One88 On Commerce
See all 137 properties in Coastlands
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Coastlands

Whakatane is a Maori word and the 'wh' is pronounced like an 'f'. The statute of Wairaka is at the mouth of the Whakatane River in the Bay of Plenty area on the North Island.

Whakatāne Town

While visiting Whakatāne Town, you might make a stop by sights like Wairere Falls and Mataatua: The House That Came Home.

Whakatāne Town
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Poroporo

While Poroporo may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Mataatua: The House That Came Home and Te Manuka Tutahi Marae.

Poroporo
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Maraetotara

If you're spending some time in Maraetotara, Bay of Plenty and Otarawairere Bay are top sights worth seeing.

Maraetotara

Coastlands Travel Guide