Holiday park nestled amongst lush park-like grounds. Our outdoor hot pool and our private spas – all filled with natural mineral water.
Family
Whakatane is indeed a fantastic holiday destination for the whole family, offering a wide array of family-friendly activities and entertainment. No matter the age of your kids or the interests of your family, there's something for everyone in Whakatane. Check out the diverse range of family fun activities and entertainment options below: Whether you're planning a full family holiday or simply seeking some entertainment in Whakatane, you'll find plenty of options to keep the entire family happy and engaged. Create cherished memories together and experience the wonders of Whakatane's family-friendly activities and entertainment. Whether you are organising your next family holiday, or simply searching for some entertainment in Whakatane, you'll find a solution in the options below.
Featured Family Listings
AWAKERI RAIL ADVENTURES
Travel along a piece of New Zealand's rich rail history, experience natural beauty and adventure from the comfort of a rail-cart.
DISTRICT 4 PAINTBALL
Whakatane's exclusive paintball park. We provide you with overalls, masks, paintball markers and paintballs.
DIVEWORKS DOLPHIN & SEAL ENCOUNTERS
We are 100% locally owned and operated with 20 years of local marine knowledge and experience.
DIVEWORKS FISHING CHARTERS
Fish, Dive, sightsee or Eco Tour the rich waters surrounding White (Whakaari) and Whale (Moutohora)
DIVEWORKS WHALE ISLAND TOURS
The tour can include sightings of dolphins, seals, schools of fish, penguins, sea birds, and much more.
EZY FISHING CHARTERS WHAKATANE
We strive to give you the best day out Fishing or Hunting in the beautiful Bay Of Plenty .
JULIANS BERRY FARM & CAFE
We offer pick-your-own berries, berry sales, a cafe, a children's playground, mini golf, an animal farm, and more!
LOCAL ATTRACTIONS
Whakatane is host to many natural and man made attractions that has made our town an activity destination in its own right.
MOTU RIVER JET BOAT TOURS
Motu River Jet Boat Tours offer an exciting 1.5-hour experience of jet boating on either the Motu River, Matahina Dam, or the Rangitaiki River.
MOUTOHORA ISLAND SANCTUARY
Tours of Moutohorā (Whale Island) - one of New Zealand’s little-known treasures, departing from Whakatāne.
NIKAU VALLEY HORSE TREKS
Nikau Valley Horse Treks is nestled in a scenic sheltered valley 10 minutes from Whakatane. We take all ages and experience.
OHIWA FISHING CHARTERS
Ohiwa Fishing Charters are doing fishing trips for individuals or sole charters, from Ohope Wharf out to the Opotiki Mussel Farm.
ONEPU MOUNTAIN BIKE PARK
The park is available free for the public to use for mountain biking and running or walking and has four main trails to choose from.
OUTDOOR MISSION
Get ready for the ultimate adventure with Outdoor Mission! Join us and race against the clock
PACIFIC COAST ADVENTURES & FISHING CHARTERS
Pacific Coast Adventures offers half or full day fishing charters at the Opotiki Mussel Farm
PORT ŌHOPE WHARF
Is a popular fishing, stand up paddle boarding, swimming and sailing location. It is also home to the Port Ōhope Yacht Club.
R n BEES BERRY ORCHARD WHAKATANE
For fresh berries, hot & cold drinks, and pick your own berries (when available) come and visit us!
RECREATIONAL FACILITIES
We offer a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces to accommodate most sports and gatherings.
RIVER EDGE PARK MINIATURE RAILWAY
River Edge Miniature Railway is owned and operated by the Eastern Bay of Plenty Model Engineers Society Inc.
SALT SPRAY SURF SCHOOL
Your instructors are friendly local surfers fully qualified in surfing, coaching, first aid, safety and surf awareness.
SKIPPERS RESTAURANT
Skippers Restaurant at the Whakatane Sportfishing Club offers outstanding quality with generous servings.
TAKUTAI ADVENTURES
Whakanes’s local eScooter, eBike & Stand Up Paddle board experts. We offer hire, lessons and sales.
TE KŌPUTU A TE WHANGA A TOI WHAKATANE LIBRARY & EXHIBITION CENTRE
Explore rich history at Whakatane Museum and immerse yourself in diverse knowledge and art in this dynamic community.
TIO ŌHIWA | ŌHIWA OYSTER FARM
Alongside our Ōhiwa Harbour Cruise & Oyster Experience, we offer a range of seafood, burgers, and mouthwatering meals.
WHAKAMAX MOVIES
Whakatane’s home of entertainment is the only place to enjoy all the escape, adventure, romance, drama, and action on the big screen.
WHAKATANE AQUATIC & FITNESS CENTRE
Swimming pools, spa pools, hydroslide, aqua fitness classes and a fitness centre.
WHAKATANE GOLF CLUB
The Whakatane Golf Club. A true test of golf on one of the most picturesque and well-groomed courses in the Bay of Plenty region.
WHAKATANE OBSERVATORY | ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY
Whakatane Observatory and Astronomical Society, the only Observatory / Planetarium in Whakatane.
WHAKATĀNE WALKING TRAILS | BUSH WALKS
Explore Whakatāne's stunning walking trails and bush walks, perfect for all levels of hikers. Discover coastal views and native forests.
WHITE ISLAND FLIGHTS
On route to White Island get full commentary, exceptional service, safety, and great value ensure you get the most from this experience.
Family Listings
KIWI WANDERING TRAIL
The Kiwi Wandering Trail in Whakatane (the Kiwi Capital of the World!) is a self-guided hunt for bronze replicas of this iconic NZ bird. Find ten life-like, life‑size bronze kiwi statues which wander right through the heart of Whakatāne.
This is fun for all the family and takes you through the CBD as well as the scenic beauty of our Riverwalks and the Whakatane Heads.
Do you have what it takes to find all 10 North Island brown kiwi? Manaia, Two Toes, Ahi, Miro, Big Al, Ōhope, Waewae, Kaputerangi, Pea, and Te Hau.
OHOPE SCENIC RESERVE
The Ohope Scenic Reserve includes one of the country's largest remaining coastal pohutukawa forests and has outstanding scenic and conservation values. During the summer flowering season, the reserve is ablaze with brilliant crimson flowers and the walk is a very special experience. Further inland the bush changes from typical coastal forest of pohutukawa, kohe,kohe, karaka, titoki, ngaio and akeake to other native trees such as rewarewa, tawa and kanuka.
TARAWERA FALLS
The Tarawera Falls are a sight to be seen, water from Lake Tarawera plunges 65 feet into the river below that continues to flow through Kawerau and the Eastern Bay of Plenty to it's ocean destination.
Visitors wanting to see the Falls will need to arrange a permit as access is via private forestry roads. Permits can be obtained from the Kawerau Information Centre.
Tauwhare Pa
Tauwhare Pa, located next to Ohiwa Harbour at Ohope Beach, Whakatane, is a must see Maori culture and history attraction. It is a preserved pre-European Maori occupation site, one of the oldest pa sites in the area.
It was built by Te Hapuoneone, an ancient tribe from which many of today's iwi descend.
The name Tauwhare implies 'the village suspended in space'. When viewed from the bottom of the southern end of the pā, the village gives this impression.
Family Map
Outdoor Adventures
Whakatāne River Walkway: Enjoy a leisurely stroll or bike ride along the scenic river, perfect for all ages.
Ōhope Beach: A family favourite for swimming, picnicking, and building sandcastles along the shore.
Mokorua Bush Scenic Reserve: Explore forest trails and learn about native flora and fauna in this peaceful nature reserve.
Interactive Experiences
Whakatāne Aquatic & Fitness Centre: Families can enjoy a day at the pool with water slides, a lazy river, and family swim sessions.
The Whakatāne Museum & Gallery: Discover the rich history and culture of the region through interactive exhibits, perfect for young minds.
Animal Encounters
Whale and Dolphin Watching: Take a boat tour to spot dolphins, whales, and seals in their natural habitats, a thrilling experience for children and adults alike.
Zoological Gardens: Get up close with local wildlife and learn about conservation efforts at the family-friendly zoological gardens.
Family-Friendly Dining and Accommodation
Whakatāne has a variety of family-oriented restaurants, cafes, and accommodation options, from beachfront motels to family-sized units in local resorts.
Whakatāne is the ultimate family destination, offering something for everyone, whether you're looking for outdoor fun, educational experiences, or simply a relaxing getaway.
