Travel along a piece of New Zealand's rich rail history, experience natural beauty and adventure from the comfort of a rail-cart.
Sightseeing
Sightseeing tours in Whakatane can show you culture, entertainment, the outdoors and our history. See local landmarks of historic significance or be guided to some of our regions stunning natural scenery by our tour operators. Check out our list below for Whakatane sightseeing tours and visitor attractions.
Sightseeing Whakatāne: Explore the Scenic Beauty and Hidden Gems
Whakatāne is a top destination for sightseeing, offering a blend of natural beauty, cultural landmarks, and breathtaking coastal views. From panoramic lookouts to historical sites, Whakatāne provides visitors with unforgettable experiences and stunning photo opportunities.
Featured Sightseeing Listings
BAY OF PLENTY HELICOPTORS
BOP Helicopters, your go-to local operator for all helicopter operations. From scenic flights to precision lifting, we offer a vast range of services.
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 .
KAHU NZ HELICOPTERS
Kahu NZ offer a range of helicopter services in the Bay of Plenty and New Zealand including Transportation 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.
OHIWA FISHING CHARTERS
Ohiwa Fishing Charters are doing fishing trips for individuals or sole charters, from Ohope Wharf out to the Opotiki Mussel Farm.
PACIFIC COAST ADVENTURES & FISHING CHARTERS
Pacific Coast Adventures offers half or full day fishing charters at the Opotiki Mussel Farm
TIO ŌHIWA | ŌHIWA OYSTER FARM
Alongside our Ōhiwa Harbour Cruise & Oyster Experience, we offer a range of seafood, burgers, and mouthwatering meals.
UZABUS FLEET
When you need transportation, Uzabus has exactly what you're looking for. Get in contact with us.
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.
Sightseeing 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.
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.
Sightseeing Map
Coastal Lookouts and Beaches
The Whakatāne coastline is a highlight for sightseeing enthusiasts. Ohope Beach, consistently ranked among New Zealand’s best beaches, offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Head to Kohi Point Lookout for panoramic vistas of Whale Island, the ocean, and the surrounding countryside. The Whakatāne Heads is another must-visit spot, where the river meets the sea, creating a perfect backdrop for photography.
Historical and Cultural Landmarks
Sightseeing in Whakatāne wouldn’t be complete without exploring its rich Māori and European heritage. The Mataatua Wharenui (Meeting House) offers an immersive cultural experience, showcasing Māori art and storytelling. Don’t miss the Lady on the Rock statue, a tribute to Wairaka, a legendary figure in local Māori history. Additionally, explore the historic Whakatāne Museum for insight into the region’s past.
Natural Wonders
Whakatāne’s natural landscapes are perfect for those who love the outdoors. Take a walk to the Wairere Falls Lookout, where you’ll witness the beauty of cascading waterfalls surrounded by lush greenery. For a unique volcanic sightseeing experience, book a guided tour to Moutohorā (Whale Island), a sanctuary home to native wildlife and geothermal features.
Scenic Walking Tracks
Whakatāne boasts several walking tracks that offer incredible sights along the way. The Nga Tapuwae o Toi Trail, or Toi’s Track, is a popular option that combines coastal views, forest paths, and historical sites. The Warren Cole Walkway runs alongside the Whakatāne River, providing a serene setting for a leisurely stroll or a cycling adventure.
Marine and Wildlife Encounters
For those looking to combine sightseeing with wildlife experiences, Whakatāne is the gateway to marine adventures. Dolphin and seal spotting tours are a popular choice, while Whale Island tours offer a chance to see rare bird species and geothermal hot springs. These experiences are perfect for families and nature lovers.
Sunsets and Night Skies
Whakatāne offers some of the best spots to catch a stunning sunset. Ohope Beach and the Whakatāne Heads provide unparalleled views as the sun dips below the horizon. On clear nights, head to secluded areas for stargazing, where the lack of light pollution reveals a dazzling display of stars.
Waterfront Attractions
The Whakatāne River offers picturesque spots for sightseeing along its banks. Visitors can relax at riverside parks, enjoy a picnic, or take in views of boats moored at the marina. The waterfront area is also a great starting point for exploring the town’s cafes, shops, and art installations.
Nearby Islands and Tours
Sightseeing around Whakatāne wouldn’t be complete without exploring nearby islands. Guided tours to White Island (Whakaari) allow visitors to see an active marine volcano up close, while Whale Island offers a more tranquil experience with its pristine beaches and native flora and fauna.
Festivals and Seasonal Attractions
Time your visit to coincide with local festivals and seasonal events for added sightseeing opportunities. From cultural festivals to art exhibitions, Whakatāne’s community events enhance the sightseeing experience by offering unique insights into local traditions and creativity.
Whakatāne’s sightseeing options cater to a wide range of interests, from serene natural landscapes to vibrant cultural landmarks. Whether you’re an adventurer, a history buff, or simply looking for beautiful views, Whakatāne has something to offer every visitor.
