Make a week of it and explore the beautiful Eastern Bay when you come to our events!​

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Accommodation:

There's a variety of fantastic accommodation in the Whakatane district however we highly recommend you stay with our sponsors, a fantastic way to thank them for supporting our community.

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• White Island Rendezvous:
  While there's plenty of places to stay, we highly recommend you book a room at White Island Rendezvous. With a variety of packages available and fantastic facilities, it's really easy to head off for a visit to White Island or Whale Island, dine at their incredible cafe or stroll in to the Whakatane CBD by foot. https://www.whiteislandrendezvous.co.nz
   

• Whakatane Holiday Park: Whakatāne Holiday Park is just a five-minute walk along the riverside from downtown Whakatāne, and right next to the venue for our Gourmet Markets. With Cabins, units, caravans and campsites there's something for everyone. Come in, park up your car or camper van and enjoy the stunning town. They have accommodation options to suit all budgets, and all the facilities you'll need for a great holiday getaway. https://www.whakataneholidaypark.co.nz

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Activities:

Head along to Whakatane.com and find out everything you need to know about what makes the Eastern Bay of Plenty so special, Or check out the 2019 Bay of Plenty Visitor Guide.

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Whakatāne has a busy shopping precinct with numerous cafes and eateries, a whole range of sporting and recreation outlets, fashion stores, bookshops and more. The town comes alive with local musicians and touring bands through the summer months. There’s also a multi-screen cinema complex showing the latest blockbusters and great pubs and bars for evening drinks.

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Whakatāne has a fleet of charter boats, which give visitors the chance to dive the crystal clear waters of the Bay, fish for the "big ones", visit New Zealand's only active island volcano, White Island, or swim with dolphins.

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The town is the artistic and cultural hub of the District, with regular art exhibitions at Te Kōputu a te whanga a Toi - the Whakatāne Exhibition Centre, and many sites of historical significance to Māori.

Whakatāne's climate is without equal; it was the Sunshine Capital of New Zealand in 2010, 2012, 2013, and 2014, and the North Island's Sunniest Place in 2011.

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Whakatāne is the kiwi capital of the world; it’s the only place you can see and hear New Zealand’s iconic nocturnal bird wandering in locals’ backyards. With two kiwi trusts based in the Bay of Plenty, the national icon is found here more than anywhere else. On a still night the distinctive, piercing call of the kiwi can travel more than one kilometre. The best time to listen for kiwi is up to two hours after dark and just before dawn. 

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Whether you're interested in art and culture, biking, family activities, fishing, golf, tours, walks or tramps, there's plenty to explore in this beautiful corner of New Zealand.

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