Sights in Eastern Bay Of Plenty
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Hukutaia Domain
Around 8km south of the town centre is Hukutaia Domain, home to one of the finest collections of native plants in NZ. In the centre is Taketakerau, a 23m puriri tree estimated to be more than 2000 years old and a burial place for the distinguished dead of the Upokorere hapu (subtribe) of Whakatohea. The remains have been since been reinterred elsewhere.
reviewed
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A
Whakatane Museum & Gallery
Whakatane Museum & Gallery is an impressive regional museum with artfully presented displays on early Maori and European settlers. Of particular interest are the taonga (treasures) of local Maori tracing their lineage back to the Mataatua waka, while the art gallery presents a varied program of NZ and international exhibitions.
reviewed
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B
Pohaturoa
Beside the roundabout is Pohaturoa, a large tapu (sacred) rock outcrop, where baptism, death, war and moko (tattoo) rites were performed. The Treaty of Waitangi was also signed here by Ngati Awa chiefs in 1840 and there’s a monument to the Ngati Awa chief Te Hurinui Apanui.
reviewed
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C
Opotiki Museum
The excellent Opotiki Museum offers a chance to learn much about the rich history of the area. Run by volunteers, the museum has interesting heritage displays including Maori taonga (treasures) and militaria, and agricultural items including a horse-drawn wagon.
reviewed
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D
Tangata Whenua Gallery
In the middle of the town’s shopping street is Tangata Whenua Gallery, stocking Maori- and New Zealand–themed arts and crafts, including kete (baskets) and pounamu jewellery.
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E
Hiona St Stephen’s Church
Known by the local Whakatohea tribe to have acted as a government spy, Rev Carl Volkner was murdered in 1865 in the Hiona St Stephen’s Church on the main street.
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F
Shalfoon & Francis Museum
Opotiki’s original general store born again, with shelves piled high with old grocery and hardware products − you name it, they have it.
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G
Whakatane Observatory
Whakatane Observatory offers a great chance to star-spot when the sky is clear.
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H
Muriwai’s Cave
The partially collapsed Maori site Muriwai’s Cave (Te Ano o Muriwa) once extended 122m into the hillside and sheltered 60 people, including Muriwai, Wairaka’s aunt and famous seer. Two exquisitely carved ceremonial waka are displayed opposite the cave.
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I
Wairere Falls
Tumbling down the cliffs, Wairere Falls (Te Wairere) occupies a deliciously damp nook, and once powered flax and flour mills and supplied Whakatane’s drinking water.
reviewed
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