Things to do in Eastern Bay Of Plenty
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Wally’s on the Wharf
Wally sure knows a thing or two about fish and chips. Hoki, snapper, flounder, john dory and tarakihi – done in the deep fry, on the grill or in a burger. Whitebait fritters in season, and chips that score well on the crispometer.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Ground Zero
It’s a good sign when the staff can share a laugh with the boss! Ground Zero’s chipper vibe is infectious, bolstered by cafe delights like Jamaican chicken burgers, veggie stacks with hummus and garlic aioli, Moroccan wraps, and serious coffee and cakes. Sunny outdoor tables, too.
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Rocquette
A modern waterside restaurant on the ground floor of one of the town’s big new apartment blocks, sunny Rocquette serves up refreshing Mediterranean-influenced fare with lots of summery salads, risotto and fish dishes. Laid-back tunes, good coffee and sexy staff to boot.
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Hunters Bar & Restaurant
On the ground floor of the old Royal Hotel is this reasonably stylish wine bar, serving upmarket pub grub (you can still get steak and eggs). There are kooky record covers on the walls and occasional wine-appreciation nights.
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Wharf Shed
An award winner for beef and lamb but famous for its fish dishes, which include locally bagged crayfish, corpulent mussels and fresh Pacific Oysters. Right on the waterside with alfresco dining on balmy evenings.
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De Luxe Cinema
The beguiling old De Luxe Cinema shows the occasional movie and brass-band concert. Check the window for upcoming events, including the annual Silent Film Festival in September
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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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Two Fish
Undoubtedly the best bet for cafe-fare and a coffee fix, serving up hefty burgers, chowder, toasties and salads plus a jumbo selection in the cabinet. Retro-groovy interior and courtyard; happy staff.
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New Hong Kong
This no-fuss Chinese restaurant does Sino-Kiwi grub such as chop suey, chow mein and, of course, chips. Lunch deals ($6) are a good bet, as is the two-hour $10-dish ‘happy hour’ from 5.30pm.
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Dolphin & Whale Nature Rush
Run by White Island Tours, Dolphin & Whale Nature Rush offers a two-hour trip out to Motuhora (Whale Island), with plenty of critter-spotting in the sea and sky.
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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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Bean
The loungiest spot in town to get good coffee (roasted on the premises). Pull up a chair, and get yourself going with a quick fix and a freshly baked biscuit or bagel.
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Tui Glen Farm
Close to Kawerau, Tui Glen Farm offers horse treks through bush and farm for beginners and the adventurous. Dorm accommodation also available ($20).
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Aotearoa Breweries
The highlight of Kawerau is Aotearoa Breweries, brewing Mata, ‘a beer from the edge’ (of civilisation?). Call ahead if you want to visit.
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Office
The upmarket Office does what it does well: beer, big meals with chips and salad all over, and live bands on Friday nights.
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Fig
A buzzy café attended by a happy crew making tasty fare such as pastries and home-made burgers, and daily specials such as Thai soup.
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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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Welcome India
Beyond the mandatory Taj Mahal pic in the window, casual Welcome India serves reliable standards with $10 curries on Monday and Tuesday.
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Whakatane District Aquatic Centre
Whakatane District Aquatic Centre has indoor and outdoor pools, spa pools and a waterslide.
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Whakatane Observatory
Whakatane Observatory offers a great chance to star-spot when the sky is clear.
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Whale & Dolphin Watch
Whale & Dolphin Watch runs dolphin-viewing and swimming trips year-round.
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