Things to do in Whakatane
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Matata Eco Tours
Runs tours of the Tarawera Valley where you can learn about the native flora, fauna, and cultural heritage of the area.
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The Craic
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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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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.
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Diveworks Charters
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Boiler Room
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