Title: Whakatane Travel Guide: Best of Whakatane, Bay of Plenty Region Travel 2026 | Expedia.co.uk [Hotels in Whakatane](https://expedia.co.uk/Whakatane-Hotels.d3784.Travel-Guide-Hotels)[Holiday Rentals in Whakatane](https://expedia.co.uk/Whakatane-Holiday-Rentals.d3784.Travel-Guide-HolidayRentals)[Flights to Whakatane](https://expedia.co.uk/Cheap-Flights-To-Whakatane.d3784.Travel-Guide-Flights)[Things to do in Whakatane](https://expedia.co.uk/Things-To-Do-In-Whakatane.d3784.Travel-Guide-Activities)[Whakatane Car Hire](https://expedia.co.uk/Compare-Cheap-Car-Hire-In-Whakatane.d3784.Car-Hire-Guide)[Whakatane Holidays](https://expedia.co.uk/Whakatane.d3784.Holidays-City-Breaks) # Whakatane Travel Guide ## Tourist Guide ![View of Whakatane in New Zealand](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/3784/254558c4-75b3-4cad-afd8-000a0cca435b.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![View of Whakatane in New Zealand](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/3784/254558c4-75b3-4cad-afd8-000a0cca435b.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![View of Whakatane in New Zealand](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/3784/3b510814-4476-4bc0-8e51-e3de433ecf33.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![The women of the Mataatua Canoe, left to themselves when the men went ashore for the first time, found a waka (canoe) drifting out to sea again. The paddles were forbidden to women, but a high spirited teenager, Wairaka, who was the daughter of Chief Toroa, boldly seized one of the paddles and paddled the waka back to shore. As she did this, she shouted, Kia Whakatane au i ahau:, and her actions saved the women but also coined the name of the town. A bronze statue of Wairaka stands on a rock at the Whakatane Heads to commemorate this act.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248634965840926/6f5b8e2c-c7bd-429e-be35-c67d99b662f2.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Whakatane is a Maori word and the 'wh' is pronounced like an 'f'. The statute of Wairaka is at the mouth of the Whakatane River in the Bay of Plenty area on the North Island.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/3784/0d6f1373-c77d-4c1f-91b4-efe8f4c53c31.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ## Visit Whakatane Where to stay Things to do Reviews ### Where to stay in Whakatane ![Whakatane is a Maori word and the 'wh' is pronounced like an 'f'. The statute of Wairaka is at the mouth of the Whakatane River in the Bay of Plenty area on the North Island.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/3784/0d6f1373-c77d-4c1f-91b4-efe8f4c53c31.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Whakatāne Town While visiting Whakatāne Town, you might make a stop by sights like Te Papaka & Puketapu and Whakatane District Museum and Gallery. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Whakatane-Whakatane-Town.dx959724600028393472) ![Default Image](https://images.trvl-media.com/media/content/expus/graphics/deals/TE_Clouds_card_r1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Maraetotara If you're spending some time in Maraetotara, Bay of Plenty and Otarawairere Bay are top sights worth seeing. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Whakatane-Maraetotara.dx693200173255282688) ![The women of the Mataatua Canoe, left to themselves when the men went ashore for the first time, found a waka](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248634965840926/6f5b8e2c-c7bd-429e-be35-c67d99b662f2.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Coastlands While Coastlands may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Te Papaka & Puketapu and Wairere Falls. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Whakatane-Coastlands.dx553248634965840926) ![Default Image](https://images.trvl-media.com/media/content/expus/graphics/deals/TE_Clouds_card_r1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Poroporo While Poroporo may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Te Papaka & Puketapu and Wairere Falls. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Whakatane-Poroporo.dx693200168961736704) - Top hotels in Whakatane - Top Holiday Rentals in Whakatane ![The Com Plex Motel](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/70000000/69920000/69914700/69914621/6d0e4d42_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### The Com Plex Motel 39 The Strand Whakatane Bay of Plenty £69 8 Feb - 9 Feb includes taxes & fees Stay at this motel in Whakatane. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ... 9.6/10 Exceptional! (400 reviews) The room was modern and clean. The staff were lovely and very helpful with all our odd requests. The unit had everything we needed and more. The location was great because it was so close to Whakatane city center and close to the road going to Ohope when we wanted to go to the beach. Reviewed on 14 Jan 2026 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=08%2F02%2F2026&endDate=09%2F02%2F2026&selected=69914621&PinnedHotelID=69914621&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=3784) ![Tuscany Villas Boutique Motel ](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/101000000/100290000/100287900/100287850/807a915b_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Tuscany Villas Boutique Motel 57 The Strand Whakatane Bay of Plenty £63 25 Jan - 26 Jan includes taxes & fees Stay at this motel in Whakatane. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and private hot tubs. Popular attractions Wairere Falls and Whakatane River Walk are located ... 9.2/10 Wonderful! (99 reviews) Staff were very lovely some of the rooms need some work mainly the bathrooms but all in all great location Reviewed on 9 Jan 2026 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=25%2F01%2F2026&endDate=26%2F01%2F2026&selected=100287850&PinnedHotelID=100287850&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=3784) ![Whakatane Holiday Park](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/30000000/29070000/29062000/29061988/a72c65a1_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Whakatane Holiday Park 1 Mcgarvey Rd Whakatane Bay Of Plenty £42 2 Feb - 3 Feb includes taxes & fees Stay at this holiday park in Whakatane. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Whakatane District Museum and Gallery and Pohaturoa ... 9/10 Wonderful! (230 reviews) Clean and modern holiday unit with full kitchen and plenty of space for a family Reviewed on 6 Jan 2026 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=02%2F02%2F2026&endDate=03%2F02%2F2026&selected=29061988&PinnedHotelID=29061988&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=3784) [See all 146 properties in Whakatane](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience&startDate=22%2F01%2F2026&endDate=23%2F01%2F2026®ionId=3784) Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply. ![Private Coastal Sanctuary, Next to the beach!](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/121000000/120610000/120600300/120600243/4a11a1d3_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Private Coastal Sanctuary, Next to the beach! Coastlands Bay of Plenty Region Stay at this holiday home in Whakatane. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Whakatane Golf Club and Whakatane District Museum ... [](https://expedia.co.uk/Whakatane-Hotels-Private-Coastal-Sanctuary.h120600243.Hotel-Information) ![Paradise on the Sand](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/75000000/74250000/74246000/74245980/aa399f9b_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Paradise on the Sand Whakatane Bay of Plenty Stay at this apartment in Whakatane. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities and patios. Popular attractions Whakatane Golf Club and Whakatane District Museum and ... 9.6/10 Exceptional! (42 reviews) Great space, with cooking facilities by using a hot plate. Everything was very clean & tidy.My hubby interacted with the host and he was very chatty and friendly. Great hosts.Loved the location being out of the town and close to the beach. Had lovely beach walks and relaxed. Reviewed on 13 Jan 2026 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Whakatane-Hotels-Paradise-On-The-Sand.h74245980.Hotel-Information) ![Stunning holiday home close to beach](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/38000000/37980000/37978200/37978182/f47cb0c2_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Stunning holiday home close to beach Whakatane Coastlands Stay at this holiday home in Whakatane. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities and patios. Popular attractions Whakatane Aquatic Centre and Whakatane District ... 8.4/10 Very Good! (92 reviews) Very satisfactory, good shower water pressure, very clean, good place to stay Reviewed on 3 Oct 2025 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Whakatane-Hotels-Stunning-Holiday-Home-Close-To-Beach.h37978182.Hotel-Information) [See all properties in Whakatane](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience®ionId=3784&sort=VACATION_RENTAL) Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply. ## Check Whakatane hotel availability [Tonight ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=3784&startDate=2026-01-21&endDate=2026-01-22)[21 Jan - 22 Jan](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=3784&startDate=2026-01-21&endDate=2026-01-22) [Tomorrow night ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=3784&startDate=2026-01-22&endDate=2026-01-23)[22 Jan - 23 Jan](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=3784&startDate=2026-01-22&endDate=2026-01-23) [This weekend ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=3784&startDate=23%2F01%2F2026&endDate=25%2F01%2F2026)[23 Jan - 25 Jan](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=3784&startDate=23%2F01%2F2026&endDate=25%2F01%2F2026) [Next weekend ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=3784&startDate=30%2F01%2F2026&endDate=01%2F02%2F2026)[30 Jan - 1 Feb](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=3784&startDate=30%2F01%2F2026&endDate=01%2F02%2F2026) ### Popular places to visit #### Whakatane Hospital If Whakatane Hospital is what brings you to town, hopefully you'll have a chance to explore more of Whakatane. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Whakatane-Hospital-Whakatane.d553248621573985855.Attraction) #### Wairere Falls 5/5(1 review) Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Wairere Falls during your travels in Whakatane. While in the area, you can find time to visit its spas. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Wairere-Falls-Whakatane.d553248621526967505.Attraction) #### Te Papaka & Puketapu Find out about the history of Whakatane with a stop at Te Papaka & Puketapu. Discover the volcano viewpoints while you're in the area. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Te-Papaka-Puketapu-Whakatane.d553248621526967500.Attraction) #### Te Manuka Tutahi Marae You can find out about the history of Whakatane when you stop by Te Manuka Tutahi Marae. While in the area, you can find time to visit its spas. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Te-Manuka-Tutahi-Marae-Whakatane.d553248621526967506.Attraction) #### Mataatua: The House That Came Home 4/5(2 reviews) You can spend an afternoon browsing the exhibits at Mataatua: The House That Came Home during your trip to Whakatane. While in the area, you can find time to visit its spas. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Mataatua-The-House-That-Came-Home-Whakatane.d553248621532610930.Attraction) #### Whakatane Aquatic Centre You can take time to visit Whakatane Aquatic Centre during your travels to Whakatane. Discover the volcano viewpoints while you're in the area. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Whakatane-Aquatic-Centre-Whakatane.d553248621573985857.Attraction) ## Reviews of Whakatane 4.5 Top destination 5 - Excellent 2 4 - Good 2 3 - Okay 0 2 - Disappointing 0 1 - Terrible 0 ### 5/5 - Excellent Verified traveller Whakatane is a lovely place to break your journey in or stay. The beach front in very family oriented, with a play park, picnic tables, and fountains for children to run through. Had fabulous fish and chips in a shop next to the yacht club, so fresh. ### 5/5 - Excellent Verified traveller Plenty eating in area. Lots of activities, especially water based. - Cities near Whakatane - Places of interest - [Bay of Plenty ](https://expedia.co.uk/Bay-Of-Plenty-Bay-of-Plenty-Region.d6047975.Attraction) ![](https://a.travel-assets.com/mad-service/footer/bnaBanners/BEX_Footer.jpg) ## Go further with the Expedia app Save on select hotels when you book in the app. Our app deals help you to save on trips so you can travel more and manage it all on the go. Scan the QR code with your device camera and download our app