Recreation

Swimming & Surfing

You can enjoy the uncrowded conditions at Coastlands Beach. While no beach is safe for children without close supervision, many children and their parents can be seen swimming on most summer days.

The seas of the Bay of Plenty are among the calmest and warmest in NZ because of the presence of a warm ocean current and sheltering from the south by the North Island.

Excellent Fishing

New Zealand's best fishing location, with access to abundant deep sea fishing, surfcasting and freshwater fishing, those with a taste for kaimoana will be well satisfied in Whakatane.

Coastlands is known to be one of the best surf-casting beaches in the area.  Within minutes, you can also engage in any of the many types of fishing known in NZ, including big game, deep sea, surf-casting, scuba-diving, whitebaiting, trout fishing etc.

It is possible to land a big game fish, catch a trout and shoot a deer within 24 hours. The record for this in Whakatane is under 3 hours!

 

Whakatane’s River Walkway

Mountain Biking & Walking Tracks

Coastlands has many options for exercising.  The long and beautiful stretch of beach along the Pacific edge, is an excellent place to walk, run or play.

Walking tracks run the length of the seafront between the frontal dunes and a specially formed cycle/walkway from Coastlands into town is popular with locals. It is possible to walk or cycle all the way from Coastlands into town and around to the harbour entrance, at The Heads, via dedicated cycle/walking tracks.

Whakatane also has many magnificent walking tracks starting right in town.

The Bird Walk which follows quite a fast-flowing stream up Mokorua Gorge through native bush is home to many Kiwi.  There are over 100 managed, North Island Brown Kiwi living in native bush in close proximity to the Whakatane township.

The Kohi Point track starts at Hillcrest, up to a trig station and along the top of the cliffs above the Heads offering majestic views over the town and out to sea.  Continuing on, the track winds its way down to the beautiful shores of Otarawairere Bay, accessible only by this and two other walking tracks.

Mountain bikers, both hardcore and those who seldom venture onto gravel are fully catered for.  Whakatane has something for everyone, including the newly opened Whakatane Bike Park right in town.

Top Class Golf Course

It takes only 5 minutes to drive to Whakatane's excellent Golf Course in Golf Links Road. There is also the Ohope Golf Course 25 minutes away and Te Puke 40 minutes away.

Whakatane Aquatic Centre

Fun Activities

Some of the fun family activities in Whakatane:

• Whakatane Aquatic Centre - enjoy indoor pools, gym and hydroslide
• Awakeri Hot Pools - large thermally heated pools and private spas
• River Edge Park
  • Miniature Railway Track
  • Skate Bowl
  • Children's Playground
• Whakatane Bike Park - multi-use biking facility at Warren Park
• Berry Farms & Cafes
  • Julians Berry Farm & Cafe
  • Blueberry Corner
  • The Red Barn Bakery & Cafe
  • Coastlands Cafe - onsite in Fishermans Drive
• Awakeri Rail Adventures
• Whakamax Movies & Preview Room Cafe

Culture & Cuisine

An active cultural community is well catered for by our new museum exhibition centre and library, little theatre, movie max cinema, the annual Summer Arts Festival and the Molly Morpeth Canaday Art Exhibitions.

Good restaurants and cafes, as well as our seasonal berry farms provide delicious cuisine for those who like to enjoy a culinary outing.  For more information on our beautiful town, checkout out whakatane.com.