Whakatane Business Services
Population
17,271
Airport Location
10km out of town.
Driving
290km south-east of Auckland (4.3 hrs), 97km south of Tauranga (1.2 hrs).
Major Industry
Main service town for Eastern Bay of Plenty and for nearby board and paper mills, also tourism. accommodation Mid-range hotels, motels, homestays, and campgrounds close to beach.
After Work
Walks, museum, cinema/theatre, hot springs, fishing, golf or a visit to Tarawera Falls.
Getting Your Bearings Whakatane business district has had a spruce-up and boasts a new shopping centre with new stores. Whakatane is easy to get around, but be prepared for big holiday crowds in peak summer season.
Business Overview Service and administration centre for Eastern Bay of Plenty, and headquarters for Bay of Plenty Electricity and Carter Holt Harvey Packaging, plus a range of booming tourism firms.
Airport and Airlines Air New Zealand operate over 450 domestic flights throughout New Zealand every day. Visit your nearest Air New Zealand Travelcentre for further details.
Dining Look around Whakatane's main shopping centre The Strand for cafés, takeaways and restaurants, including Asian and other ethnic cuisine.
Leisure
- Take a walk through Kohi Point Scenic Reserve, or along the Whakatane River Greenway.
- Visit New Zealand’s only active marine volcano with White Island Tours, 15 Strand East.
- Dolphins Downunder, The Wharf, Whakatane.
- East Bay Flight Centre offers scenic flights.
- The Red Barn offers a café and crafts.
Golf
- Whakatane Golf Club, Golf Links Road.
- Ohope Golf Club, Harbour Road, Ohope.
Museums
- Whakatane District Museum and Gallery, phone 07 306 0505.
Whakatane Visitor Information Centre
Boon Street, Whakatane