Whakatāne used to hum with busloads of tourists pouring in to visit Whakaari (White Island) but, of course, with the catastrophic events at the end of 2019 and the subsequent Covid outbreak, the Eastern Bay of Plenty has had a tough time.
My husband and I were invited to spend a few nights in the area to see how the tourism industry has revitalised the region with a campaign that shows there is more to Whakatāne than just Whakaari. For instance, did you know that Whakatāne was officially crowned the Niwa Sunshine Capital for 2020 and that Ōhope Beach was recently voted New Zealand’s best beach in a NZ Herald Reader poll?
I have to admit that before we left Tauranga the question was, what on earth was there to do in Whakatāne and Ōhope for three days in winter? As it turns out, we were very pleasantly surprised with what was on offer and we’ll definitely revisit soon.
EXPERIENCE
MOUTOHORĀ/WHALE ISLAND
Moutohorā/Whale Island is one of Aotearoa’s best-kept secrets and is under the protection of DOC (Department of Conservation). The four-hour guided tour includes a 15-minute boat trip with almost guaranteed sightings of seals and penguins languishing on the island’s shores, an educational walk around a section of the pest- free oasis and the opportunity to see a number of New Zealand’s rare and endangered plants, birds and reptiles.
The island tour usually ends with a swim but it was a tad too cold so we dug our own private hot spring at the secluded hot water beach Onepū/Sulphur Bay.
Photos by Brennan Thomas
For those keen on snorkeling or diving, Moutohorā has exceptional opportunities, particularly around SeaFire, a ship specially sunk to create an artificial reef.
MATAATUA WHARENUI – THE HOUSE THAT CAME HOME
After more than 130 years away, New Zealand’s only repatriated and most-travelled Māori meeting house has returned home to Ngāti Awa iwi. The memorable tour around the magnificent structure includes an award-winning sound and light show that brings to life the carvings and legends of Ngāti Awa.
STAY
ONE88 ON COMMERCE
Centrally located in Whakatāne and only a 5-minute drive to Ōhope Beach, One88 offers a choice of modern, clean and comfortable one or two-bedroom suites. The super king beds with quality linen are super-comfy, and all suites have fully-equipped kitchenettes, smart TVs, unlimited WiFi and, big bonus, double-glazed windows, so nothing will disturb you. The rooms are serviced daily and the on-site managers, Liz and Malcolm, excel at making you feel welcome and ensuring that everything is up to their high standards.
EAT
MOXI CAFÉ
Started by two locals who wanted to serve great coffee, Ōhope’s newest eatery offers a range of fresh, tasty food options to suit all dietary preferences… and their coffee is very good.
The use of shipping containers, metal louvre roofs and wooden floors work together to give the café a cosy industrial feel.
CADERA MEXICAN BAR & RESTAURANT
Located in Ōhope Beach village, Cadera is a popular destination on most nights, with its colourful interior and subtle Mexican music playing in the background. The Chilli Garlic Prawns and Beef Chimichangas were delicious but, judging from the number of tacos and burritos pouring out of the kitchen, I imagine those could be favourites too.
CYCLE TRACKS AND WALKWAYS
The district is well-known for its superb walking and cycling tracks. They range from easy to difficult and from 15 minutes to a full day. The Ngā Tapuwae o Toi, or the ‘Footprints of Toi’, is a great walking trail that includes pa sites of major historic significance, native forest, fantastic coastal views and rural vistas.
VMAC RIDES
Rather than lugging your e-bikes around the region, take the easy route and hire an e-bike from VMac Rides who offer a drop off/pick up service for customers in the area. The bikes are in great condition and helmets are supplied. If you have youngsters, hire e-Scooters for them and e-bikes for yourself.
The Ōhope Harbourside Trail runs along one of New Zealand’s most unspoiled estuaries, Ōhiwa Harbour, where you’ll see a multitude of birdlife. The e-bikes, of course, made this trip an absolute breeze.