Coastlands

Whakatane

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.
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.

Popular places to visit

Whakatane Golf Club

Enjoy a round of golf in Whakatane at Whakatane Golf Club. While in the area, you can find time to visit its spas.

Whakatane Golf Club

Whakatane Hospital

Though Whakatane Hospital might be what brings you to town, perhaps you'll have a chance to explore more of Whakatane while you are here.

Whakatane Hospital

Wairere Falls

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.

Wairere Falls

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.

Te Manuka Tutahi Marae

Whakatane District Museum and Gallery

You can spend time studying the exhibits at Whakatane District Museum and Gallery during your trip to Whakatane. While in the area, you can find time to visit its spas.

Whakatane District Museum and Gallery

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.

Te Papaka & Puketapu

Coastlands Hotel Deals

The Com Plex Motel

The Com Plex Motel

3 out of 5
39 The Strand Whakatane Bay of Plenty
The price is ₩125,221 per night from Jan 31 to Feb 1
₩125,221
per night
Jan 31 - Feb 1
Stay at this motel in Whakatane. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our 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 Jan 14, 2026

The Com Plex Motel
Tuscany Villas Boutique Motel

Tuscany Villas Boutique Motel

2.5 out of 5
57 The Strand Whakatane Bay of Plenty
The price is ₩127,079 per night from Jan 30 to Jan 31
₩127,079
per night
Jan 30 - Jan 31
Stay at this motel in Whakatane. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and private hot tubs. Popular attractions Wairere Falls and Whakatane River Walk are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (100 reviews)
Room was clean and had all the amenities that you would need. The chairs in the room had broken legs but the manager was going to move us to another room but we got him just to replace the chairs, very apologetic and helpful

Reviewed on Jan 25, 2026

Tuscany Villas Boutique Motel
Whakatane Holiday Park

Whakatane Holiday Park

2 out of 5
1 Mcgarvey Rd Whakatane Bay Of Plenty
The price is ₩73,099 per night from Feb 1 to Feb 2
₩73,099
per night
Feb 1 - Feb 2
Stay at this holiday park in Whakatane. Enjoy free WiFi, 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 Jan 6, 2026

Whakatane Holiday Park
Awa Motel

Awa Motel

4.5 out of 5
15 The Strand Whakatane
The price is ₩110,815 per night from Jan 31 to Feb 1
₩110,815
per night
Jan 31 - Feb 1
Stay at this motel in Whakatane. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (626 reviews)
All of the above. Excellent stay

Reviewed on Jan 5, 2026

Awa Motel
Ōhope Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park

Ōhope Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park

2.5 out of 5
367 Harbour Road Ohope
The price is ₩94,952 per night from Feb 9 to Feb 10
₩94,952
per night
Feb 9 - Feb 10
Book a stay at this beach holiday park in Ohope. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Ohope International Golf Club and Ohiwa ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (16 reviews)
Lovely room, just lacking

Reviewed on Jan 6, 2026

Ōhope Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park
One88 On Commerce

One88 On Commerce

4.5 out of 5
188 Commerce Street Whakatane Bay of Plenty
The price is ₩141,950 per night from Mar 1 to Mar 2
₩141,950
per night
Mar 1 - Mar 2
Stay at this motel in Whakatane. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (565 reviews)
Room was absolutly amaizng, in every way possible! Everything about this place stood out.

Reviewed on Jan 25, 2026

One88 On Commerce
See all 140 properties in Coastlands
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.

Other neighborhoods around Coastlands

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.

Whakatāne Town

If you're spending some time in Whakatāne Town, Te Papaka & Puketapu and Wairere Falls are top sights worth seeing.

Whakatāne Town
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Poroporo

While there might not be top attractions in Poroporo, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Wairere Falls and Te Manuka Tutahi Marae.

Poroporo
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Maraetotara

If you're spending some time in Maraetotara, Bay of Plenty and Otarawairere Bay are top sights worth seeing.

Maraetotara

Coastlands