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Ideal duration: 5-7 Days
Best Time: May to October Read More
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Lapped in between two other major cities Rotorua and Taurnaga at an equidistance of 90 kilometers, Whakatane is an urban township of New Zealand that has become a major tourist attraction for people wide across. The city houses a resident population of around 19000. Whakatane is known to be the sunniest region of New Zealand and is believed to receive the most hours of sunlight during daytime because of its geographic position.
The town is famous for the iconic White Island volcano which is located 45 km offshore and its rich marine life. People visit here for fishing and bring home some fine varieties of fish from the Ohope beach, a seven minute ride from the Ohiwa Harbour Entrance. It also offers several dolphin tours, kayaking, surfing, camping and picnicking at the sandy beach, and a vast number of historical spots which bear the rich legacy of Maori culture and its likes.
The place has a mild temperate climate, with moderate temperatures and heavy rainfall all through the year. The average temperature that prevails here throughout the year is around 15-degree celsius and the average precipitation is around 1425mm.
The month receiving most rainfall is August and with least precipitation is February. February is the hottest month while July is the coolest. The months of early May to early October experience the most moderate of climates when the sun is mellow during the daytime, nightfall comes with a cool breeze. These months are during New Zealand’s spring and fall seasons and hence the pleasurable weather.
The Mataatua Wharenui, The House That Came Home- Built in the memory of the resistance the Maori people put against Ngati Awa, the house stands in remembrance of the solidarity. An experienced guide with the local knowledge about the place’s history will let you in about the other details and make the session an interactive and powerful one.
Whakatane Library and Exhibition Center- A great place for the book lovers to swamp in during the breezy evening and pick up books reeking of the indigenous culture of the Whakatane. It has free wifi, self-checkout and the library remains open from 9-5 on weekdays while 10-2 on weekends.
Kohi Point Walk- A seven-kilometre walking trail for anyone who religiously follows his walking routines either in the wee hours of the morning or during the evenings. It takes a rough 3 hours to complete around. There is also a stunning view of the Ohope beach as you walk by it.
Wairere Falls- A stunning waterfall in Whakatane for you to visit and click photographs. Know about the historical significance and how it was not just a sightseeing spot but was also once a water supply source to Ngati Awa.