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

5/5(1 review)

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

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

Wairere Falls

5/5(2 reviews)

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

Mataatua: The House That Came Home

5/5(2 reviews)

You can spend an afternoon studying the exhibits at Mataatua: The House That Came Home in Whakatane. While in the area, you can find time to visit its spas.

Mataatua: The House That Came Home

Te Papaka & Puketapu

5/5(1 review)

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 NT$2,741 per night from Feb 25 to Feb 26
NT$2,741
NT$3,152 total
Feb 25 - Feb 26
includes taxes & fees
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! (408 reviews)
Beautiful new motel and super friendly staff

Reviewed on 2026/2/23

The Com Plex Motel
Awa Motel

Awa Motel

4.5 out of 5
15 The Strand Whakatane
The price is NT$2,425 per night from Feb 25 to Feb 26
NT$2,425
NT$2,789 total
Feb 25 - Feb 26
includes taxes & fees
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! (635 reviews)
Great location, stayed in the front villa, very nostalgic, roomy and well appointed kitchen.

Reviewed on 2026/2/18

Awa Motel
Whakatane Holiday Park

Whakatane Holiday Park

2 out of 5
1 Mcgarvey Rd Whakatane Bay Of Plenty
The price is NT$1,565 per night from Feb 24 to Feb 25
NT$1,565
NT$1,800 total
Feb 24 - Feb 25
includes taxes & fees
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! (231 reviews)
Staff

Reviewed on 2026/2/11

Whakatane Holiday Park
Tuscany Villas Boutique Motel

Tuscany Villas Boutique Motel

2.5 out of 5
57 The Strand Whakatane Bay of Plenty
The price is NT$2,781 per night from Mar 13 to Mar 14
NT$2,781
NT$3,198 total
Mar 13 - Mar 14
includes taxes & fees
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 ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (106 reviews)
Room was spacious and spotless. Everything was in excellent condition and very very clean. Super friendly staff. Would highly recommend and will definitely stay again!

Reviewed on 2026/2/22

Tuscany Villas Boutique 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 NT$2,632 per night from Mar 1 to Mar 2
NT$2,632
NT$3,079 total
Mar 1 - Mar 2
includes taxes & fees
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! (23 reviews)
The room was a good size, the beds were very comfortable and it was nice to have a kitchen and outdoor sitting area. The beach is quite nice.

Reviewed on 2026/2/23

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 NT$3,107 per night from Feb 25 to Feb 26
NT$3,107
NT$3,573 total
Feb 25 - Feb 26
includes taxes & fees
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. ...
10/10 Exceptional! (572 reviews)
Lovely well appointed 1 bedroom apartment. So comfortable & super impressed with the warm welcome

Reviewed on 2026/2/17

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, Wairere Falls and Mataatua: The House That Came Home 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 Mataatua: The House That Came Home 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