Whakatane is a beautiful coastal town of approximately 13000 people located in New Zealand's Bay of Plenty on the east coast of the North Island. It is reputed to have one of the countries warmest climates with relatively mild winters and long hot summers. Whakatane is a popular holiday destination boasting some of the finest saltwater fishing in New Zealand with large numbers of tuna caught in the warmer months. If fishing does not appeal to you then perhaps a trip to see dolphins at play just off the Whakatane coast would be to your liking. The dolphin experience is becoming extremely popular with all ages and is available all year round depending on conditions and visitor numbers. There are also many land based activities for those who prefer terra ferma or when the sea is too rough. Bush walks, horse treks, 4x4 tours, hunting trips, helicoptor flights and more or simply relax for a while on beautiful Ohope beach. If golf is your passion then Whakatane has an excellent course and there are 4 other golf courses all within 40 minutes drive. A visit to the Whakatane district would not be complete without first taking a trip out to White Island, New Zealand's only active marine volcano. You can visit the island either by helicoptor or by boat and you will find it an awesome experience regardless of how you get there.

Wikipedia articles for Whakatane

• Whakatane
• Whakatane Astronomical Society
• Whakatane Seventh-day Adventist School
• Whakatane River
• Ohope Beach
• Ohope Beach Primary School