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

4/5(1 review)

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

4/5(1 review)

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

Mataatua: The House That Came Home

5/5(1 review)

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

Whakatane Aquatic Centre

You can take time to visit Whakatane Aquatic Centre during your travels to Whakatane. Discover the volcano viewpoints while you're in the area.

Whakatane Aquatic Centre

Coastlands Hotel Deals

Private Coastal Sanctuary, Next to the beach!

Private Coastal Sanctuary, Next to the beach!

2 out of 5
Coastlands Bay of Plenty Region
Stay at this vacation home in Whakatane. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Whakatane Golf Club and Whakatane District Museum ...
Get rates
Private Coastal Sanctuary, Next to the beach!
Paradise on the Sand

Paradise on the Sand

Whakatane Bay of Plenty
The price is CA $130 per night from Feb 16 to Feb 17
CA $130
CA $209 total
Feb 16 - Feb 17
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this apartment in Whakatane. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Whakatane Golf Club and Whakatane District Museum and ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (44 reviews)
Very welcoming lovely place to stay with our dog

Reviewed on Jan 28, 2026

Paradise on the Sand
Stunning holiday home close to beach

Stunning holiday home close to beach

Whakatane Coastlands
The price is CA $155 per night from Feb 9 to Feb 10
CA $155
CA $304 total
Feb 9 - Feb 10
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this vacation home in Whakatane. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Whakatane Aquatic Centre and Whakatane District ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (92 reviews)
Very satisfactory, good shower water pressure, very clean, good place to stay

Reviewed on Oct 3, 2025

Stunning holiday home close to beach
The Com Plex Motel

The Com Plex Motel

3 out of 5
39 The Strand Whakatane Bay of Plenty
The price is CA $117 per night from Feb 19 to Feb 20
CA $117
CA $136 total
Feb 19 - Feb 20
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! (402 reviews)
Motel was new. Room was very clean and was stylish. Reception staff were friendly and welcoming. The room was equipped with kettle, microwave, mugs, crockery and cutlery. Parking adjacent to the room. A short walk to restaurants and the centre of Whakatane. Wifi fast. I didn't try the TV which had ...

Reviewed on Jan 28, 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 CA $103 per night from Feb 8 to Feb 9
CA $103
CA $119 total
Feb 8 - Feb 9
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 ...
9.2/10 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
Awa Motel

Awa Motel

4.5 out of 5
15 The Strand Whakatane
The price is CA $104 per night from Feb 7 to Feb 8
CA $104
CA $120 total
Feb 7 - Feb 8
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! (629 reviews)
All of the above. Excellent stay

Reviewed on Jan 5, 2026

Awa Motel
See all 142 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 neighbourhoods 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, Whakatane District Museum and Gallery 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

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