Whakatāne Tours
Top Tours in Whakatāne, New Zealand
Whakatāne Tours
Category types
Tours
Traveller rating
Good for
16 places sorted by traveller favourites
- Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
Scuba & Snorkelling • Swim with Dolphins
Dolphin & Whale Watching • Nature & Wildlife Tours
Boat Tours • Fishing Charters & Tours
Day Trips
Fishing Charters & Tours
Helicopter Tours
Open now
What travellers are saying
- Sunshine126659566091 contributionFabulous adventure to whale island - kayaking. Friendly professional skipper and guide. Super good vibe- nature gave us a glimpse of seals, dolphins rays and a variety of bird life. We had so much fun!Written 21 February 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- LucyChichester, UK72 contributionsA real insight into the power and beauty of Mother Nature! Seeing White Island was somewhat eerie given its history, but absolutely breathtaking and a must-do if you’re in the area.Written 16 February 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- LizWeymouthWeymouth, UK60 contributionsThank you Tania and Fiona for a brilliant day out to Moutohora. Not only did we see some great wildlife but Tania s knowledge about the island and Maori names and history was brilliant. Take your swimming things as it’s a lovely beach to swim off at the end. One point take your Bushman’s as we did get a couple of mozzy bites walking through the forest track nothing serious and definitely wouldn’t put us off from going againWritten 10 March 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- sarahjayRotorua, New Zealand3 contributionsThis is hands down one of the coolest experiences I’ve had! Everyone was so friendly and helpful, right from the start we knew we were in good hands. The dolphins were amazing and spending the better part of a day on the boat was so perfect. We saw a shark, flying fish and a couple of tuna. Whale Island is beautiful and the water was so warm. There were even baby dolphins and seals! 10/10 recommend! We will be coming back another time for sure.Written 8 January 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Ray FBelleair, FL27 contributionsOur travel agents set us up with Frontier Helicopters for a trip to White Island on Monday December 9th. We met the wonderful staff at Frontier and were introduced to our pilot and guide - Jason. We left for the island and arrived at the volcano about 11 am. We were given instructions about what to do in case of an emergency. After about an hour tour, we left the volcano behind just as two boats were dropping off people for their time on the island. Needless to say, we were the lucky ones as at 2:11 pm the volcano erupted instantaneously. Many injured, at least six dead and many still missing. Our hearts and prayers go out to all of those involved and their families. Us? We are feeling lucky. There but the grace of God, go us.Written 10 December 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Lauren1 contributionI've been a few times up the river with the Kiwi Jet boat tour family and each time has been unique and exciting. The crew are amazing people that make you laugh and share their love for adventure and the trip up the river never gets old as it is truly beautiful. Great for all the family and friends. A must do around Whakatane !Written 29 April 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Nikki MCheltenham, UK46 contributionsTop tour with lovely family company. Highly recommended. Interesting info on the conservation of the island. Great swimming and snorkelling we had a fabulous time. Thank you so much.Written 27 February 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Explorer558316173761 contributionAnother trip with Mick The Legend and it was just amazing. You will alway return back with a happy face and awesome experience.
My mates really enjoyed it.
CLUB TALK CHARTERS highly recommend.
Can't wait for another season.
Thanks Mick n Erin.Written 25 April 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Sarah HGreenville, SC23 contributionsWe didn't see or hear any Kiwis, but it was definitely a fun walk through the bush in the evening, and we saw lots of fun critters - including a couple of massive Weta! I love supporting this group - if you are in the area and there is a walk scheduled - definitely recommend!Written 14 June 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Jenny1234907New Plymouth, New Zealand15 contributionsThe highlight of our holiday at Mt Maunganui was the NativConnection guided tour and hangi at a homestead in Whakatane. Everything felt authentic, from the friendliness and sense of fun to the perspective on history and flavour of the hangi-cooked kai. Everything was presented in a generous spirit. Highly recommended for New Zealanders as well as overseas visitors.Written 12 January 2015This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- torontotraveler99Toronto, Canada13 contributionsWe went on a Whale Island guided tour and had an amazing time with Phil and Steph and their two daughters. They were wonderful hosts, knowledgable guides, had lots of stories to share and really cared about their guests. Their commitment to maintaining Whale Island (working with the Department of Conversation) is strong; they have contributed significant personal time to maintaining the fragile eco-system on the Island. Our tour was scheduled for around 4 hours but lasted almost 6 hours as we were all having a good time and Phil and Steph were happy to just let us enjoy the day. It was an excellent day!
I would highly recommend any excursion with Divework ChartersWritten 22 February 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - JabestnzTauranga, New Zealand2 contributionsWe spent a few hours with the team at Omataroa in their private nature forest. It was a fantastic experience learning about their kiwi conservation and pest eradication programme including a walk through scenic native bush listening to the abundant bird life. Informative guides also show the benefits of herbal remedies from the bush and share stories of Maori culture and history. Ōmataroa offers a fantastic combination of nature & local culture. Highly recommended.Written 16 October 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Sn0wmanCannock151 contributionsI've heard from many people that swimming with dolphins is a wonderful experience. Likewise I've heard that the warm, calm and clear waters off the North Island's east coast is the place to do it.
However, my track record on whale and dolphin trips was 0 for 2. Apparently there was even a pod of dolphins in Milford Sound - the day before we were there.
So, it was with mixed optimism that I booked on this trip to swim with dolphins. Apparently the hit rate was 95% - pretty good odds, with December being a favourable time.
At the base we were kitted out in wet suits and flippers, before slapping on a load of sun tan oil. The morning conditions had been perfect, but by the afternoon the wind and swell had picked up a bit.
Our party consisted of around 10 people which allowed the company to take out their high-speed boat. The boat was in good condition and the crew were very competent. Combining a high-speed boat with a bit of swell makes for a very exciting ride and we were soon out into the known dolphin areas.
However, the dolphins had other ideas. Despite the best efforts of the crew, the nearest we got was a fleeting glimpse of an dorsal fin. What we did see was lots of diving birds, a spectacle by itself.
Whilst it was disappointing to be part of that 5%, and going 0 for 3, the companies policy for not inducing dolphin encounters and minimising interference has to be applauded. We were offered a voucher for another trip the next day - but it was time to catch a plane home. Maybe next time...Written 31 January 2008This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - MaweraKWhakatāne, New Zealand72 contributionsGreat fishing with Dave. Lots of fish, lots of laughs and really good food. Floating down a river in a guided Canadian canoe is awesome!Written 15 April 2015This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Whakatāne
- These are the best places for kid-friendly tours in Whakatāne:See more tours for children in Whakatāne on Tripadvisor
- These are the best places for couples seeking tours in Whakatāne:
- KG Kayaks - Guided Tours
- Frontier Helicopters
- Moutohora Island Sanctuary (Whale Island) - Day Tour
- Whale Island Tours
- Kiwi Jet Boat Tours
- These are the best places for groups seeking tours in Whakatāne:
- KG Kayaks - Guided Tours
- Moutohora Island Sanctuary (Whale Island) - Day Tour
- Whale Island Tours
- Kiwi Jet Boat Tours
- Diveworks Dolphin and Seal Encounters
- These are the best places for adventurous tours in Whakatāne:
- KG Kayaks - Guided Tours
- Frontier Helicopters
- Kiwi Jet Boat Tours
- Diveworks Dolphin and Seal Encounters
- White Island Flights
- These are the best places for adrenaline seekers looking for tours in Whakatāne:See more tours for adrenaline seekers in Whakatāne on Tripadvisor