Outdoor activities in Whakatane
Top Outdoor Activities in Whakatane, New Zealand
Outdoor Activities in Whakatane
- Traveller favouritesThings to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.
- Traveller rankingHighest rated attractions on Tripadvisor, based on traveller reviews.
Category types
Outdoor Activities
Traveller rating
Good for
18 places sorted by traveller favourites
Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.
Dolphin & Whale Watching • Nature & Wildlife Tours
Scuba & Snorkelling • Swim with Dolphins
Boat Tours • Fishing Charters & Tours
Multi-day Tours • Scuba & Snorkelling
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Other Outdoor Activities
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Tours, activities and experiences bookable on Tripadvisor, ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, popularity, user preferences, price, and bookings made through Tripadvisor.
What travellers are saying
- John and Les CNew Plymouth, New Zealand376 contributionsWhat a lovely beach with the sound of the waves crashing/rolling in - we'd not been here for over 25 years. Believe it's been voted one of NZ's best beaches - we can see why.Written 19 June 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Kay MDevonport, New Zealand275 contributionsA refreshing walk even in the rain.
The open trail of Kiwi bird statues along the way were interesting starting from an egg to fully grown.
The wetland walk and the parks made way to a different sheltered walk. Due to covid the little train ride was not goingWritten 6 March 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - lawc22Penang Island, Malaysia170 contributionsa nice pit stop for short time towards driving Whakatane. the surrounding is pristine and clean. Nothing much though except for the beach and wooden piers.Written 17 October 2018This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- DeborahClarksonHamilton, New Zealand206 contributionsThis is a great walk. You can do it in parts or all at one time. You'll need to be reasonably fit or you might struggle with the steps and climbs. We were staying in Whakatane so I did it in parts over our time there, two or three hours each day. The best part of the walk is Otarawairere Beach. I also loved the bush walks and the shade from the sun.Written 25 December 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- flyingkiwi288 contributionsThis track is down a long, dusty, and potholed road. It's fine to take your car down there, and don't be worried when you reach this part of the road. The loop itself is pretty, although the canyon was very obscured by bush; i expected to see much more of it than i did see! The forest itself is very pretty, with huge trees, although the waterfalls themselves are not extremely beautiful. One is more like a stream. Google maps says that it's about an hour 15 minutes, but leave at least an hour 30 minutes for the journey from Rotorua, due to the poor condition of the road. Track takes about 3 hours to walk.Written 18 January 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Casey Davis-Lamb2 contributionsWe did a freedom kayak but we were well set up with a map and route where we would see the best wee views and potentially see some marine life! Was such a cool experience. These guys were great at helping us get into the water, and super easy to deal with. Wicked area, wicked people. Thanks so muchWritten 5 March 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- 764delwynbPapamoa Beach22 contributionsWhat a wonderful trip - lucky to have perfect blue skies and a calm sea. Our two guides were so friendly, helpful and knowledgable, Over an hour to enjoy a picnic lunch and swim - sea so warm.
The rock formations on the other side of the island were awesomeWritten 26 February 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - JB R34 contributionsAn amazing way to discover White Island from the air.
Very knowledgeable staff and pilot with a lot of respect for the island and for the tragedy that happened in 2019.Written 6 January 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - 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.
- DavidWellington, New Zealand4 contributionsWhat made this trip so special was the friendliness and care taken by our guides. We were a charter group of walkers with a wide range of ability. What impressed me most was the patience of the guides in dealing with some of the elderly members of the group. It was a great day out and to see and hear so many saddlebacks was a huge surprise.Written 14 November 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Hayley5Palmerston North, New Zealand5 contributionsWe did the seal and dolphin encounter yesterday with our three children. It was such an amazing experience. The Captain was very knowledgable and we felt very safe. The crew were some of the nicest and most helpful people we have come across. One of the girls took my daughter swimming on her back to see the seals, it was so magical for my daughter and very special. Thank you for an amazing trip. We are going to book again for next yearWritten 3 January 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Terence GWhanganui, New Zealand210 contributionsGreat communications with Mick and Erin. We had to cancel first charter as weather was not good but the second day there was no wind and the sea was calm. arriving on our fishing spot near White Island we were given a lesson on electric reels and then it was time to fish. Within minutes all 5 rods had fish on. Myself and 6 friends had a fabulous day and for me it was the best fishing in 60 years. Thanks MickWritten 8 April 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- David CPalmerston North, New Zealand11 contributionsWe highly recommend nikau valley horse treks. John took the time to teach us how to lead his horses and be confortable with them. This suited adults and also our 8 and 11 year olds. The trek was awesome and through varied terrain including forest and beautiful views of the valley and . It was also very reasonably priced. We will definitely come back.Written 6 January 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Emily D4 contributionsIF YOU WANT AMAZING MEMORIES CHECK THIS OUT!!
Lately went out to Whale island on Wildside Adventures snorkeling trip.
This was a fantastic day out on the water! We traveled by Catamaran, chilling on the deck in the sunshine.
Then - my favorite part- exploring the world beneath the water!! Beautiful abundance of Native fish and lush seaweed forests, not to mention happening upon some SEALS!!! eeek I love these playful creatures!
The tour guides were very knowledgeable, always happy to answer our various questions and help us when we need it (I'm a little new to snorkeling) what an experience! see you soon Wildside!!Written 30 November 2017This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - FlyingstaryHangzhou, China2 contributionsWe choose the half day inshore fishing, four hours, about 5 km from the sea shore. The captain was very kind and helpful. However we spent almost one hour to find the fish. Every one of us got his or her fish, some of it was too big to catch it. It's really interesting and enjoyable, and the price is reasonable. Whakatane is a good place for fishing. If you have time, the White Island is a better place for visiting and fishing.Written 20 February 2014This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Frequently Asked Questions about Whakatane
- These places are best for outdoor activities in Whakatane:
- Ohope Beach
- Whakatane River Walk
- Thornton Beach
- Nga Tapuwae o Toi Walkway
- Whirinaki Waterfall Loop Track
- These are the best places for kid-friendly outdoor activities in Whakatane:See more outdoor activities for children in Whakatane on Tripadvisor
- These are the best places for couples seeking outdoor activities in Whakatane:
- Ohope Beach
- Whakatane River Walk
- KG Kayaks - Guided Tours
- Moutohora Island Sanctuary (Whale Island) - Day Tour
- Whale Island Tours
- These are the best places for groups seeking outdoor activities in Whakatane:
- Ohope Beach
- KG Kayaks - Guided Tours
- Moutohora Island Sanctuary (Whale Island) - Day Tour
- Whale Island Tours
- Kiwi Jet Boat Tours
- These are the best places for budget-friendly outdoor activities in Whakatane:
- Ohope Beach
- Whakatane River Walk
- KG Kayaks - Guided Tours
- Moutohora Island Sanctuary (Whale Island) - Day Tour
- Thornton Beach
- These are the best places for adventurous outdoor activities in Whakatane:See more adventurous outdoor activities in Whakatane on Tripadvisor