Whakatāne isite Visitor Information Centre

28/08/2024

We are so proud of our friends at the Opotiki isite Visitor Information Centre ❤️❤️ A well deserved win for their incredible mahi!! 👏👏

23/08/2024

💸 Just 1 week left to grab an awesome deal! 💸

🌟 20% Off All Moana Road Stock! 🌟

Now's the time to grab your favorite Moana Road products at a fantastic discount! From trendy bags and sunnies to unique accessories and kids toys, we've got something for everyone.

🎉 Enjoy 20% off on all Moana Road items at the Whakatāne isite until the end of August. Don't miss out on this awesome deal!

🏃‍♂️ Hurry in and treat yourself or find the perfect gift while stocks last!

22/08/2024

We are moving! 🗺

From September find us at our new location at 144 The Strand, Whakatāne.

Come in, see the new space and chat to our friendly isite team.

We can help you with your plans for the upcoming Summer season - assisting to book activities, accommodation and travel throughout the rohe / district 🌞

See you soon!

19/08/2024

It's that time again! Whakatāne Kiwi Trust annual fundaiser Kōrero for Kiwi 2024 is fast approaching! This year our annual fundraiser will be held at Gateway Theatre Whakatāne on Friday the 13th of September kicking off at 7pm and we would love to see you all there!

We will have nine presenters to delight, inspire and entertain you - all with different topics, passions, and stories to share. Rest assured there will be something for everyone!

Delicious finger food will be provided and we have some amazing raffles up for grabs! Don't forget to bring some cash for raffle tickets, and we've got you covered with EFTPOS available at the bar.

The best part? Your presence and contributions will directly support the Whakatāne Kiwi Trust, helping to preserve and protect our precious kiwi and other indigenous species in the Whakatāne area. Join us in making a difference while enjoying a delightful evening!

Doors open at 6.30 pm. The event starts at 7.00 pm, see you there!

Tickets available via Eventfinda: https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2024/korero-for-kiwi/whakatane

A big thank you to our event sponsors:
- Save the Kiwi
- Eastbay Auto Electrical
- Meadow Club
- Clarks Bros Electrical
- A little Beauty Shop
- Mata Brewery
- Whakatane Super Liquor
- Nikki Slade Robinson
- Mary Pullar

15/08/2024

🌟 20% Off All Moana Road Stock! 🌟

Now's the time to grab your favorite Moana Road products at a fantastic discount! From trendy bags and sunnies to unique accessories and kids toys, we've got something for everyone.

🎉 Enjoy 20% off on all Moana Road items at the Whakatāne isite until the end of August. Don't miss out on this awesome deal!

🏃‍♂️ Hurry in and treat yourself or find the perfect gift while stocks last!

15/08/2024

🛴🌲 We’re reviewing the Public Places Bylaw, which might see changes to where you can and can’t freedom camp.

Why❓ Because of government changes to freedom camping legislation.

The proposed changes involve separating freedom camping rules from the current Public Places Bylaw to create a dedicated Freedom Camping Bylaw. This aims to make it easier for visitors to the district to find and understand the freedom camping rules and regs. 🏕️

🔍 Other proposed changes…

Public Places Bylaw:

🏠 Removal of the building/property numbering rule.
🔥 New rule prohibiting public fires (with some exceptions).
✏️ Minor wording updates for compliance with the Bill of Rights Act 1990.

Freedom Camping Bylaw:

⏳ Extend the maximum night stay in restricted areas from 2️⃣ nights to 3️⃣ nights per month.
🚫 Prohibit camping in high-risk areas like Awatarariki and Rex Morpeth Park.
📍 Expand some already prohibited areas in Ōhope.
✅ Allow freedom camping (with conditions) in Edgecumbe Domain.

💬 Join the conversation koreromai.whakatane.govt.nz/public-places-bylaw here you’ll also find a list of FAQs!

🗓️ Consultation closes Friday, 13 September.

15/08/2024

30/07/2024

🌟✨ Get Ready to Explore! ✨🌟

The Trust Horizon Light Up Whakatāne Festival is almost here, and we’re excited to announce that the Light Trail Map is now available! 🗺️💡

Our light trail will guide you through a magical journey of stunning light displays and captivating art installations spread across Whakatāne. Here's how you can make the most of your visit:

📱Download the Digital Map: Access our light trail map here to plan your route and make sure you don’t miss any of the fantastic displays. https://www.lightupwhakatane.com/map

🗺️ Printed Maps: Prefer a physical copy? Printed maps are available at the isite, locations around the artworks and the information tent at the two community nights.

🏃Explore & Enjoy: Follow the trail, discover beautiful art, and immerse yourself in the magic of the festival. The light trail is open from 26th July to 3rd August, 6-9 PM each night.

🌧️ Rain or Shine: Our light displays are designed to shine in all weather conditions, so come prepared and enjoy the glow no matter what!

📍 Stay Updated: For real-time updates and more details, visit our website and follow us on social media.

Get your map, gather your friends and family, and let's light up Whakatāne together! 🌟🔦


Whakatāne Arts Whakatāne EPIC Whakatane Town Centre

11/07/2024

🦌🐖 Please see the below information regarding upcoming temporary closures to three of our local reserves due to pest control 👇🏽

🌳⛔️ Kōhī Point Reserve closed Monday, 22 July
🌳⛔️ Mokorua Bush Scenic Reserve closed Tuesday, 23 July
🌳⛔️ Ōhope Scenic Reserve closed Wednesday, 24 July - Thursday, 25 July

Kia ora Whakatāne community!

⚠️Heads up: Three of our local reserves will be temporarily closed for animal control operations this July to protect and enhance the mauri of our ngahere/forest.

Ōhope Scenic Reserve, Kōhī Point Reserve, Mokorua Bush Scenic Reserve Closure Dates:

- Kōhī Point Reserve: Monday, 22 July
- Mokorua Bush Scenic Reserve: Tuesday, 23 July
- Ōhope Scenic Reserve: Wednesday, 24 July - Thursday, 25 July

These closures are part of the Whakatāne and Ōhope Sites Environmental Programme, aimed at restoring and improving our local biodiversity. We are working with Te Kaunihera ā-rohe o Whakatāne - Whakatāne District Council, Bay of Plenty Regional Council, local landowners, Ngāti Hokopu, Ngāti Wharepaia, Ko Ngāti Awa Te Toki and Whakatane Kiwi Trust.

Why the closures? To safely control wild pig and deer populations, which pose a threat to our native forests. These animals hinder plant regeneration and disrupt our ecosystems. Recreational hunting isn't feasible in these areas due to their proximity to urban areas, so this planned operation is essential.

What to expect: Warning signs at track entrances Staff at main entrance points to ensure safety and prevent unauthorised access Thank you for your understanding and cooperation during this crucial work.

For more info, contact Bay of Plenty Regional Council at 0800 884 880 or [email protected]. For media enquiries, please reach out to [email protected].

Ngā mihi nui!

10/07/2024

Visit us at the Whakatāne isite Visitor Information Centre to grab your map to find all the kiwis 💛💛

05/07/2024

🎉🎉🎉

23/06/2024

Kia ora tātou, we are open this Friday, 28 June from 9am to 1pm for the Matariki public holiday.

Come in and chat to our friendly team about booking a local activity, or attending one of the many events across our rohe / district.

We also have great NZ-made souvenirs and gifts instore if you are looking for something special.

We hope to see you soon 🏃🏽‍♂️🤸🏽‍♀️✨

18/06/2024

❄️🦪Come in and see as at the Whakatāne isite Visitor Information Centre and we can help book you on the fabulous Tio Ōhiwa Cruises this winter 🦪❄️

18/06/2024

Come together and celebrate this significant time of the year ✨

Matariki themed markets, workshops, plantings, community gatherings and music events. All welcome.

See what's on here:
https://www.whakatane.com/events/art-and-culture/matariki

01/06/2024

We are so excited to have you back in a nice and safe new home. We have missed you Miro ❤️

01/06/2024

Calling all Kiwi lovers!
Do you have a soft spot for our iconic kiwi?
The Whakatāne Kiwi Trust is on a mission to protect and preserve kiwi, but we can't do it alone! We appreciate every donation and sponsorship agreement that comes our way - your generous donations make a world of difference, helping us continue our conservation efforts and retain our title as 'Kiwi Capital of the World'. Every contribution, big or small, brings us closer to ensuring a thriving future for our kiwi population.
If you're passionate about Whakatāne's kiwi, please consider donating today. Together, we can make a tangible impact and safeguard these national treasures for generations to come. 💚
https://www.whakatanekiwi.org.nz/donate

29/05/2024

Did you see Breakfast this morning talking about the return in popularity of paper maps? We love a physical map here at the Whakatāne isite! 🗺️

Pop in and see us if you ever need a map as we have a wide range of local maps aswell as stock of the Kiwi Maps for all over New Zealand 🇳🇿

28/05/2024

Kia ora, we wil be closed this coming Monday, 5 June so pop into our isite Visitor Information Centre over the weekend to chat with our friendly team before the public holiday ✨

17/05/2024

🌟 Calling all local producers! 🌟

Whakatāne isite is on the lookout for fantastic local products to showcase in our centre. If you produce unique, high-quality items, we want to hear from you!

This is a wonderful opportunity to get your products in front of visitors and locals alike, helping to promote the amazing talent and creativity that Whakatāne has to offer.

Why partner with us?
✅ Showcase your products to international and domestic tourists
✅ Have a permanent site for locals to access your products
✅ Increase your brand awareness and sales

Interested? Reach out to us today! Send us a DM or email us at [email protected]

Tag and share this post with anyone who might be interested. We can’t wait to see what you have to offer!

17/05/2024

🎟️ Today is the last day to grab your tickets for the Ōhiwa Oyster Festival at the standard release price of $35! 🎟️

Don't miss out on the savings—tickets will be $45 on the day and at the gate. Secure your spot now and join us for a fantastic day of music, delicious food, and seaside fun!

👉 Get your tickets here: www.ohiwaoysters.com/oysterfest

10/05/2024

🌊 Have you experienced the magic of Beachpoint Apartments at the stunning Ōhope Beach? 🏖️

Dive into the story from Alison and Shayne and discover why this coastal retreat is a must-visit!

Learn more here:

  Home Discover Meet Alison and Shayne from Beachpoint Apartments! Meet Alison and Shayne from Beachpoint Apartments! A bit about Beachpoint Apartments and the offering: Location, location, location. Fully self-contained apartments with stunning ocean views situated on Ōhope Beach – voted NZ Fav...

02/05/2024

Pick up a free copy of the May edition of Kia Ora from the Whakatāne isite 😁

02/05/2024

We are proud to announce the inaugural Ohiwa Oyster Festival! 🦪

Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 18th, as we celebrate the bounty of the oyster harvest season at Wharfside Ohope! Join us for our opening ceremony, blending oyster appreciation with cultural celebration. Savour mouthwatering oysters, explore local food stalls, and groove to live entertainment from 12pm to 4pm.

Early bird tickets are available now for just $25! Limited availability, so secure yours today! https://tinyurl.com/42snpcbs 🎉

23/04/2024

Our isite Visitor Information Centre will be closed this Thursday.

Pop in and see our friendly team today or tomorrow if you need a hand booking and planning your accommodation, tickets or travel.

18/04/2024

We're thrilled to announce that we have ANZAC poppies available at the isite! Show your respect and gratitude by wearing these iconic symbols of remembrance. Let's come together to commemorate the ANZAC spirit and pay tribute to our heroes. 🕊️

Drop by the isite to get your poppy and wear it proudly on April 25th.

16/04/2024