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New Zealand >
Bay of Plenty >
Whakatane
The city of
Whakatane is located where the Whakatane River meets
the ocean, in the northeast of New Zealand’s North
Island. It’s an easy hour’s drive from either
Rotorua or Tauranga, but is less populated with
tourists than either of these cities, making it
ideal for escaping from the beaten track.
A large rock outcrop by
the name of Pohutaroa (literally, “long rock”)
strikingly marks the centre of Whakatane at the
junction of Strand and Commerce Streets. Pohutaroa
is sacred to the Maori – a shrine once stood on the
site. The karaka trees which grow at the base of
the rock are said to have grown from seeds which
were brought to the shores by some of the first
Maori settlers. Today, the park surrounding
Pohutaroa contains carved benches, a waka
(traditional Maori canoe) and a monument to a great
Maori chief named Te Hurinui Apanui, who was a
proponent for peace.
After a pleasant 4km
walk starting at Pohutaroa, you reach the Wairere
Falls – a beautiful and relaxing spot for a picnic.
You can continue walking from here to the Toi Pa,
which is believed to be the oldest Pa (Maori
battlement) in New Zealand. A little further along
the track is Otarawairere Bay, which is a
spectacular bay and an excellent swimming spot.
A visit to the local
Whakatane and Districts Museum and Gallery on Boon
Street is well worth the trip. It hosts a good
selection of travelling exhibits, as well as having
a fascinating permanent collection. Much of the
permanent collection focuses on Maori and European
history in the Bay of Plenty area which Whakatane
lies in, with an enormous collection of historic
photographs tracing the progress of the region.
50km off the Whakatane
coast is the dramatic White Island – so called
because of the constant mist and steam which
surrounds it. It is an active volcanic island with
a crater lake 60m below sea-level, ash, steam and
gas spouts, and yellow and white crystals which are
constantly forming into new shapes. Being on White
Island is a lot like being on another planet, and
plenty of people traverse the rough seas for this
experience. A guided tour is necessary, mostly so
that you don’t accidentally step into a bubbling
mud-pool. Fortunately, a variety of tour providers
offer tours to White Island – mostly standard boat
tours, but you can also visit the island by
helicopter if you prefer not to face the choppy
seas.
Slightly less
spectacular, but no less rewarding to visit is Whale
Island, a mere 10km off the coast of Whakatane.
This is a bird and wildlife sanctuary, which is home
to a range of endangered birds including little blue
penguins, dotterels and sooty shearwaters, and also
several species of lizard, including the
pre-historic looking tuatara, which is native to New
Zealand. Access to this sanctuary is granted in the
form of guided tours, which are only given between
December and mid-February. Several operators offer
tours incorporating dolphin swimming or snorkeling
expeditions, but you need to book several days in
advance. For more information on touring Whale
Island or White Island activities, contact the
Visitor Centre on the corner of Quay Street and
Kakahoroa Drive. Tauranga
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