About Whakatane

The livingston Inn motel is located on Landing Road which is the main road into town from Tauranga and Rotorua.

Whakatane is less than 4hrs drive from Auckland and Hawkes Bay; 2.5hrs drive from Gisborne, Hamilton and Taupo; and less than 100kms from Rotorua and Tauranga.

As well as being accessible by road - Whakatane is also accessible by air with daily flights from Auckland and Wellington.

The Whakatane District has a population of close to 35 000, this includes the settlements of Ohope, Murupara, Edgecumbe, Taneatua, Matata, Waimana and Te Teko.

Whakatane town itself has a population of 18 700.

The Whakatane District has been called the "Pacific Jewel of the Bay of Plenty" and it's not hard to see why with it's extensive sandy beaches, White Island (New Zealand's only active marine volcano), and Te Urewera National Park.

The national Park makes up 41% of the Whakatane District and is a protected native forest with a rich array of fauna and flora. There are many walking tracks in the area, a Heritage Trial and many parks and playgrounds in various locations around the town.

Whakatane is regarded as the Kiwi Capital of the World - and through May and June the local Kiwi Trust hold numerous Kiwi Listening Walks through the native bush to hear Kiwi calling in the wild.

Whakatane has a wonderful array of shops to explore, but if that doesn't interest you there are a few other activites you might consider.

Whakatane Activities

A visit to White Island
Our off-shore active volcano. A spectacular visit. We can organise it all for you to ensure you don't miss out.

Fishing
Whakatane boasts one of the best fishing grounds in NZ. We are happy to arrange a trip or a charter for you.

Diving
There are many fantastic diving spots in the area - the most noteable being White Island or the Seafire Wreck. Again we can organise it for you.

Swim with the Dolphins
We can organise a trip for you with professional tour operators.

Whale Island
Take a tour out to this Department of Conservation reserve. We can book this for you.

Helicopter Flights
We can book a flight for you over White Island, or flying along the coast or even out to Ruapehu as well.

The Amazing Maze
A good few hours fun for kids and adults alike. Brave adults can try the CornEvil maze late at night. This activity runs from 26th Dec to end of April each year.

Awakeri Hotsprings
Thermal hotpools are a great way to spend the day. BBQ's and picnic area's as well.

Tarawera Falls
Enjoy a short walk to the falls or a longer walk beside the river which disappears! Spectacular scenery.

Bush/River Walks
Whakatane has a variety of other walking tracks, varying from a gentle walk beside the river into town or longer, steeper climbs. Maps available.

Guided Walks
We can book you on a guided walk where your guide will tour historical and cultural sites.

Ohope Beach
This is a fantastic 11km of white sand! Whether swimming, surfing, snorkelling, boogie boarding, or sand castle building there's plenty of room for everyone to have fun.

Surfing Lessons
We can organise this for you. Everything is supplied.

Kayaking
We can book a tour for you, or direct you to the kayak hire.

River rafting
There is a minimum age of 10 - 13 depending on the grade of the rapids. We can organise this for you.

Surf casting or rock fishing
Bring your gear, we'll show you the spots.

Berry Picking
Open from Labour weekend in October until February. A really sweet treat.

Chocolate Factory
Visit the chocolate factory and indulge yourself!! Wonderful gifts too.

The Movies
We have a current list of what is screening at the Whakatane Cinema.

Theatre
We can fill you in on whether there is a production on during your visit, or what is up and coming.

The Creative Trail
We can point you in the right direction for the studios, galleries and cultural tours in Whakatane and surrounding districts.

Horse Treks and Dirt Karts
We can book this for you and arrange for pick up and delivery to your door. Incredible fun for all ages in both activities.

Mini-Golf / Putt-Putt
Great fun for the kids

Golf
Choose from one of the 6 golf courses in the area. We can ring up and enquire about tee times, up-coming tournaments, and green fees.

Paintball or Adventure Playground
Enjoy the adrenaline rush of the high or low ropes course, the army style assault course, or paintball.

In addition to this Whakatane has many playgrounds, sports grounds and reserves. Just ask us.