Wake up to Whakatāne

Supreme winner of the Keep New Zealand Beautiful Awards, Whakatāne is a small place that packs a big punch.

WORDS HAYLEY BARNETT / PHOTOS SUPPLIED

Cafés, restaurants, and specialty eateries cater for even the pickiest palate. Capiz is known for big-name fashion labels so you’re always dressed in your best.

Central Whakatāne has so much to offer within such a small geographical area. Over just one weekend, you can shop ’til you drop at one of the CBD’s many boutiques – discover designer labels, modern giftware, and ethical products. There’s plenty of parking, no traffic jams, and the perfect number of shops to get around in a day, leaving you ample time for wining and dining. Then hike along some of the country’s most beautiful coastal tracks before heading back to a comfortable, modern motel that suits your every need.

DO

WARREN COLE AND RIVER EDGE WALK AND CYCLEWAYS

For an easy walk or cycle, head along this gorgeous riverside trail. Fully paved, the walkway offers stunning scenery, from river views to beach landscapes. Upstream, near the Whakatāne River mouth, walkers and cyclists will find the wharf area where there’s plenty to do, especially with the kids. If you’re a fan of birdwatching, the salt marsh (about midway along the track) is the perfect place to catch a glimpse of the many different species in the area.

NGĀ TAPUWAE O TOI TRAIL

The Footprints of Toi includes three major scenic reserves – Kohi Point Scenic Reserve, Ōhope Scenic Reserve, and Mokorua Scenic Reserve. Accessible to most people, it can be undertaken in sections or as a 16km round trip. The total trip can be completed in five to seven hours, but if you intend to do this, it is recommended you do so in a clockwise direction as the track is far easier to tackle than the opposite way. The coastal views, historical sites, and native forest make this trail a must-do for visitors.

KIWI WANDERING TRAIL

If you have the kids in tow, be sure to hit the Kiwi Wandering Trail. On this self-guided scavenger hunt, you need to seek out 10 life-sized bronze kiwi statues, all hiding in the heart of Whakatāne. Starting at the library and finishing at Wairaka Centennial Park, the 1.6km trail will only take about an hour, but it’s a full hour of fun for big and little kids (and adults) alike.

The friendly staff at Salt Air Surf will tell you where to catch the best waves.

SHOP

HIM.HER

Fashionistas, rejoice! This little boutique stocks some the biggest local labels, including Saben, Stolen Girlfriends Club, Augustine, and Federation, along with international brands like New Balance and One Teaspoon.

CAPIZ

Fashion-conscious shoppers can continue on to Capiz, where they’ll find big names like Kate Sylvester, Trelise Cooper, Workshop, Ricochet, Kow-tow, Ketz-ke, Kathryn Wilson, Silk & Steel, and Deadly Ponies, to name just a few.

THE GOOD TONIC

Sourcing and creating ethical and sustainable products, The Good Tonic is a design studio and store that goes the extra mile.

SALT AIR SURF

Around since 1993, this clothing store offers every major surf and skate label you can think of, and the staff will even educate you on the best surf spots while you shop.

WHITEGOLD

This mix of all things modern yet timeless is the perfect place for gift shopping. With maternity, kids’ fashion, and on-trend homeware all on offer, you’ll find something for everyone, but will most probably end up keeping it all for yourself.

PEAR

Pear is a French- and European-inspired boutique homewares store offering everything from lighting, furniture, and soft furnishings to toiletries, candles, and condiments.

EAT

CAFÉ 4U

Café 4U is a local favourite. The delectable meals and baking are all made in-house and it’s the kind of food that keeps you coming back for more. The diverse menu means there’s something for everyone, and you’ll be hard pressed to find a bad review.

DOUBLE ZERO

This pizzeria is sure to tickle your tastebuds after a day of shopping. It also offers coffee and gelato to keep you going for another round, or dessert before heading home.

THE WAGON

If a gourmet burger is what you’re after, then jump on this Wagon. Dine in or take away, these delicious, hearty burgers cater to vegetarians and also offer delicious sides like onion rings and chicken wings.

VOLK & CO

Volk & Co is a coffee brew bar, or caffeine dealer, as they’re known to locals! Located in the centre of Whakatāne, they specialise in espresso, filter, and cold coffee brewing, as well as cabinet food.

Tuck into a gourmet burger at The Wagon (they do chicken and vegetarian, too!). The Com Plex bills itself as the oldest and newest motel in town.

STAY

THE COM PLEX

One of the oldest buildings in Whakatāne, this motel can also claim to be the newest. Its six heritage suites and two twin-share suites are situated above a beautifully restored heritage building that also houses a family-friendly restaurant and bar, The Comm. Its 20 studio suites were recently built on the site once occupied by the original Commercial Hotel, which first opened in 1917.

WHITE ISLAND RENDEZVOUS

This modern motel is situated on a quiet, tree-lined street, but is only minutes away from the main shopping and restaurant precinct. It’s the only motel to offer its own onsite café, which is popular with locals for coffee and breakfast.

TUSCANY VILLAS

Located in the heart of the CBD, this four-star motel is perfectly situated if you want to be in the hustle and bustle of Whakatāne life. If you’re looking for a good time, the owners also run Little Havana Bar and Restaurant across the road.

ONE88 ON COMMERCE

A five-minute drive from Ōhope Beach, One88 on Commerce offers air-conditioned suites and prides itself on its cleanliness and presentation. The live-in managers have run it for over 10 years and, if it’s hospitality you’re after, they’ll provide it in spades.

WHAKATĀNE.COM

Retail therapy

Whakatāne is officially New Zealand’s most beautiful place – and it may just have the most beautiful shopping district, too. Here are some of our favourite spots to shop and eat.

STYLE BY DESIGN

Stocking some of New Zealand’s top designer labels – Kate Sylvester, NYNE, OBI, Standard Issue, Kathryn Wilson, Chaos & Harmony and Deadly Ponies among them – Capiz is centrally located in the heart of the shopping precinct. For 13 years its carefully curated range has made it Whakatāne’s boutique destination of choice for designer fashion, footwear, handbags and accessories. 156 The Strand, CAPIZ.CO.NZ

ON-TREND THREADS

A one-of-a-kind retail space specialising in New Zealand and international brands, including some that are exclusive to the Bay of Plenty, Him Dot Her is an essential destination for the fashion-conscious. With clothing and accessories from Stolen Girlfriends Club, KSUBI, Blak The Label, SABEN, Rolla’s, ONE TEASPOON and more. Him Dot Her has been delivering purchases daily since 2016. 112 The Strand, HIMDOTHER.CO.NZ

MAKE YOUR BED

George Street Linen is one of those rare retail gems that is a delight to discover. Browse the ultimate selection of New Zealand-designed premium bed linen and bedding in a charming, light-filled store, abundantly stocked with inspirational textiles, home fragrances and giftware. Their knowledgeable, friendly team prides themselves on hands-on service and passion for the brand. 83 The Strand,

GEORGESTREETLINEN.COM

FUSION FARE

Cigol’s modern fusion menu evokes the flavours of Koreanbased cuisine with a tempting Pacific twist. Delicious sizzling stone bowl bibimbap, Korean fried chicken, Hangi-style pork belly, Japanese charcoal yakitori, kimchi prawn coconut curry… If just reading these words is making your tastebuds tingle, you’ll love the menu as well as the friendly, professional service in a modern and vibrant atmosphere. 14 Richardson Street, CIGOL.CO.NZ

BUT FIRST, COFFEE

A family-friendly casual dining experience in the heart of Whakatāne’s town centre, Javaman Café serves awesome Santos coffee alongside great food. With a full café menu, daily specials, prepared cabinet food and a range of gluten-free, keto and dairy-free choices for the whole family. Open seven days for breakfast, brunch and lunch. 214 The Strand, JAVAMANCAFE.CO.NZ

PASSION FOR FASHION

Rositas is synonymous with quality, onestop clothing shopping in Whakatāne’s retail quarter. With well-known labels like Lemon Tree, Home-Lee, Zafina and Foil, this independent women’s fashion boutique also features an extensive collection of footwear, handbags and accessories to complement any occasion. Visit their fun, relaxed atmosphere or shop online. 158 The Strand, ROSITAS.CO.NZ

LIFE’S A BEACH

Owned and operated by surfers and loved by locals, Salt Air is a truly authentic surf shop. Vintage surf memorabilia and classic surfboards line the walls of this iconic surf and skate store, which has served locals and visitors alike since 1993. Salt Air has everything you need to hit the streets and the surf, stocking a large range of International and New Zealand-based brands.

190 The Strand, SALTAIRSURF.CO.NZ

EVERYTHING GOOD

The Good Tonic describe themselves as “conscious retailers” and pride themselves on their sense of responsibility to change what it means to be in business. With a goal to create, collaborate and curate quality, sustainable and ethically sourced products and artisan produce, they exist for customers to shop with a conscience and support local suppliers and the community.

36 Boon Street, THEGOODTONIC.CO.NZ

FUN ON TAP

Good beer + good cider + great mates = The Comm, Whakatāne’s home of craft beer and cider, delicious soul food and live entertainment from local musicians on Friday and Saturday nights. It’s also a proud member of the Good George brewing family, with all their best beers and ciders on tap. The perfect place to eat, drink and be merry from breakfast through to lunch and dinner.

STRIKE GOLD

Whitegold loves to celebrate artists and brands that are New Zealand-built, and all have unique stories that filter through their designs. The small and quirky gifts, as well as now-iconic internationally recognised labels, all make shopping that much more fun. With everything from childrenswear to homewares, the new owners put their own flair, heart and soul into giving you an excellent retail experience, both instore and online.