WHAKAT Ā NE TRAVEL GUIDE

Whakat ā ne is spoiled for choice when it comes to eateries and things to do. Here are some recommendations on where to spend your time when you’re in town.

Mata Brewery

The craft beer craze has hopped into Whakat ā ne, and beer lovers will be in heaven at the award-winning, family-owned Mata Brewery. Try their range of handcrafted brews, like West End Lager, Spellbound Hazy IPA and Manuka Golden Ale. The more adventurous will enjoy Mattachino Coffee Chocolate Milk Stout or Berry Sundae Beer. Accompany your tasting with a full range of stone-cooked pizzas, gourmet burgers and hard-to-resist loaded wedges.

The Comm

This gastropub on the ground floor of a beautiful heritage building offers an extensive menu of pub favourites, as well as gourmet delights like twice-cooked pork belly and coconut lime ceviche. Stylish inside and with a sizable garden bar, it’s a great place for an afternoon drink that can stretch into dinner.

Golfer’s Paradise

A short drive from town is the Whakat ā ne Golf Club, an 18-hole championship course that is renowned for being one of the finest in the Bay of Plenty. Over the hill you'll find the truly unique Ō hope Beach Golf Links, nestled on a strip of land that lies between the Pacific Ocean on one side and Ohiwa Harbour on the other – the views while playing are simply magnificent. Why not try to make a hole in one at both?

Footprints of Toi

Whakat ā ne has sensational walking and tramping trails. You'll either enjoy a brilliant walk along the coastline soaking in its stunning ocean vistas, or plunge into the natural beauty and greenery of its ancient native forests. At the Ngā Tapuwae o Toi Trail, translated as “Footprints of Toi”, you'll follow birdsong through native forest past pohutukawa while also enjoying sublime coastal views of the Whakat ā ne harbour. The 16km round trip takes five to seven hours, but it’s split into three sections so you can enjoy shorter jaunts.

Kiwi Wandering Trail

Whakat ā ne is recognised as the Kiwi Capital of the World, and our national icon thrives here thanks to the tireless work of the Whakat ā ne Kiwi Trust, who ensure a safe, predator-free place for them. If you have kids, they'll love exploring the Kiwi Wandering Trail, a self-guided scavenger hunt through town looking for the 10 hidden, life-sized bronze statues of our iconic bird.