Parks and Gardens
Whakatane Gardens
The Gardens are situated between McGarvey Road and McAlister Street. A formal entrance gives way to rose gardens, a scented garden and areas of bulbs, shrubs and perennials. In February 2003, Whakatane's Sister City in Japan, Kamagaya, contributed to the construction of a small Japanese garden. An amphitheatre is used as a venue for plays and concerts during the summer cultural events.
Sullivan Lake Park
Once part of the Whakatane River system, this site was developed in 1967 from a swampy lagoon into a five hectare reserve and lake. It is now a beautiful and peaceful area visited by many individuals and groups. The lake is home to much birdlife and is the perfect place to take children to feed the ducks.
Awatapu Lagoon
Awatapu Lagoon was formed when an ox-bow of the Whakatane River was isolated as part of a major scheme by the Bay of Plenty Catchment Commission in 1970. Plantings have been carried out over the years and the area is now lush and green. It is a dog exercise area and the perfect place for Rover to chase a ball.
Waiewe Camellia Park
Whakatane is a premiere camellia growing area; this park highlights these colourful flowering shrubs and their cousins, the spectacular Michaelias. Shake off the winter blues with the blaze of colour in this small quiet park.
Scenic Reserves
Close to Whakatane township are two bush reserves that each have popular walking tracks. The regenerating bush is thriving as a result of intensive possum and rat control. Native bird numbers are on the increase and these reserves offer you the chance to hear wild kiwi calling as they emerge from their burrows for a night's foraging.
Kohi Point Scenic Reserve
This reserve adjoins the Kaputerangi Historic Reserve and comprises 154 hectares of native bush extending from the ridge above the Whakatane Heads, across the valley to Otarawairere, and along the coast to the west end of Ohope Beach. A major walking track, Nga Tapuwae o Toi, leads from Whakatane to Otarawairere Bay and West End.
Mokorua Bush Scenic Reserve
Comprising about 325 hectares of regenerating native bush, this reserve offers a well established walkway, the Whakatane Birdwalk. In 2009 the first kiwi were released into Mokorua Bush Scenic Reserve. They have joined other birds that have wandered into the reserve from the nearby Ohope Scenic Reserve. The best time to hear kiwi calling is in the first two hours after sunset.