Welcome to the Whakatane District Council

Whakatane Parks and Reserves

Whakatane provides sports grounds, playgrounds, gardens, parks and reserves for the district's residents. So whether you enjoy sports, walking, relaxing in the sun, the richness of natural scenery or historic places, our district has much to offer people in their free time. 

Runners

Do you enjoy running?   We have the tracks to match your "time handicap".

Whakatane Gardens


The Gardens are situated between McGarvey Road and McAlister Street (formerly  "Eivers Beach").  The area  comprises a formal entrance, rose gardens, a scented garden and areas for bulbs, shrubs and perennials. In February 2003, Whakatane's Sister City in Japan, Kamagaya, contributed to the construction of an authentic Japanese Garden. This garden is popular for summer weddings and concerts.  An amphitheatre provides the venue for plays and concerts held as part of the Summer Arts Festival.

 

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 restful area visited by many individual and groups. Ducks, swans, shags, herons and other birdlife use the lake as a wildlife refuge.

 

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 ut over the years, and these have enhanced the reserve's vegetation. 

 

Kohi Point Scenic Reserve


This Reserve adjoins the Kapu-Te-Rangi 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.

 

Waiewe Camellia Park


Michaelia Doltsopa creates a canopy through which a spectacular collection of abundant varieties of evergreen camellias and rhododendrons can be viewed.

 

Mokorua Bush Scenic Reserve


Comprising about 325 ha of regenerating native bush, this reserve offers a well established walkway, which follows one of the main ridges from the Mokorua Gorge and meets up with the walkway to Ohope Beach before exiting at White Horse Drive.

Historic Parks and Reserves

Sullivan Lake also provides a home to ducks, swans, shags, herons and other bird life.

Wairere Waterfall

 

The Wairere Waterfall was one of three landmarks given to Taroa, captain and navigator of the Mataatua waka, by his father Irakewa.  Although now largely obscured by the development of the town, the falls remain one of the most beautiful and historically significant sites in Whakatane.

 

Kapu-Te-Rangi Reserve

 

This reserve lies adjacent to the trig station on the top of the hill between the Wairaka suburb of Whakatane and Otarawairere. This is reputed to be one of New Zealand's earliest pa sites, and provides very fine views of the town, the coast and the Rangitaiki Plains.

 

Puketapu Lookout

 

Puketapu (sacred hill) has been a lookout site for the Ngati Awa tribe for over 600 years. In 1965 the Whakatane Rotary Club developed the site as a lookout and reserve, providing fine views of the town and river mouth.

 

Papaka Redoubt Historic Reserve

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This former Mãori pa site, later used as a Constabulary Redoubt, serves as a lookout and is accessible from Hillcrest Road, opposite the car park at the junction of Seaview Road. The redoubt offers a different perspective of Whakatane and the Rangitaiki Plains.

Riverside Parks and Walkways

Horseriding

River Edge Park

A rich, diverse and detailed riverside park, providing recreation facilities of significance to the whole district including Tracks Skatepark and the Ocean Playground, the Riverside Amphitheatre and Model Engineers' Railway. 

Otuawhaki and The Promenade

Originally part of the first waterfront "development" of the town in the earliest European settlement era, this is a strip of riverbank extending from the present wharf at its eastern end, to the Yacht Club at the western end. 

The Whakatane Visitor Information Centre is situated in a prime position overlooking both the river and the main business area. The Promenade is lined with seats and picnic tables which are popular with both locals and visitors. The Promenade also provides direct access to the Otuawhaki Wharf.

Wairaka Park

This park, from the present boat ramp to opposite the signal station was officially opened in early 1940 as the District's contribution toward New Zealand's Centennial and called "Wairaka Centennial Memorial Park".  The marble plaque set into the rock is inscribed "Wairaka Park".
 
The central area of the park is a family area which many enjoy.   It has a grassed area (with seats and pohutukawa trees), a small beach and swimming area separated from the main river by a rock wall.   People sit and relax in the sun looking at the views of Kohi Point, Whale Island and the Whakatane River.   The activities of the fishing and sightseeing boats travelling in and out over the Whakatane bar make enjoyable watching and at night the lights of Whakatane are reflected on the water.

Ohope Beach Reserves

West End beach in Ohope

There is a range of diverse reserves at Ohope Beach, from areas of high natural and ecological value to others for formal and informal activities.

Otarawairere Bay links the Kohi Point walkway to the western end of Ohope Beach. This a beautiful secluded bay, accessible only by walking or by boat.

West End is a popular surfing area. A walking track leads over the escarpment to secluded Otarawairere Bay.

Mahy Reserve is a popular area in the summer as the surf lifesaving club is located here. It is an ideal place for picnics, with electric barbecues and tables placed for both sun and shade. The reserve has good playground facilities and parking.

Wharekura Reserve is opposite Ohope Primary School on Pohukutawa Avenue and provides superb tennis courts, toilet facilities and access to the ocean beach.

Maratotara Reserve is a great spot for all the family with electric barbecue facilities and a playground which includes an exciting flying fox. The beach and reserve is the venue for the Beach Volleyball competitions.

Port Ohope is a place of activity, being the home of the Ohope Sailing Club and the Sea Scouts. Picnic tables offer wonderful views over Ohiwa Harbour while enjoying al fresco dining after a day’s fishing from the wharf or your boat.