Parks and Gardens
Whakatāne Gardens
Address: 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, Whakatāne’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.
Awatapu Lagoon
Address: 111 Awatapu Drive, Whakatāne
Awatapu Lagoon was formed when an ox-bow of the Whakatāne 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. The dog exercise area is a perfect place to chase a ball.
Sullivan Lake Park
Address: 120B Douglas Street, Whakatāne
Once part of the Whakatāne 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.
Waiewe Camellia Park
Address: Waiewe Street, Whakatane
Whakatāne 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.
River Edge Park
Address: McAlister Street, Whakatāne
A rich and diverse riverside park, offering walking tracks, a skatepark and the Ocean Playground. River Edge Park also hosts the Riverside Amphitheatre and a model railway that opens periodically in the school holidays.
Otuawhaki and The Promenade
Address: Otuawhaki Wharf, Whakatāne
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 main wharf at its eastern end, to the Yacht Club at the western end.
Wairaka Park
Address: Muriwai Drive, Whakatāne 3120
This park, from the main boat ramp to opposite the signal station, was officially opened in 1940 as the District’s celebration of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi.
The central area of the park is a family area that many enjoy. It has a grassed area with seats and pohutukawa trees, and a small beach and swimming area separated from the main river by a rock wall. You can sit and relax in the sun, enjoying the views of Kohi Point, the Piripai Spit, Whale Island and the Whakatāne River.
The activities of the fishing and sightseeing boats travelling in and out over the Whakatāne bar make enjoyable watching, and at night the lights of Whakatāne are reflected on the water.
Kohi Point Scenic Reserve
Address: Muriwai Drive, Whakatāne 3120
This reserve adjoins the Kaputerangi Historic Reserve and comprises 154 hectares of native bush extending from the ridge above the Whakatāne Heads, across the valley to Otarawairere, and along the coast to the west end of Ōhope Beach. A major walking track, Ngā Tapuwae o Toi, leads from Whakatāne to Otarawairere Bay and West End.
Mokorua Bush Scenic Reserve
Address: Gorge Road, Whakatane
Comprising about 325 hectares of regenerating native bush, this reserve offers a well-established walkway, the Whakatāne 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 Ōhope Scenic Reserve. The best time to hear kiwi calling is in the first two hours after sunset.
Playgrounds and Skateparks
Playgrounds can be found in many of the Whakatāne District’s parks and neighbourhoods. Highlights in Whakatāne township include the areas below.
Wairaka Playground
Address: The Heads, Muriwai Drive, Whakatane
At ‘The Heads’, this playground location offers something for the whole family. There is always something to see, with fantastic views, a busy boat ramp nearby, game fish being weighed at the wharf in the summer, and children of all ages swimming in the river. The children can play on the slides and swings or swim in the safe area out of the main river current.
Ocean Playground
Address: McAlister Street, Whakatāne
The Ocean Playground is a modern, integrated adventure facility, providing exciting challenges for all children, including those with disabilities. It is found not far from the Whakatāne Skatepark on River Edge Park at the northern end of McAlister Street.
Skateparks are situated at:
- River Edge Park, Whakatāne
- Maraetotara Playground, Ōhope Beach
- Morrison Street Reserve, Taneatua
- Skatepark, College Road, Edgecumbe
- Civic Park, Murupara
- Eivers Park, Te Teko