• New Zealand Regions
      • Hawke's Bay
      • Bay of Plenty
      • Waikato
      • Whanganui
      • Manawatu
      • Northland
      • Auckland
      • Gisborne
      • Taranaki
      • Wellington
      • West Coast
      • Nelson
      • Canterbury
      • Otago
      • Marlborough
      • Southland
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      Hawke's Bay

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      Beaches, wineries and Art Deco. The Hawke's Bay has a diverse economy, including business services that support its sectors to be the second largest contributor to regional GDP in the country. A popular tourist destination, the region has some of the countries best restaurants as well as stunning scenery, markets and festivals.

      Districts

      HastingsNapier

      Bay of Plenty

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      The Bay of Plenty is officially New Zealand's sunniest destination, enjoying short-lived winters and long summer days. The Region offers some of the country's most spectacular views and many ways to enjoy the pristine scenery and natural wonders. Visitors also enjoy exploring the Bay's Māori heritage and pre-European roots.

      Districts

      OpotikiOpotiki iSiteKawerauWhakatane

      Waikato

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      The Waikato is known for its rolling plains, fertile land and the mighty Waikato River. The region is the fourth largest regional economy in New Zealand, with a strong focus on primary production and associated manufacturing.

      Districts

      South WaikatoWaikato District

      Whanganui

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      Welcome to Whanganui. This is our place; where history is full of stories, legends and rich legacy. Where a thriving arts scene, creativity and evolving culture inspire our modern lives. Where breath-taking natural landscapes capture imaginations at every turn.

      Manawatu

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      Located in the lower North Island, Manawatu is heartland New Zealand, offering an authentic Kiwi experience.

      The main in the region are Palmerston North, most notable for Massey University. Palmerston has a vibrant, arts and culture scene.

      The region's economy is based on food production and processing, research and education. The region is also home for the New Zealand defence force.

      Northland

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      Northland was originally home to some of our country's first human inhabitants. Today, it is one of the fastest growing regions in New Zealand and home to nearly 189,000 people. Rich in culture and history, the region boasts a stunning natural environment.

      Auckland

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      Auckland Region stretches from the the beaches of the Pacific Ocean in the east to the expansive beaches of the rugged west coast of the Tasman Sea. Auckland City, the largest urban area in New Zealand is considered the main economic center of New Zealand and a popular destination for international students and travellers.

      Gisborne

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      Gisborne is a Region on the east coast of New Zealand's North Island. It's known for wineries and surf beaches such as Makorori. The region has maintained a strong Maori heritage. The region's economy is made up mainly of agriculture, horticulture and forestry.

      Taranaki

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      Taranaki is a coastal and mountainous region on the western side of New Zealand's North Island. Its landscape is dominated by Mount Taranaki, its namesake volcano, which lies within the rainforested Egmont National Park.

      The port city of New Plymouth is the area's cultural and commercial hub. Taranaki's economy is diverse and includes dairy, oil and gas. The region is the highest contributor or national GDP per capita. 

      Wellington

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      The Wellington Region covers Wellington city in the south, Upper and Lower Hutt valleys to the north-east, and Porirua to the north-west. The region takes its name from Wellington, New Zealand's capital city.

      Wellington is famous for its arts and culture scene and is also the centre of New Zealand's film industry.

      West Coast

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      The West Coast, or as some locals call it, the "Wild West", is a long thin region that runs down the South Island's west coast.

      The region has the lowest population in all of New Zealand. It is famous for its rugged natural scenery such as the Pancake Rocks, the Blue Pools of Haast, and the glaciers.

      The main industries in the region are dairy farming and mining. Tourism also plays an important role.

      Nelson – Tasman

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      Nelson Tasman is an extraordinary, vibrant region where art and businesses thrive together among a stunning natural landscape. With one in five people internationally born, Nelson Tasman has 48 different cultures living in its environs.

      The region prides its self on being New Zealand’s leading Research and Development areas, with the highest proportion of people working in the research, science and tech sectors out of anywhere in New Zealand.

      Canterbury

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      Canterbury is a region on New Zealand’s South Island marked by grassy plains, clear lakes and snow-capped mountains. Its largest city, Christchurch, is famed for its art scene and green spaces.

      Otago

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      There are few places in the world which will leave you with a lasting sense of difference. Central Otago is undoubtedly one of them from its landscapes, its seasons, its people, its products and experiences.

      Marlborough

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      Marlborough Region is on the north-eastern corner of the South Island. The region is well known for its winemaking industry, and the Marlborough Sounds, an extensive network of coastal waterways, peninsulas and islands.

      Apart from the wine industry, aquaculture, agriculture and tourism play an important role in the local economy.

      Southland

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      Southland is New Zealand’s most southerly region and includes the World Heritage ranked Fiordland National Park.

      The region's only city Invercargill offers a relaxed pace of life with wide streets, little traffic, spacious parks and gardens, striking Victorian and Edwardian architecture and impressive sporting facilities including New Zealand’s first indoor velodrome. Southland's location is such that views of Aurora Australis or the Southern Lights are common.

      Tooltip

Located on the North Island of New Zealand in the Eastern Bay of Plenty region, the Whakatane District boasts impressive scenic views of the waterfront and gorgeous bushland trails begging to be explored. But there is also a rich history to the Whakatane district that visitors may be interested in learning more about as it played a part in the country that exists today. Here is some of the history you can learn about upon your stay in the area.

The Arrival of the First Maori Settlers
Toi te Huatahi, later known as Toi Kairakau, landed at Whakatane in 1150 A.D. in search of his grandson, Whatonga. When he couldn’t locate him, Toi decided to remain in the area and built a village (also known as a pa) on the highest point of the headland. Today, this area is known as Whakatane Heads and provides stunning views of the town below.

The Arrival of European Settlers
Whalers, sealers, missionaries, and traders from European colonies made the Whakatane region their home in the 1830s. The land became known as a shipbuilding area with these boats used to transport maize, potatoes, wheat, and other goods to northern areas via the Whakatane River. The original watercourse is present today with remnants at Lake Sullivan and Awatapu lagoon.

The New Zealand Wars
A series of conflicts between 1845 and 1872 known as The New Zealand Wars saw the Colonial government and allied Maori do battle against Maori-allied settlers. The Whakatane district played a vital role in the conflict. An armed constabulary was stationed above the town for a short period, and the beach was also chosen as the location for a historic meeting between Prime Minister Joseph Ward and Maori activist Rua Kenana Hepetipa.

The Mataatua Wharenui/Maori Meeting House
Completed in 1875, this stunning structure was offered to Queen Victoria by the Ngati Awa tribe. Unfortunately, the Queen was unable to make the trip to New Zealand. Instead, in 1924, the building was brought to London where King George and Queen Mary visited it. It would then tour the world making appearances in countries such as Australia. The Mataatua Wharenui/Maori Meeting House has since returned to the site it was initially built on the edge of Whakatane. It has also been restored to its original glory and is on display for tourists to visit.

The Historic Trail
For visitors that are looking to learn more about the history of the Whakatane District, there is a walking trail that features several plaques at landmarks with more information about the importance of the site. The locations included on the track are:

• Muriwai’s Cave
• Mataatua Waka Replica
• He Matapuna Paru
• Otuawhaki
• Te Papaka
• Pohaturoa
• Wairere Falls
• Kapu Te Rangi
• Te Toka a Taiao
• Irakewa Rock
• Kohi Point