Whakatane

Whakatane ranks second in the list of the most beautiful coastal towns in New Zealand. Whakatane is a settlement in the eastern Bay of Plenty region of the North Island of New Zealand. It is located near the mouth of the Whakatane River, 90 kilometers (56 miles) east of Tauranga and 89 kilometers (55 miles) northeast of Rotorua. With the exception of the enclave of Kawerau District, Whakatane District is the encompassing territorial authority that includes a region to the south and west of the town.

Whakatane, a gem of the North Island's Bay of Plenty, offers history, culture, breathtaking coastline beauty, and, as the four-time recipient of the title of New Zealand's Sunshine Capital, a welcome escape from some of the country's more severe weather. At the 130-year-old Maori meeting house Mataatua Wharenui, the Whakatane Library And Exhibition Center, or possibly on occasions like The Summer Arts Festival, you may learn about the local Maori culture. There are numerous outdoor activities available on the adjacent White Island, which is home to the only active marine volcano in New Zealand, and Ohope Beach, one of the nation's most popular beaches.

TripAdvisor rating: 4.5/5.0

Location: eastern Bay of Plenty, North Island of New Zealand