Whakatane

The name Whakatane commemorates an incident occurring after the arrival of the Mataatua waka (canoe). The men had gone a shore and the waka (canoe) began to drift. Waiaraka, a chieftainess, said ``Ka whaka tane au i ahau`` (`` I will make myself a man``) and commenced to paddle, and with the help of the other women saved the waka (canoe).

This region is one hour (86kms) from Rotorua and also one hour (89kms) from Tauranga

Best Season:January, February, March, April, May, September, October, November, December
Popular Location: Mataatua, Whakaari (White Island), Moutohora (Whale Island), Kaputerangi, Ohope, Whanarua Bay, Raukokore