Whakatane might be one of New Zealand's most desirable summer playgrounds, yet amid the bush-clad hills in the 7km separating it from Ohope Beach, an environmental success story is taking place offering people another reason to visit.
More than 300 Kiwi, New Zealand's national bird, are thriving there, in some instances living a mere stone's throw from busy suburban streets. Yet 20 years ago when they were unexpectedly discovered in the area they were facing a grim future.
Their numbers alarmingly down to just eight, predators were killing 95 per cent of their chicks in the first few months of their life – and the population was at risk of being lost forever.
Today, thanks to the Whakatane Kiwi Trust's predator control operation, the birds have made a spectacular comeback – and have become one of the most popular tourist attractions in the eastern Bay of Plenty town says Anna Williams, marketing advisor tourism and events at the Whakatane District Council.
"We are the Kiwi capital of the world," she says. "Some neighbourhoods even have Kiwi probing around in their backyards."
During the autumn months visitors can take part in guided Kiwi Night Walks in the Ohope Scenic Reserve to observe the Kiwis in their own habitat while all year round the Kiwi Wandering Trail - a series of 10 life-like, life-size bronze Kiwi statues positioned through the heart of Whakatane - tell the story of the iconic bird.
Found in all three major reserves around the town (Ohope Scenic Reserve, Mokorua Scenic Reserve and Kohi Point Scenic Reserve) the birds are just one of many attractions enticing visitors to Whakatane and Ohope.
Williams says it is especially a great destination for families in summer: "We have the much-loved Ohope Beach, one of New Zealand's safest beaches with its warm waters, and many secluded beaches dotted around Ohiwa Harbour.
"Ohope Beach is a huge attraction – and many people don't realise Ohope and Whakatane are one and the same," she says. "They are connected by many bush trails making it possible to easily walk from one to the other.
"Although it can get busy here over summer, it is possible to find secluded spots on the beach. We have a nice balance of a laid-back cruisy lifestyle – but still have great coffee and dining."
Williams says the natural environment is one of the area's biggest selling points – with many things appealing to families, adventurers and baby boomers alike. These include:
- Surfing or kayaking at Ohope Beach.
- Biking at the Onepu Mountain Bike Park or along the Burma Road and Motu Dunes trails.
- Guided tours to the Moutohora wildlife sanctuary where dolphins, seals and rare native birds can be spotted – and visitors can soak in uncrowded hot water pools. Options to swim with the dolphins or kayak among the seals are also available.
- Kite surfing on Ohiwa Harbour or at the eastern end of Ohope Beach.
- A trip into the untouched wilderness of Whirinaki te pua-a-tane conservation park, which includes adrenalin-fuelled mountain bike trails and walking tracks.
- A boat trip to step foot on the active marine volcano at Whakaari/White Island.
Williams says for the less adventurous there are many activities on tap including easy bike rides along the 11km coastline at Ohope Beach and Ohiwa Harbour, golfing at the Ohope links course (it is ranked among the top links courses in New Zealand) and the Whakatane Golf Club, visits to the Ohope market or dining at the Fisherman's Wharf at Ohiwa.
Whakatane's Summer Arts Festival each year draws large crowds. To be held over Auckland Anniversary Weekend at the end of January, a sculpture symposium, dance carnival and Jazz in the Park are among the major events being planned for the 2020 festival.
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For more information on the attractions in and around Whakatane/Ohope visit whakatane.com