Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( 0800 354 7737, 07-308 2001;
www.whaleislandtours.com
; 96 The Strand; dolphin & seal swimming adult/child
$160/130, diving incl gear from $215)
This dive/ecotour company runs dolphin- and seal-swim-
ming trips from Whakatane (cheaper if you're just watching from the boat), plus guided
tours of Motuhora (Whale Island; adult child $120/85) and diving at Whakaari (White Is-
land; two dives including gear $275). Fishing trips also available.
Whakatane Observatory
MAP
ASTRONOMY
GOOGLE MAP
( 07-308 6495;
www.whakatane.info/business/whakatane-astronomical-society
; 22 Hurinui Ave; adult/child/family
$15/5/35; 7.30pm Tue & Fri)
Up on a hilltop behind the town, Whakatane Observatory offers
some plentiful Bay of Plenty star-spotting when the sky is clear.
Whakatane District Aquatic Centre
(
www.tlc.net.nz
;
28 Short St; adult/child/family $4/2.20/11.50; 6am-8pm Mon-Fri, 7am-6pm Sat & Sun)
Indoor
and outdoor pools, spa pools and a tubular yellow worm of a waterslide ($4.50).
SWIMMING
Tui Glen Farm
( 027 232 5367, 07-323 6457;
www.tuiglenfarm.com
;
Kawerau Loop Rd, Kawerau; 30min rides adult/child $35/25,
1hr ride $60/45)
Close to Kawerau about 35km from Whakatane off SH30 to Rotorua, Tui
Glen Farm offers horse treks through bush and farm for beginners and the adventurous.
Basic dorm accommodation costs $35 per person; camping $10.
HORSE RIDING
Sleeping
Whakatane Hotel
MAP
HOTEL
$
GOOGLE MAP
( 07-307 1670;
www.whakatanehotel.co.nz
;
79 The Strand; dm/s $25/40, d with/without bathroom from $75/55;
)
This lovely old art-deco classic has 27 basic (but very decent) rooms upstairs in two
wings. Clean shared bathrooms, high celings, communal kitchen…great value for money.
Some rooms cop a bit of noise from the pub downstairs, but the owners try to shuffle
people around to dodge the din.
Windsor Backpackers
MAP
HOSTEL
$
GOOGLE MAP
