Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
WORTH A TRIP
MOTUHORA (WHALE ISLAND)
Nine kilometres off Whakatane is Motuhora (Whale Island) − so-called because of its leviathan shape. This island
is yet another volcano along the Taupo Volcanic Zone but is much less active, although there are hot springs
along its shore. The summit is 353m high and the island has several historic sites, including an ancient
pa
(forti-
fied village) site, a quarry and a camp.
Whale Island was originally home to a Maori settlement. In 1829 Maori massacred sailors from the trading
vessel
Haweis
while it was anchored at Sulphur Bay. In 1867 the island passed into European ownership and re-
mains privately owned, although since 1965 it has been a DOC-protected wildlife refuge for seabirds and shore-
birds.
The island's protected status means landing is restricted, with tours running only from January to March. Oper-
ators include White Island Tours (
Click here
), Diveworks Dolphin & Seal Encounters (
Click here
) and KG
Kayaks (
Click here
).
TOP OF CHAPTER
Ohope
POP 2760
Just 7km over the hill from Whakatane, Ohope has great beaches, perfect for lazing or
surfing, and is backed by sleepy
Ohiwa Harbour
.
Activities
KG Kayaks
( 07-315 4005, 027 272 4073;
www.kgkayaks.co.nz
;
tours $85-150, 2hr hire s/d $50/70)
Explore Ohiwa Har-
bour with KG Kayaks, which offers freedom hire and 2½-hour guided tours ($85), plus
four-hour kayak trips around Motuhora (Whale Island), which involves a boat trip initially
($150).
KAYAKING
By Salt Spray Surf School
( 0211 491 972, 07-312 4909;
www.facebook.com/bysaltspraysurfschool
; 2hr lesson from $90)
If you want to
splash around in the Ohope Beach surf, get some lessons from Beaver at By Salt Spray
Surf School, which provides all gear and offers discounts for groups.
SURFING
Sleeping
