Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
See
Click here
for info on boat and helicopter tours out to the explosive Whakaari
(White Island) and
Click here
for trips to Motuhora (Whale Island).
Diveworks Dolphin
& Seal Encounters
DIVING, WILDLIFE TOUR
( 0800 354 7737, 07-308 2001;
www.whaleislandtours.com
; 96 The Strand; dolphin & seal swim-
ming adult/child $160/130, diving incl gear from $215)
This dive/ecotour company runs dol-
phin- and seal-swimming 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 Island; two dives including gear $275). Fishing trips also available.
Whakatane Observatory
ASTRONOMY
( 07-308 6495;
www.whakatane.inf
o
/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
SWIMMING
(
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).
Tui Glen Farm
HORSE RIDING
( 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.
Sleeping
Whakatane Hotel
HOTEL $
( 07-307 1670;
www.whakatanehotel.co.nz
;
79 The Strand; dm/s $25/40, d with/without bath-
room from $75/55;
)
This lovely old art-deco classic has 27 basic (but very decent)
