Is Whakatane a good place to live?
David Sims
| Last Updated: September 2023 - Whakatane is full of natural attractions
- Ohope Scenic Reserve
- Ohope Beach
- Whakatane River Walk
- Whakatane is blessed with a mild climate
- Whakatane has a close-knit community and active lifestyle
- Summer Arts Festival
- Sound of Voice Open Mic Night
- Whakatane has a robust healthcare system
- Whakatane has plenty of employment opportunities
If you’re on this page, you’re clearly wondering: Is Whakatane a good place to live?
Whakatane is an excellent place to live if you like waking up to nature, mild climates, close-knit communities and active lifestyles. It’s also a great place to live if you’re looking for a robust healthcare system and a place with plenty of job opportunities.
Don’t pack up your bags and move to Whakatane just yet. Let’s look closer at what makes Whakatane such a great place to live.
1. Whakatane is full of natural attractions
Living in Whakatane means waking up each day to the sight of awe-inspiring landscapes and the sound of gentle waves lapping against the shore. Some of the best parks and nature attractions are right at your doorstep.
Here are three of our team’s top-voted favourite natural attractions in Whakatane!
Ohope Scenic Reserve
The Ohope Scenic Reserve is a visual feast for nature lovers. It spans 24 hectares of native bush, providing a lush green backdrop to the spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and White Island.
The reserve is also home to various plant species, including towering pohutukawa trees, blooming with vibrant red flowers during summer.
While you’re here, keep your eyes and ears alert because it’s common to see tui and kererū (native wood pigeons) flitting among the trees. Or if you go at night, you may hear the call of the native owl.
Ohope Beach
With a white sandy beach stretching as far as the eye can see, it’s easy to understand why Ohope Beach is often considered one of New Zealand’s most loved beaches. But the stunning views you can enjoy here are a whole other story.
The beach is flanked by the sparkling Pacific Ocean on one side and the tranquil Ohiwa Harbour on the other, creating a breathtaking panoramic vista. On a clear day, you can even spot White Island, New Zealand’s most active volcano, simmering on the horizon.
Whakatane River Walk
The Whakatane River Walk takes you on a scenic journey along the Whakatane River.
Don’t worry if you’re not big on exercise—the path is well-maintained and mostly flat. So there really is no excuse why you shouldn’t come check out the views here.
Near the start of the walk, you’ll find the Puketapu Lookout, which offers panoramic views of the town and river and a statue of Wairaka, a Maori heroine.
Nature lovers can also enjoy sighting bird species, like tui, fantail, and kereru. If you’re lucky, you might spot a kingfisher perched on a branch, waiting to dive for its next meal.
2. Whakatane is blessed with a mild climate
During the warmest months of January and February, the average high-temperature hovers around a balmy 22.7°C. On the other hand, even in the coldest month of July, temperatures remain moderate, with an average of 10°C.
This mild climate offers a multitude of perks to those living in Whakatane. For one, it allows you to engage in various outdoor activities throughout the year.
Whether you’re a fan of water sports, hiking, bird watching, or simply enjoying a picnic in the park, the weather seldom gets in the way.
The climate also plays a role in agricultural success. The mild weather allows for year-round farming, which means fresh, locally-grown produce year-round.
3. Whakatane has a close-knit community and active lifestyle
Living in Whakatane is like gaining an extended family. Whakatane is a close-knit community where people know their neighbours and feel a sense of belonging.
The Whakatane Kerala Community is a testament to this, fostering a sense of belonging and preserving the Malayalee culture within the community.
Community cohesion is further demonstrated by local initiatives aimed at promoting healthier and active lifestyles.
The town has a strong focus on sports and recreational activities. From water sports due to its coastal location to local sports clubs and community events, there are plenty of ways to stay active and enjoy leisure time.
Summer Arts Festival
This celebration of arts and culture occurs annually, typically during January and February. The festival showcases a variety of artistic mediums, from visual arts such as painting, sculpture, and photography, to performing arts like music, dance, and theatre.
Its strong sense of community sets the Whakatane Summer Arts Festival apart. The festival is organized by a dedicated team of volunteers, and it’s clear that the local community takes great pride in this event.
The atmosphere is welcoming and inclusive, making it a fun and enriching experience for all ages.
Sound of Voice Open Mic Night
Sound of Voice Open Mic Night is a much-anticipated monthly event held on the third Wednesday of every month at Mata Brewery. From seasoned musicians to budding artists looking to gain stage experience, everyone is welcome to share their musical talents.
4. Whakatane has a robust healthcare system
Whakatane is home to a comprehensive healthcare infrastructure. Central to this is the Whakatane Hospital, which provides various services, including medical, surgical, pediatric, maternity, obstetric/gynecological, and mental health care.
In addition to the hospital, Whakatane boasts several healthcare providers offering home care services, like HealthCare New Zealand Whakatane. These services are particularly beneficial for those getting advanced in age.
Moreover, community health and social services are readily available in Whakatane. Organizations like Carers NZ and Te Puna Ora o Mataatua provide valuable support for families, older people, and those with health and disability needs.
5. Whakatane has plenty of employment opportunities
Whakatane offers a plethora of employment opportunities. The local job market is diverse and robust, making living and working in Whakatane attractive to many.
One of the key advantages of the Whakatane job market is its diversity. Current vacancies span a wide range of sectors, from technology roles to managerial positions. Job seekers can find jobs in healthcare, hospitality, retail, education, and more opportunities.
This variety means that whether you’re just starting your career or looking for a change, there’s likely a role that fits your skills and interests.
