The Honeymoon Guide to Whakatane

© Tourism Bay of Plenty

Romantic Adventure Activities

Whakatane’s beautiful sandy beaches set the scene for romance, so one of your adventures could be exploring them all. The most romantic beach in the area is Otarawairere Bay, a small cove hidden from sights at the western end of Ohope Beach. Either follow the walking trail over the headlands to get to the beach or paddle on a SUP board around the headland. SUP boards can be hired from Salt Spray Surf School at the western end of Ohope Beach.

Speaking of Ohope Beach, the 11km (9 miles) of undisrupted sandy shores makes the perfect place for a romantic stroll, especially at sunset. More adventurous couples can amp up the experience by learning a new skill together, like with surfing with lessons at the Salt Spray Surf School.

If two-wheeled adventures are more your thing, then you’re in the right place, as Whakatane is the mecca of mountain biking. Enjoy easy-going trails like the Ohope Harbourside Trail to see unspoiled estuaries and birdlife. Similarly, the Warren Cole Walkway can be found in Whakatane town, taking you along the Whakatane riverside. For something more exciting, take a shuttle to the Whirinaki Forest mountain bike trails for a true wilderness escape. Find out more in 6 Must-Do Bike Trails in Whakatane.

For more romantic adventures, see the 8 Romantic Activities in Whakatane for Couples.

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Romantic All-weather Activities

Although Whakatane and the Bay of Plenty are famous for the number of sunshine hours they receive, it does rain from time to time. This is New Zealand, after all! If you do find yourselves caught in the rain, or you simply want to do some more relaxing activities, then these are the things to do.

Whakatane’s small-town ambience is reinforced thanks to the selection of boutiques and gift stores, the perfect places to pick up unique gifts for your loved one. For instance, find New Zealand-made gifts including recycled silver and glass jewellery, as well as in-house-made fudge at Tui Aotearoa (102 The Strand). For a range of interesting homeware, fashion and gifts, check out DiSTiNCT (19 Pohutukawa Avenue). Those willing to get a little off the beaten track will enjoy The Red Barn (237 Thornton Road) for unique hand-crafted gifts made by local designers and artists.

For couples who love working together, you must try Whakatane’s escape rooms at Epic Escape (88 The Strand). You have three exciting escape rooms to choose from with various fun themes to take you through the experience. See if you and your partner can work out the puzzles and challenges to escape the room before time runs out!

For more ideas and inspiration, see the 10 Things to Do in Whakatane on a Rainy Day.

© Tourism Bay of Plenty

Romantic Restaurants

When it comes to dining, Whakatane offers casual dining combined with effortless romance, whether it’s in the stunning ocean views or inspiring New Zealand and international fare. Some of the top dine-in restaurants we list in The Luxury Guide to Whakatane so make sure you hit at least one of those for a romantic evening meal. To make up the rest of your romantic dining sessions in Whakatane, try some of these eateries.

Just to try to resist the aroma of the sweet treats, homemade bread and crepes at L’Epicerie French Cafe (73 The Strand). It’s the perfect place for breakfast or lunch. Their evening restaurant is also open in the back courtyard Fridays and Saturdays.

From one European influence to the next, make sure you try out Double Zero (108 The Strand) for their New Zealand coffee, gelato, homemade pasta dishes, Naples-style pizza and more.

While not strictly a restaurant, we recommend treating your loved one to a surprise of Whakatane and Ohope-inspired chocolates from Scilla Chocolates, found in the Bouquet Floral Studio (230 The Strand).

Finally, soak in the views from the Fisherman’s Wharf (340 Harbour Road, Ohope) a casual fish and chips joint with million-dollar vistas of the Ohiwa Harbour.

For more eatery recommendations, head to The Foodie Guide to Whakatane.