Breathtaking Views at Whakatāne Lookout

Getting There

• Car

  If you are driving from Tauranga, take State Highway 2 heading east. Continue for about 70 km until you reach the roundabout in Whakatāne, then take the second exit onto The Strand. Follow The Strand until you reach the intersection with Maraetotara Road, where you will turn left. Continue on Maraetotara Road for about 2 km, and you will see signs for Whakatāne Lookout. Turn right onto the lookout access road, which leads directly to the parking area. There is no parking fee.

• Public Transportation

  From Rotorua, you can take a bus to Whakatāne. Check the schedule for the bus service, as it may vary. Once you arrive at the Whakatāne bus station, you can either take a local taxi or rideshare service to Maraetotara Road. The taxi ride should take about 10-15 minutes and may cost around NZD 20. Once you reach Maraetotara Road, follow the signs to the lookout, which is about a 2 km walk from the nearest drop-off point.

• Walking

  If you are already in the Maraetotara area and prefer to walk, you can access the lookout from nearby trails. From the intersection of Maraetotara Road and the lookout access road, it's a short hike to the lookout point. The trail is well-marked and takes approximately 30-45 minutes to reach the top. Make sure to wear appropriate footwear and bring water, as the trail can be steep in places.