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Whakatane is a coastal town of approximately 13000 people. The site of the town has long been populated. Whakatane is also known as the birthplace of New Zealand.
The great Polynesian navigator Toi te Huatahi first landed in Whakatane naming the new land Aotearoa (The Land of the Long White Cloud). The remains of his pa on the highest point of the Whakatane Heads is now the site of the Wairaka Marae.
Whakatane has one of the countries warmest climates with relatively mild winters and long hot summers. Temperatures are generally between 25 and 28 degrees Celsius in the summer months, usually in the high teens during winter and seldom below 10 degrees. Whakatane records the highest temperature in New Zealand about 55 days of the year.
It is a popular holiday destination boasting some of the finest saltwater fishing in New Zealand with large numbers of tuna caught in the warmer months. Or perhaps a trip to see the dolphins at play just off the coast is to your liking. The dolphin experience is becoming extremely popular in Whakatane with all ages and is available all year round.
There are also many land based activities for when the sea is a little rough. Bush walks, horse treks, 4x4 tours, hunting trips, helicopter flights and more or simply relax for a while on the beautiful beach. If golf is your passion, there are five fantastic golf courses all within 45 minutes drive of Thornton Beach. Besides all this, Whakatane offers great shopping, restaurants and a cinema.
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