Whakatāne’s Warren Cole Walkway has been awarded a Certificate of Excellence by the TripAdvisor website, based on reviews by domestic and international visitors.

The internationally-renowned travel website ranks the ‘Whakatāne River Walk’ as the area’s fourth most popular attraction, with 46 reviewers rating the experience either excellent or very good.

Whakatāne District Council General Manager Strategy and Economic Development, Julie Gardyne, says the unsolicited award was a very welcome acknowledgement of the importance of the walkway, both as a recreation resource for the local community and as a tourism attraction.

“The following comments are typical of the reviews people have lodged on TripAdvisor and are a fantastic endorsement of the foresight of the decision-makers who have supported the development of the Warren Cole Walkway over the years,” she says. “I couldn’t say it any better, so I’ll leave the plaudits to these enthusiasts.”

Luton, UK visitor: This is a pleasant flat walk taking in both the river and further on the wharf. There is interest all around and the scenery is superb.

Cardiff, Wales visitor: Any visitor to Whakatane should be aware of this pretty walk, which takes you out to the entrance where the Pacific Ocean welcomes the waters of the Whakatane River. Flat and very easily accessible, even to wheel-chair users and the infirm, the local authority should be congratulated for its ease of use. An intriguing statue guards the river's entrance, and beyond her is Whale Island’s distinctive shape, and further out is the ever-present steam of White Island... Great place to visit.

Colorado, US visitor: This little town in the Bay of Plenty was a favourite for my whole family. It won the award for friendliness. All of NZ was friendly, but Whakatane gets the award… The River Walk is a part of that. We stayed in a condo, near the shops, and while we were there, walked a good part of it in both directions. I love the sights and the smells. It's all so lovely.