Raumati/Summer in the Eastern Bay of Plenty is pure magic - an irresistible combination of idyllic weather, incredible hiking and cycling trails, and gorgeous beaches, rivers and harbours.
To be sure you have everything you need for a fabulous summer in our backyard, we've put together a handy guide outlining our services over the holiday period and other helpful tips - you're welcome!
Whakamōhio mai - Tell us about it
If you have any questions or concerns about anything your Council provides (e.g. parks and reserves, public toilets, trees, gardens, cemeteries, sports grounds, boat ramps, wharves, harbours) you can call us 24/7 on 07 306 0500 or complete an online Fix It and Report a Problem form.
Tūhuratia te rohe - Discover our local - Events + activities
We love our local lifestyle here in Whakatāne and the people behind our local businesses.
Keeping up with what's on and finding new adventures in the Eastern Bay of Plenty is easy - just call or visit the Whakatāne i-SITE and our friendly staff will help you out with all the information you need.
You can also visit whakatane.com to find out more about all the local events and activities on offer during the summer.
Discover the hidden gems, events, people, and places of the rohe.
The Tiaki Promise
We all have a part to play in protecting our precious taiao/environment.
Follow the Tiaki Promise: make a commitment to care for New Zealand, for now and for future generations.
This means caring for land, sea, and nature, treading lightly, and only leaving footprints, while also showing care and consideration for others.
Find out more about the Tiaki promise »
Mauri ora! T'is the season
Noise control
Summer is always a superb time to celebrate and we encourage you to have fun, but please consider your neighbours and keep your volume down.
Find out more about noise control »
Drink responsibly
Most of us like to enjoy a tipple on a warm summer’s day, but please drink responsibly. If you’re drinking, plan ahead for a ride home. Know your limits and look out for family and friends. Please respect the liquor control bylaw.
Find out more about liquor ban areas »
Ngā mōkai - Furry Friends
Remember to take extra care of your furry friends during the warmer months. Make sure dogs have plenty of food and water and avoid leaving them in vehicles – it only takes minutes before the inside of a vehicle is dangerously hot.
Remember the five second rule!
To check if it's a safe temperature for your dogs to talk on the pavement or beach, hold the back of your hand on the pavement or sand for five seconds. If it's too hot for you, it's too hot for them!
Keep an eye on your dog
If he or she wanders and ends up in the pound, you could find yourself spending your hard-earned cash on fees rather than gifts for your mum.
Dog sitter/Kennels
If you’re going away, book your pooch in with a responsible dog-sitter or kennel facility – they’ll love you for it.
Find out where you can exercise your dog »
Find out more about responsible dog ownership »
Don’t be that guy
Pick up and get rid of dog poo from all public places. Get to know where you can run your dog with and without needing to wear a lead (the dog, that is).
Dog Control Bylaw - (PDF, 551 KB).
Kia haumaru i te wai - Be safe near water
We are fortunate to have so many beautiful places to swim or enjoy water activities in the Whakatāne District, but we must remember to be super-vigilant in and around water.
- Ensure swimming pool fence gates are closed and that children under eight-years old are supervised by an adult at all times.
- Swim between the flags at patrolled beaches.
- Check the depth before diving or jumping.
- Know your capabilities as a swimmer and of those in your care
Find out more about safe swimming »
Ngā wāhi tōpuni me ngā tūnga waka pō - Camping and overnight parking
There’s nothing better than waking up to the sound of waves lapping at the shore, which is exactly what you can do in the Whakatāne District.
We have a range of paid and free camping spots – the choice is yours. We just ask you to treat the environment, residents and fellow visitors with consideration and respect.
Find out more about camping and overnight parking »
Kaua e tīhoihoi - No wheelies, mate
Vehicles aren’t allowed on most beaches unless launching or retrieving vessels. Even if it’s just to chuck out the longline, you must stick to authorised access ways.
Find out more about the rules for vehicles on beaches
Wai - Every drop counts
Water is precious – think about how you use it, even when we’re not in a restricted period.
Our highest water usage happens over raumati/summer. Did you know a dripping tap can waste up to 90 litres per day?
Some tips and tricks to save water:
- Water your garden in the morning or evening
- Shorten your shower
- Turn the tap off when brushing your niho/teeth
- Cover your pool
- Only run the washing machine or dishwasher when they're full
- Rinse fresh produce in a bowl
Find about more about how you can conserve water »
Summer driving campaign
Each year, the Eastern Bay Road Safety Programme kicks off a summer driving campaign aiming to raise awareness of key summer issues, namely the dangers of speeding and driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
Find out more about how to stay safe on the roads this summer »
Matatopa - Drones
Drone's are pretty rad. Especially new shiny ones you got for Christmas! But before you fly a drone in the Whakatāne District, there are a few things you need to know.
Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) regulates airspace in Aotearoa and makes the rules that everyone must follow.
It's especially important you're across them given the Whakatāne township is a designated aerodrome due to the hospital helipad!
Check out the rules so you don’t get caught out.
Find out more about flying drones in the Whakatāne District »
Ngā ahi - Fires
Keen for a beach bonfire and sing-a-long? Fire restrictions can change quickly, so check if you need a permit before lighting a fire in the open air.
There are exceptions to the rule including braziers, barbeques and hangi – but you’re best to check out the details for yourself.
Visit Fire and Emergency New Zealand's website checkitsalright.nz »
Find out more about fire permits »
Ngā tūnga waka - Parking
As we head into the busy season, available car parks in the CBD can be more difficult to find.
Keep your cool, remember there are 60-120 minute limits and respect those with mobility permits who actually need the blue-painted carparks.
Find out more about car parking in Whakatāne »
Ngā Waka - Safe boating
Being safe while out on the water makes boating fun, like it should be – instead of risky or unsafe.
- Always wear a lifejacket.
- Remember the five-knot rule.
- Keep a super close eye on tamariki/children on board
Find out more about safe boating in the Whakatāne District »
Kaimoana - Fishing & seafood
Whether it's from a boat or off the wharf, fishing is one of the best summer activities. Take enough to feed the whānau, but make sure you know the limits for species within our region.
Please dispose of fish waste responsibly. Throwing fish waste within the tide line can attract sharks, and certainly doesn’t smell good in household bins.
You can bury fish waste in the māra/garden or high on the beach, or freeze it for burley (might help your success rate on your next mission!), or dispose of it in one of our fish waste stations at the Port Ōhope, Whakatāne and Thornton boat ramps.
Pani ārai hihi rā - Slip, slop, slap & wrap
Whakatāne has claimed the top spot in the sunshine stakes numerous times.
Remember to slip, slop, slap and wrap this summer - it's very easy to get burnt in our sunny region - nobody wants that tomato look!
Find out more about being sun smart in New Zealand »
Para - Getting rid of your waste
The best thing to do is make responsible decisions when it comes to waste and packaging, but we know this isn’t always easy.
Do the right thing and sort your rubbish from your recycling when you’re at home, and out and about – because every little bit helps save our planet. There are several recycling stations situated around the district, with colour-coded bins to help you sort it out.
The Council runs a weekly kerbside rubbish collection and an alternating fortnightly greenwaste and recycling collection service.
Remember the ‘super seven’ things you can recycle: paper, cardboard (including empty pizza boxes), tins, cans and plastics 1, 2 and 5.
Please note that kerbside collections are affected on public holidays, along with the Whakatāne and Murupara Transfer Station opening hours.
Find out more about rubbish and recycling collection, public holidays and facilities »
It's all about whānau
The holiday period can add stress to family life, and even more so after an already stressful year. Local police and the other members of the EBoP Family Safety Network have some tips to help keep you and your whānau safe.
Kia rite - Be prepared for a civil defence emergency
We need to be vigilant about natural disasters in our region.
Stay across updates on the Bay of Plenty Civil Defence and Emergency Management website and Facebook page.
Download the Red Cross Hazards app
Check the MetService for Whakatāne weather updates
