Monthly Archives: December 2015

Christmas and New Years in Whakatane


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The beautiful coastal retreat of Whakatane has lots to offer visitors over the Christmas holidays. Book your Christmas and New Years accommodation with us at One88 On Commerce and you'll find there's plenty to keep you and your family busy.

Local Activities

From the relaxing to heart pumping there is a myriad of holiday activities you can do while in Whakatane. Fishing, sea kayaking, volcano exploring, scenic flights... or simply take a walk on New Zealand's best beach!

Summer Events

Don't miss the Beacon Whakatane Christmas Light Trail, 11-24 December in Pyne Street. Guaranteed to get you in the Christmas spirit!

There are two special exhibitions on this summer at the Whakatane Exhibition Centre. Over 30 paintings are being shown from the prestigious Fletcher Collection and there's a rare chance to view an important collection of taonga from local Iwi, Whakatohea.

Speed demons get yourselves to Manawhe, Whakatane for two days of spectacular action with Motocross's National Summercross event, 27-28 December.

Browse the vibrant Ohope market, followed by a relaxed evening of music at the Ohope Concert at the Beach - Saturday, 2 January 2016.

Head down to Opotoki on Sunday, 3 January 2016 for the Lantern Festival with Dave Dobbyn and Herbs headlining the event.

And on Saturday, 9 January 2016, the annual Berry Town festival is a fun market day in the centre of Whakatane.

Mt Maunganui

Where to spend New Years Eve

Mount Maunganui (above) is an iconic New Zealand New Year's Eve location and the famous beach is just 50 minutes away via the new express toll road. This year's headline act is Trinity Roots.

Or, you could dance and party the night away at nearby Rotorua's popular GLO Festival Party in the Park.

For a quieter celebration close to home, its hard to beat Ohope Beach for a  family picnic, beach rugby and games of spotlight as the sun goes down.


One88 On Commerce is a luxury motel in Whakatane, opened in 2015 offering contemporary accommodation for both business and leisure travellers.