Independent in Whakatane from AU$74

The best area to stay in Whakatane is the town centre, particularly around The Strand and Commerce Street.


This area is Whakatane's main commercial and social hub, situated along the Whakatane River. It's very walkable, with a good selection of shops, cafes, and restaurants. The riverfront provides pleasant views and access to the boat harbour, making it easy to arrange excursions.


For couples, the town centre offers convenience and a relaxed atmosphere. You'll find many dining options for evening meals, and it's a great base for exploring the local area, including trips to Moutohora (Whale Island) or walking the Nga Tapuwae o Toi (Footprints of Toi) track.


Families will also find the town centre suitable due to its accessibility to amenities and local parks.

Two of the best hotels in Whakatane that receive consistently high recommendations from travellers are One88 On Commerce and Barringtons Motor Lodge.


The One88 On Commerce, with an outstanding 9.8 rating, offers rooms with premium bedding and a kitchen, along with private hot tubs for a relaxing stay. It is conveniently located near the Whakatane Aquatic Centre, just 0.3 km away, and Mataatua: The House That Came Home, which is 1.5 km away. Guests often praise its clean, big rooms and the lovely staff.


Another highly recommended option is the Barringtons Motor Lodge, which has a 9.6 rating. This hotel provides air-conditioned rooms with rainfall showerheads and private indoor hot tubs. It is situated 0.8 km from the Whakatane Aquatic Centre and 1.5 km from the Whakatane District Museum and Gallery. Visitors frequently praise the friendly, clean rooms, great service, and helpful staff.

For excellent family-friendly hotels in Whakatane, consider the Livingston Motel, Awa Motel, One88 On Commerce, Pacific Coast Motor Lodge, and Barringtons Motor Lodge.


The Livingston Motel, with a 9.4 rating, offers rooms with a sofa bed and a kitchen, along with free WiFi and complimentary self-parking, making it very convenient for families. It is located just 0.9 kilometres from the Whakatane Aquatic Centre. Guests consistently mention the clean rooms and great, efficient service from the brilliant and friendly staff.


Another great option is the Awa Motel, rated 9.2. This hotel provides free toiletries, free WiFi, and complimentary self-parking. It is conveniently situated just 0.1 kilometres from Mataatua: The House That Came Home and 0.7 kilometres from the Whakatane District Museum and Gallery. Guests frequently praise the lovely, big rooms, comfortable beds, and the absolutely amazing and friendly staff. The on-site food is also described as fantastic.


The One88 On Commerce has an outstanding rating of 9.8 and is well-suited for families, offering free cribs, a kitchen, free WiFi, and complimentary self-parking, along with free toiletries. It is very close to the Whakatane Aquatic Centre, just 0.3 kilometres away. Travellers often highlight the clean, big rooms and the great layout, as well as the lovely staff.


The Pacific Coast Motor Lodge, with a 9.4 rating, also caters to families with amenities such as cribs, a kitchen, free WiFi, and complimentary self-parking, plus free toiletries. It is located 0.9 kilometres from the Whakatane Aquatic Centre.


Finally, the Barringtons Motor Lodge, rated 9.6, offers connecting rooms, private indoor hot tubs, free toiletries, free WiFi, complimentary self-parking, and a 24-hour airport shuttle. It is 0.8 kilometres from the Whakatane Aquatic Centre. Guests appreciate the clean and friendly rooms, great service, and helpful staff.

When looking for excellent budget-friendly hotels in Whakatane, consider The Com Plex Motel and Tuscany Villas Boutique Motel.


The Com Plex Motel, with an impressive 9.6 rating, is highly praised by guests for its clean and tidy rooms, fantastic staff, and convenient amenities. It offers free Wi-Fi, free self-parking, and complimentary toiletries. Its location is particularly convenient, being just 0.1 km from Wairere Falls and the Whakatane River Walk, and 0.3 km from Te Manuka Tutahi Marae.


Another top choice is Tuscany Villas Boutique Motel, rated 9.4. This motel provides free Wi-Fi, free self-parking, and complimentary toiletries, along with the added luxury of private indoor hot tubs. Guests appreciate its great, walkable location, being just 0.2 km from Wairere Falls and the Whakatane River Walk, and 0.5 km from the Whakatane District Museum and Gallery.

For a romantic stay in Whakatane, couples often enjoy the One88 On Commerce or Barringtons Motor Lodge, both highly rated options.


The One88 On Commerce, with an exceptional 9.8 rating, provides premium rooms with kitchens and complimentary WiFi. Guests frequently praise the clean and spacious rooms, and the lovely staff. It is conveniently located just 1.5 km from Mataatua: The House That Came Home.


Another excellent choice is the Barringtons Motor Lodge, rated 9.6. This lodge offers private indoor hot tubs, complimentary toiletries, free WiFi, and a 24-hour airport shuttle, adding to the convenience. Guests have noted the friendly and clean rooms, and the great service from the helpful staff. It is situated 1.7 km from Pohaturoa.


The Tuscany Villas Boutique Motel, rated 9.4, also offers private indoor hot tubs and complimentary toiletries. It is especially convenient for exploring Mataatua: The House That Came Home, being just 0.3 km away. Guests appreciate the walkable location and helpful staff.


Finally, the Whakatane B&B, with a 9.6 rating, offers a more intimate setting with complimentary breakfast and free WiFi. It is located 1.3 km from Mataatua: The House That Came Home.

For hotels in Whakatane near the Whakatane District Museum and Gallery, consider The Com Plex Motel and One88 On Commerce.


The Com Plex Motel, with a rating of 9.6, is conveniently located just 0.6 km from the Whakatane District Museum and Gallery. Guests frequently comment on the exceptionally clean and tidy rooms, the friendly and fantastic staff, and the modern and super clean facilities.


Another excellent choice is the One88 On Commerce, which has an impressive 9.8 rating. This hotel is located 0.9 km from the museum and gallery, and guests often mention the great layout and the lovely staff. It also offers free WiFi and free self-parking.

The best time to go to Whakatāne is during the summer months, from December to February, when the weather is warm and sunny, superb for enjoying the region's outdoor activities.


During this period, you can expect average daily temperatures ranging from 20°C to 26°C, with plenty of sunshine hours. This makes it ideal for exploring the beautiful beaches, such as Ōhope Beach, or taking boat trips to Moutohorā (Whale Island) Wildlife Sanctuary. It's also a popular time for fishing and kayaking in the Whakatāne River.


For those interested in whale and dolphin watching, the warmer waters of summer often bring more marine life closer to the coast. The long daylight hours also mean more time for hiking and exploring the scenic trails around the area, including walks through the native bush.


However, if you prefer a quieter experience and don't mind slightly cooler temperatures, the shoulder seasons of spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) are also good options.

You can cancel your hotel reservation on Expedia, though it depends on the cancellation policy of your booking. Most bookings are refundable if cancelled within 24-48 hours of the scheduled arrival. Be sure to check your booking confirmation for the exact cancellation policy. If free cancellation is available, you can cancel directly through your Expedia account by logging in, going to "My Trips", and selecting your reservation. To find flexible deals, filter your search by "Fully refundable property" for hotels in Whakatane.

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Prices for hotels in Whakatane often vary, but you can find a great deal from AU$74 on Expedia. All sorts of factors affect price, such as the time of year or the days of the week you choose for your stay. Find the best deals by being flexible with your dates, and sort search results by "Price: low to high" for our cheapest rates.