Whakatāne Events | What's on in Whakatāne

Check out whats happening in Whakatāne. From major events to things to see and do in the community. List your own info for FREE! (Free to non profitable organisations and our business advertisers). 

Click here for School Holiday Programmes, Activities and Events

Narrow the events below by choosing a category from this list:

May 2026

Wednesday 13th
E Awa Te Ara Whakatane

E Awa Te Ara

9:00am to 5:00pm

Opening at Te Koputu a te Whanga a Toi, Whakatane Art Gallery, this exhibition brings together 12 Ngati Awa artists alongside taonga from the Whakatane Museum collection.

DOMP Comp 2026 Whakatane

DOMP Comp 2026

9:00am to 11:00pm

Pods beware, the DOMP Comp is back in Whakatane.

Whakatane RSA Flag 500

Whakatane RSA Flag 500

1:00pm to 3:00pm

Come along and join us for a friendly game of Flag 500!

New members and those wanting to learn are welcome to join us and have some fun.

Annual Sub: $10

Weekly Fee: $4.00

Lego Legends

Lego Legends

3:30pm to 4:30pm

A weekly free-play Lego and Duplo session!

ŌBT Quiz Night Ohope / Whakatane

ŌBT Quiz Night

7:00pm

This event runs weekly on Wednesdays.

The Believe It or Not Quiz takes place every Wednesday from 7pm at the ŌBT.

Thursday 14th
E Awa Te Ara Whakatane

E Awa Te Ara

9:00am to 5:00pm

Opening at Te Koputu a te Whanga a Toi, Whakatane Art Gallery, this exhibition brings together 12 Ngati Awa artists alongside taonga from the Whakatane Museum collection.

DOMP Comp 2026 Whakatane

DOMP Comp 2026

9:00am to 11:00pm

Pods beware, the DOMP Comp is back in Whakatane.

Kiwi English & English for Employees (Mixed-Level) - Whakatāne

Kiwi English & English for Employees (Mixed-Level) - Whakatāne

9:30am to 11:30am

Build confidence, boost communication and feel at home in Whakatāne with free English classes designed for adult learners of all backgrounds and levels.

Crop Swap Whakatane

Crop Swap at Heart Space Whakatane

11:00am to 12:30pm

Crop Swap is all about ‘giving generously and taking mindfully’. It’s a community gathering where people share excess produce, plants, and garden items with others.

Women and Kids Roller Derby - Starting in Term 2 in Whakatane!

Women and Kids Roller Derby - Starting in Term 2 in Whakatane!

5:00pm to 6:45pm

 

ŌBT Thursday Night Pool Comp Ohope / Whakatane

ŌBT Thursday Night Pool Comp

6:00pm

This event runs weekly on Thursdays.

Think you have what it takes to be the pool champion? Come along and put your skills to the test.

 Whakatane RSA Members Draw

Whakatane RSA Members Draw

6:00pm to 9:00pm

Attention all members!  Come along and try your luck spinning the wheel!

Every Thursday and Friday Evening.

Learn to Play Bridge Whakatane

Learn to Play Bridge

7:00pm to 9:00pm

Learn to play bridge.  Come along and have some fun while learning the skills for this popular card game.  

Location: Whakatane Bridge Club

Friday 15th
E Awa Te Ara Whakatane

E Awa Te Ara

9:00am to 5:00pm

Opening at Te Koputu a te Whanga a Toi, Whakatane Art Gallery, this exhibition brings together 12 Ngati Awa artists alongside taonga from the Whakatane Museum collection.

DOMP Comp 2026 Whakatane

DOMP Comp 2026

9:00am to 11:00pm

Pods beware, the DOMP Comp is back in Whakatane.

Positively Patchwork Whakatane

Positively Patchwork

10:00am to 4:00pm

Discover a beautiful showcase of handcrafted work as Eastbay Quilters and Cotton Pickers come together for a joint exhibition in Whakatane.

Ātea Night Market Whakatane

Ātea Night Market

4:30pm to 8:30pm

 

Nau mai, haere mai to Whakatāne’s newest night market at Ātea.

Salsa Dance Beginners Class Whakatane

Salsa Dance Beginners Class

5:45pm to 7:45pm

Join our Latin dance community and learn the basics of Cuban Salsa in a fun and welcoming environment.

Cost: $10 per person, cash only.

 Whakatane RSA Members Draw

Whakatane RSA Members Draw

6:00pm to 9:00pm

Attention all members!  Come along and try your luck spinning the wheel!

Every Thursday and Friday Evening.

OBT Beach Karaoke

7:00pm

Get ready to sing your heart out and dance the night away at Beach Karaoke, happening every Friday at the iconic Ōhope Beach Tavern.

Whakatāne Kiwi Trust Night Walks 2026

Whakatāne Kiwi Trust Night Walks 2026

7:00pm to 9:00pm

Night walks – every Friday starting April, 3 at 7pm

The Whakatane Kiwi Trust will host night walks from April to July, the best season to hear kiwi calling.

80's Rewind Party Whakatane

80's Rewind Party

9:00pm

Step back in time for a retro 80s themed night at The Boiler Room.

Saturday 16th
Weekly Whakatane Gardens Parkrun - 5km

Weekly Whakatane Gardens Parkrun - 5km

8:00am to 10:00am

Happening every Saturday 8:00am - 10:00am

E Awa Te Ara Whakatane

E Awa Te Ara

9:00am to 5:00pm

Opening at Te Koputu a te Whanga a Toi, Whakatane Art Gallery, this exhibition brings together 12 Ngati Awa artists alongside taonga from the Whakatane Museum collection.

DOMP Comp 2026 Whakatane

DOMP Comp 2026

9:00am to 11:00pm

Pods beware, the DOMP Comp is back in Whakatane.

Positively Patchwork Whakatane

Positively Patchwork

10:00am to 4:00pm

Discover a beautiful showcase of handcrafted work as Eastbay Quilters and Cotton Pickers come together for a joint exhibition in Whakatane.

Ōhiwa Oyster Festival Ohope Whakatane

Ōhiwa Oyster Festival

11:30am to 5:00pm

The Ōhiwa Oyster Festival returns to Port Ōhope Wharf for a full day celebrating fresh local seafood, live music, and coastal flavours.

Sunday 17th
Whakatāne Sunday Market

Whakatāne Sunday Market

8:00am to 1:00pm

Every Sunday from 8:00am to 1:00pm, the Whakatane Sunday Market takes place at Mitchell Park.

E Awa Te Ara Whakatane

E Awa Te Ara

9:00am to 5:00pm

Opening at Te Koputu a te Whanga a Toi, Whakatane Art Gallery, this exhibition brings together 12 Ngati Awa artists alongside taonga from the Whakatane Museum collection.

DOMP Comp 2026 Whakatane

DOMP Comp 2026

9:00am to 11:00pm

Pods beware, the DOMP Comp is back in Whakatane.

Positively Patchwork Whakatane

Positively Patchwork

10:00am to 4:00pm

Discover a beautiful showcase of handcrafted work as Eastbay Quilters and Cotton Pickers come together for a joint exhibition in Whakatane.

Whakatane Country Music Club

Whakatane Country Music Club

1:00pm to 4:00pm

Get ready for toe-tapping tunes and great company with the Whakatāne Country Music Club, bringing live country sounds to Whakatāne every month.

Free Social Dance Whakatane

Free Social Dance

4:00pm to 6:00pm

Whakatane Dancers and CADERA invite you to a free Latin dance event in Ōhope.

Monday 18th
E Awa Te Ara Whakatane

E Awa Te Ara

9:00am to 5:00pm

Opening at Te Koputu a te Whanga a Toi, Whakatane Art Gallery, this exhibition brings together 12 Ngati Awa artists alongside taonga from the Whakatane Museum collection.

Kiwi English & English for Employees (Mixed-Level) - Whakatāne

Kiwi English & English for Employees (Mixed-Level) - Whakatāne

9:30am to 11:30am

Build confidence, boost communication and feel at home in Whakatāne with free English classes designed for adult learners of all backgrounds and levels.

OHOPE RUMMIKUB CLUB

OHOPE RUMMIKUB CLUB

1:00pm to 4:00pm

All Rummikib players welcome. Every Monday games start at 1.pm, afternoon tea provided, finish at 4.pm. Beginners welcome. Door charge $3

Movie Fundraiser for Max's 4 Week Survival Camp Whakatane

Movie Fundraiser for Max's 4 Week Survival Camp

5:00pm

Save the date for a special movie night fundraiser at Whakamax, supporting Max’s 4-week survival camp with Trident High School.

Mindful Meditation Course Whakatane

Mindful Meditation Course

7:00pm to 8:00pm

Join Christine Balzer-Gibbs for a course exploring mindfulness and meditation practices, breath awareness, and reflective enquiry to discover the stillness of Being beyond thought, story, and ident

Tuesday 19th
E Awa Te Ara Whakatane

E Awa Te Ara

9:00am to 5:00pm

Opening at Te Koputu a te Whanga a Toi, Whakatane Art Gallery, this exhibition brings together 12 Ngati Awa artists alongside taonga from the Whakatane Museum collection.

Hā Kākano Preschool Storytime

Hā Kākano Preschool Storytime

10:30am to 11:00am

A Whakatāne District Council event at the library - enjoy a relaxed weekly session of stories, songs, and rhymes designed to grow young minds and spark imagination.

Tūhura Tuesday Club Whakatane

Tūhura Tuesday Club

3:30pm to 4:30pm

Tūhura Tuesday is a weekly after-school programme designed to spark curiosity, creativity, and discovery in a fun, supportive environment.

Zumba Toning Whakatane

Zumba Toning

5:15pm to 6:00pm

Entry from the back of the building.
Cost $5

Whakatane RSA Darts Night

Whakatane RSA Darts Night

7:00pm to 10:00pm

Looking for a great midweek night out in Whakatāne? Head along to Whakatāne RSA every Tuesday from 7pm for an action packed darts night.

Wednesday 20th
E Awa Te Ara Whakatane

E Awa Te Ara

9:00am to 5:00pm

Opening at Te Koputu a te Whanga a Toi, Whakatane Art Gallery, this exhibition brings together 12 Ngati Awa artists alongside taonga from the Whakatane Museum collection.

Whakatane RSA Flag 500

Whakatane RSA Flag 500

1:00pm to 3:00pm

Come along and join us for a friendly game of Flag 500!

New members and those wanting to learn are welcome to join us and have some fun.

Annual Sub: $10

Weekly Fee: $4.00

Lego Legends

Lego Legends

3:30pm to 4:30pm

A weekly free-play Lego and Duplo session!

Whakatane Arts Community AGM

Whakatane Arts Community AGM

6:00pm

Members, supporters, and the wider Whakatane arts community are invited to attend the upcoming AGM at Acacia House on Louvain Street.

ŌBT Quiz Night Ohope / Whakatane

ŌBT Quiz Night

7:00pm

This event runs weekly on Wednesdays.

The Believe It or Not Quiz takes place every Wednesday from 7pm at the ŌBT.

Thursday 21st
E Awa Te Ara Whakatane

E Awa Te Ara

9:00am to 5:00pm

Opening at Te Koputu a te Whanga a Toi, Whakatane Art Gallery, this exhibition brings together 12 Ngati Awa artists alongside taonga from the Whakatane Museum collection.

Kiwi English & English for Employees (Mixed-Level) - Whakatāne

Kiwi English & English for Employees (Mixed-Level) - Whakatāne

9:30am to 11:30am

Build confidence, boost communication and feel at home in Whakatāne with free English classes designed for adult learners of all backgrounds and levels.

Crop Swap Whakatane

Crop Swap at Heart Space Whakatane

11:00am to 12:30pm

Crop Swap is all about ‘giving generously and taking mindfully’. It’s a community gathering where people share excess produce, plants, and garden items with others.

Women and Kids Roller Derby - Starting in Term 2 in Whakatane!

Women and Kids Roller Derby - Starting in Term 2 in Whakatane!

5:00pm to 6:45pm

 

Whakatāne Kiwi Trust Kids Night Walks 2026

Whakatāne Kiwi Trust Kids Night Walks 2026

5:30pm

Kids night walks – every second Thursday starting April, 9 at 5:30pm

Kids Night Walk of Discovery Whakatane

Kids Night Walk of Discovery!

5:30pm to 7:30pm

 

ŌBT Thursday Night Pool Comp Ohope / Whakatane

ŌBT Thursday Night Pool Comp

6:00pm

This event runs weekly on Thursdays.

Think you have what it takes to be the pool champion? Come along and put your skills to the test.

 Whakatane RSA Members Draw

Whakatane RSA Members Draw

6:00pm to 9:00pm

Attention all members!  Come along and try your luck spinning the wheel!

Every Thursday and Friday Evening.

Learn to Play Bridge Whakatane

Learn to Play Bridge

7:00pm to 9:00pm

Learn to play bridge.  Come along and have some fun while learning the skills for this popular card game.  

Location: Whakatane Bridge Club

Friday 22nd
Big Brothers Big Sisters Business Breakfast Whakatane

Big Brothers Big Sisters Business Breakfast

7:00am

Join us for a meaningful Business Breakfast in Whakatane, held in partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters.

E Awa Te Ara Whakatane

E Awa Te Ara

9:00am to 5:00pm

Opening at Te Koputu a te Whanga a Toi, Whakatane Art Gallery, this exhibition brings together 12 Ngati Awa artists alongside taonga from the Whakatane Museum collection.

Ātea Night Market Whakatane

Ātea Night Market

4:30pm to 8:30pm

 

Nau mai, haere mai to Whakatāne’s newest night market at Ātea.

Salsa Dance Beginners Class Whakatane

Salsa Dance Beginners Class

5:45pm to 7:45pm

Join our Latin dance community and learn the basics of Cuban Salsa in a fun and welcoming environment.

Cost: $10 per person, cash only.

 Whakatane RSA Members Draw

Whakatane RSA Members Draw

6:00pm to 9:00pm

Attention all members!  Come along and try your luck spinning the wheel!

Every Thursday and Friday Evening.

OBT Beach Karaoke

7:00pm

Get ready to sing your heart out and dance the night away at Beach Karaoke, happening every Friday at the iconic Ōhope Beach Tavern.

Whakatāne Kiwi Trust Night Walks 2026

Whakatāne Kiwi Trust Night Walks 2026

7:00pm to 9:00pm

Night walks – every Friday starting April, 3 at 7pm

The Whakatane Kiwi Trust will host night walks from April to July, the best season to hear kiwi calling.

Saturday 23rd
Weekly Whakatane Gardens Parkrun - 5km

Weekly Whakatane Gardens Parkrun - 5km

8:00am to 10:00am

Happening every Saturday 8:00am - 10:00am

E Awa Te Ara Whakatane

E Awa Te Ara

9:00am to 5:00pm

Opening at Te Koputu a te Whanga a Toi, Whakatane Art Gallery, this exhibition brings together 12 Ngati Awa artists alongside taonga from the Whakatane Museum collection.

Sunday 24th
Whakatāne Sunday Market

Whakatāne Sunday Market

8:00am to 1:00pm

Every Sunday from 8:00am to 1:00pm, the Whakatane Sunday Market takes place at Mitchell Park.

Burts Motor Bike Trail Rides Whakatane

Burts Motor Bike Trail Rides

9:00am to 1:00pm

Regular dirt bike events are held on the 2nd Saturday and 4th Saturday of every month. Side x Side rides are held on the 4th Sunday of every month on the Main Track.

E Awa Te Ara Whakatane

E Awa Te Ara

9:00am to 5:00pm

Opening at Te Koputu a te Whanga a Toi, Whakatane Art Gallery, this exhibition brings together 12 Ngati Awa artists alongside taonga from the Whakatane Museum collection.

Monday 25th
E Awa Te Ara Whakatane

E Awa Te Ara

9:00am to 5:00pm

Opening at Te Koputu a te Whanga a Toi, Whakatane Art Gallery, this exhibition brings together 12 Ngati Awa artists alongside taonga from the Whakatane Museum collection.

Kiwi English & English for Employees (Mixed-Level) - Whakatāne

Kiwi English & English for Employees (Mixed-Level) - Whakatāne

9:30am to 11:30am

Build confidence, boost communication and feel at home in Whakatāne with free English classes designed for adult learners of all backgrounds and levels.

OHOPE RUMMIKUB CLUB

OHOPE RUMMIKUB CLUB

1:00pm to 4:00pm

All Rummikib players welcome. Every Monday games start at 1.pm, afternoon tea provided, finish at 4.pm. Beginners welcome. Door charge $3

Mindful Meditation Course Whakatane

Mindful Meditation Course

7:00pm to 8:00pm

Join Christine Balzer-Gibbs for a course exploring mindfulness and meditation practices, breath awareness, and reflective enquiry to discover the stillness of Being beyond thought, story, and ident

Tuesday 26th
E Awa Te Ara Whakatane

E Awa Te Ara

9:00am to 5:00pm

Opening at Te Koputu a te Whanga a Toi, Whakatane Art Gallery, this exhibition brings together 12 Ngati Awa artists alongside taonga from the Whakatane Museum collection.

Hā Kākano Preschool Storytime

Hā Kākano Preschool Storytime

10:30am to 11:00am

A Whakatāne District Council event at the library - enjoy a relaxed weekly session of stories, songs, and rhymes designed to grow young minds and spark imagination.

Whakatāne Genealogical Group - Monthly Meeting

Whakatāne Genealogical Group - Monthly Meeting

1:30pm to 2:30pm

The Whakatane Branch of the New Zealand Society of Genealogists welcomes anyone interested in exploring family history and genealogy.

Tūhura Tuesday Club Whakatane

Tūhura Tuesday Club

3:30pm to 4:30pm

Tūhura Tuesday is a weekly after-school programme designed to spark curiosity, creativity, and discovery in a fun, supportive environment.

Zumba Toning Whakatane

Zumba Toning

5:15pm to 6:00pm

Entry from the back of the building.
Cost $5

Whakatane RSA Darts Night

Whakatane RSA Darts Night

7:00pm to 10:00pm

Looking for a great midweek night out in Whakatāne? Head along to Whakatāne RSA every Tuesday from 7pm for an action packed darts night.

Wednesday 27th
E Awa Te Ara Whakatane

E Awa Te Ara

9:00am to 5:00pm

Opening at Te Koputu a te Whanga a Toi, Whakatane Art Gallery, this exhibition brings together 12 Ngati Awa artists alongside taonga from the Whakatane Museum collection.

Whakatane RSA Flag 500

Whakatane RSA Flag 500

1:00pm to 3:00pm

Come along and join us for a friendly game of Flag 500!

New members and those wanting to learn are welcome to join us and have some fun.

Annual Sub: $10

Weekly Fee: $4.00

Lego Legends

Lego Legends

3:30pm to 4:30pm

A weekly free-play Lego and Duplo session!

Turning Of The Tide Trivia Night Whakatane

Turning Of The Tide Trivia Night

5:30pm to 7:30pm

Turning of the Tide is back in Whakatane, bringing a fun twist on trivia with land and sea themes!

ŌBT Quiz Night Ohope / Whakatane

ŌBT Quiz Night

7:00pm

This event runs weekly on Wednesdays.

The Believe It or Not Quiz takes place every Wednesday from 7pm at the ŌBT.

Thursday 28th
E Awa Te Ara Whakatane

E Awa Te Ara

9:00am to 5:00pm

Opening at Te Koputu a te Whanga a Toi, Whakatane Art Gallery, this exhibition brings together 12 Ngati Awa artists alongside taonga from the Whakatane Museum collection.

Kiwi English & English for Employees (Mixed-Level) - Whakatāne

Kiwi English & English for Employees (Mixed-Level) - Whakatāne

9:30am to 11:30am

Build confidence, boost communication and feel at home in Whakatāne with free English classes designed for adult learners of all backgrounds and levels.

2e Kids & Parents to Parent Support Group Whakatane

2e Kids & Parents to Parent Support Group

10:30am to 12:00pm

Connect, share and recharge at a welcoming Parent Support Group in Whakatāne.

Crop Swap Whakatane

Crop Swap at Heart Space Whakatane

11:00am to 12:30pm

Crop Swap is all about ‘giving generously and taking mindfully’. It’s a community gathering where people share excess produce, plants, and garden items with others.

Women and Kids Roller Derby - Starting in Term 2 in Whakatane!

Women and Kids Roller Derby - Starting in Term 2 in Whakatane!

5:00pm to 6:45pm

 

ŌBT Thursday Night Pool Comp Ohope / Whakatane

ŌBT Thursday Night Pool Comp

6:00pm

This event runs weekly on Thursdays.

Think you have what it takes to be the pool champion? Come along and put your skills to the test.

 Whakatane RSA Members Draw

Whakatane RSA Members Draw

6:00pm to 9:00pm

Attention all members!  Come along and try your luck spinning the wheel!

Every Thursday and Friday Evening.

Learn to Play Bridge Whakatane

Learn to Play Bridge

7:00pm to 9:00pm

Learn to play bridge.  Come along and have some fun while learning the skills for this popular card game.  

Location: Whakatane Bridge Club

Friday 29th
E Awa Te Ara Whakatane

E Awa Te Ara

9:00am to 5:00pm

Opening at Te Koputu a te Whanga a Toi, Whakatane Art Gallery, this exhibition brings together 12 Ngati Awa artists alongside taonga from the Whakatane Museum collection.

Ātea Night Market Whakatane

Ātea Night Market

4:30pm to 8:30pm

 

Nau mai, haere mai to Whakatāne’s newest night market at Ātea.

Whakatane Sound Jam Open Mic

Whakatane Sound Jam Open Mic

5:15pm to 10:15pm

Whakatane Sound Jam OPEN MIC NIGHT IS BACK! LIVE MUSIC! Whether you're a band, a solo artist or simply love music.....we have an event for you.

Salsa Dance Beginners Class Whakatane

Salsa Dance Beginners Class

5:45pm to 7:45pm

Join our Latin dance community and learn the basics of Cuban Salsa in a fun and welcoming environment.

Cost: $10 per person, cash only.

 Whakatane RSA Members Draw

Whakatane RSA Members Draw

6:00pm to 9:00pm

Attention all members!  Come along and try your luck spinning the wheel!

Every Thursday and Friday Evening.

OBT Beach Karaoke

7:00pm

Get ready to sing your heart out and dance the night away at Beach Karaoke, happening every Friday at the iconic Ōhope Beach Tavern.

Whakatāne Kiwi Trust Night Walks 2026

Whakatāne Kiwi Trust Night Walks 2026

7:00pm to 9:00pm

Night walks – every Friday starting April, 3 at 7pm

The Whakatane Kiwi Trust will host night walks from April to July, the best season to hear kiwi calling.

Saturday 30th
Weekly Whakatane Gardens Parkrun - 5km

Weekly Whakatane Gardens Parkrun - 5km

8:00am to 10:00am

Happening every Saturday 8:00am - 10:00am

E Awa Te Ara Whakatane

E Awa Te Ara

9:00am to 5:00pm

Opening at Te Koputu a te Whanga a Toi, Whakatane Art Gallery, this exhibition brings together 12 Ngati Awa artists alongside taonga from the Whakatane Museum collection.

Boiler Room - Open Mic

Boiler Room Open Mic Afternoon

3:00pm to 7:00pm

Come along to the Boiler Room Open Mic session on the last Saturday of every month from 3pm. Open to both Amateurs and Professionals.

Sunday 31st
Whakatāne Sunday Market

Whakatāne Sunday Market

8:00am to 1:00pm

Every Sunday from 8:00am to 1:00pm, the Whakatane Sunday Market takes place at Mitchell Park.

E Awa Te Ara Whakatane

E Awa Te Ara

9:00am to 5:00pm

Opening at Te Koputu a te Whanga a Toi, Whakatane Art Gallery, this exhibition brings together 12 Ngati Awa artists alongside taonga from the Whakatane Museum collection.

Whakatane Country Music Club

Whakatane Country Music Club

1:00pm to 4:00pm

Get ready for toe-tapping tunes and great company with the Whakatāne Country Music Club, bringing live country sounds to Whakatāne every month.

May 2026