The Insider's Guide to New Zealand
Whakatane events 2020
Ōhope Craft Market, Ōhope Hall, Bluett Road. This monthly market features crafts and creations by local producers, as well as a range of foods and produce. The market is held on the first Saturday of the month, with an extra market on the third Saturday during the summer months. On Facebook. Local Wild Food Challenge, Mahy Reserve, Ōhope Beach, 2 February 2020 (Waitangi weekend). This culinary festival had humble origins, with one small event in Eastbourne, but has grown into an international celebration of local fare. Cooks of all ages and experience must create a dish showcasing foraged foods, before presenting their creation to the judges for deliberation. Tastings, live music, craft beer and more. localwildfoodchallenge.com
Air Chathams Sunshine and a Plate Festival, Whakatāne, 29 February-8 March 2020. Degustations, tastings, glamorous balls and long lunches – Whakatāne's favourite food and wine festival has something for all taste buds. With proceeds supporting Hospice Eastern Bay of Plenty, good food is doing good. sunshineandaplate.nz
Oxfam Trailwalker, Whakatāne, 21-22 March 2020. Teams of four walk or run either 50km or 100km through Whakatāne's beautiful backyard; the trail starts at the Edgecumbe War Memorial Hall and ends at Rex Morpeth Park in Whakatāne. The event raised just shy of $1 million in 2019. oxfamtrailwalker.org.nz birdsAplenty Festival, September-October 2020, Whakatāne. Celebrate the feathered residents of Whakatāne and Ōhope with a range of special events and exhibitions. Now in its 19th year, there are night walks, special tours, kids' events and more, all telling tales of the Bay's migratory and native birdlife. whakatane.com