Exploring Coastlands
Coastlands is a contemporary beach suburb located on the western side of the Whakatāne River in Whakatāne. With a stunning northeast-facing white sand surf beach, Coastlands provides easy access to the ocean. The views from the top of the dunes are picturesque, including Moutohorā Island (Whale Island) and Kōhi Point on the east side of Whakatāne.
Beach Access and Scenic Views
The surf beach at Coastlands can be accessed through several points, with the most straightforward route being via Ohuirehe Road. Take Keepa Road from State Highway 30 and continue through the roundabout onto Ohuirehe Road. You can park near the beach access track at the road's end. Alternatively, you can turn left at the roundabout onto Bunyan Road, then follow Ocean View Road to Pacific Parade. From here, walk through the dunes to the beach.
Exploring the Whakatāne River Mouth
For those interested in exploring further, you can walk approximately 3 km east along the beach to reach the end of the sand spit at the Whakatāne River mouth. This spot gives a close-up view of the Wairaka statue on Turuturu Roimata.
Getting to Coastlands
To visit Coastlands from Whakatāne, take State Highway 30 north across the river and turn immediately to the right onto Keepa Road, which takes you into Coastlands. The drive is a few minutes. From Tauranga, head east on State Highway 2 to Matatā. There, continue along Thornton Road until you reach SH35. Continuing on the highway, you will come to Keepa Road on the left. This drive takes 65 minutes and is 87 km.
Around Whakatāne, you can also explore Pohaturoa Rock, Whakatāne Harbour, Nga Tapuwai o Toi and Ōhope.
