In summer when the tuna are running, people travel from all over the world to fish these waters. Dolphin watching, ocean kayaking, diving and snorkelling are world class. Four miles off shore, Whale island is being regenerated and an endangered bird breeding program is under way there. Visits can be arranged by the Department of Conservation and several operators provide access. 26 miles off the coast, White Island is New Zealand's most active volcano .
White Island can be dangerous, so it pays to go with an experienced guide.
Between Whakatane and Opotiki , Ohiwa harbour is a large shallow estuary with extraordinary wetlands that is home to huge numbers of migrating sea birds. Opotiki is the centre of the Eastern Bay of Plenty with fishing, wind surfing, kayaking and sailing, on the ocean and the Motu river providing jet boating and white water rafting through a pristine primeval forest. Beyond Opotiki lies the legendary township of Te Kaha . Famous just because it is, Te Kaha is a coastal icon, the place where snapper fishing was probably invented. The township does dive fills, dive trips, fishing trips and great beach parties.