Kiwi Capital of the World

Whakatane earns the right to the title ‘Kiwi Capital of the World’ with the seldom seen national bird a local resident. The Whakatāne Kiwi Trust is a volunteer organisation of dedicated locals creating a safe predator-free environment for Kiwi. It is said Whatakane home’s can hear the nighttime calls of the kiwi and the bird will even forage in their backyard. A homage to the kiwi are the fun bronze statues of the town’s symbol. Discover the Kiwi Wandering Trail of ten life-like, life‑size bronze kiwi statues. See travel pack section for walk brochure.