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Definition of whakatane
whakatane
/ˌfɑːkəˈtɑːneɪ/
wha · ka · ta · ne
whakatane Lexical Profile
CEFR
C2
Grade
10
Tier
3
Usage
Rare
• noun
1
New Zealand A coastal town located in the eastern Bay of Plenty region on the North Island of New Zealand, historically significant as the traditional landing site of the Mataatua canoe.
Example
"During our tour of the North Island, we stopped in Whakatane to learn about local Māori history and enjoy the sunny coastline."
Word Nuance & Usage
In modern New Zealand English, the town's name is increasingly spelled with a macron as 'Whakatāne' to reflect correct Māori pronunciation.
• Rhymes for whakatane
Word Origin & Etymology
From Māori 'Whakatāne'. According to tradition, the name originates from Wairaka, daughter of chief Toroa, who saved the drifting Mataatua canoe by paddling it herself and crying out 'Kia whakatāne au i ahau!' ('Let me act the part of a man!').
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Whakatane. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 13, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/whakatane