Whakatane is a natural harbour that is on the Bay of Plenty at the other end of the long beach that stretches from Mount Maunganui. Whakatane is a small town that has a selection of shops, it is pleasant but there is little to do in the town itself. But having said that it is an ideal place to use as a base and drive out to some of the thermal areas such Tiki Teri and the lakes around that area such as Lake Okotaina which can tempt any artist to spend a several minutes to at least make a sketch.
If you want to do any painting here there are some pleasant views of the harbour the local architecture and the coast line, other than that you would have trouble finding material.
A view of Whakatane harbour and yacht club.