Head Medical is seeking post foundation doctors for a rotational post at Whakatāne Hospital, located in New Zealand’s stunning Bay of Plenty region. This is a fantastic opportunity to gain valuable experience across Emergency Medicine, Paediatrics and Obstetrics and Gynaecology, all within a supportive and progressive hospital environment.
- Diverse clinical exposure – rotate through Emergency Medicine, Paediatrics and O&G
- Live the beach life – relax after shifts on white sand beaches or hike through native forests
- Warm, welcoming community – Whakatāne offers an unbeatable mix of lifestyle and learning
- Commencing February 2027 – 12 month contract
- Salary NZD $96,870-$128,693 per annum ( depending on experience)
The Role:
Whakatāne Hospital is a modern 110-bed facility serving the Eastern Bay of Plenty community ( population circa. 230,000). It forms part of the wider Te Whatu Ora – Bay of Plenty network, which also includes Tauranga Hospital.
- Known for its strong focus on Māori health and commitment to reducing inequalities
- Offers a collaborative environment, with regular teaching sessions and ongoing clinical development
- Work across Emergency Medicine, Paediatrics and O&G
- Join a close-knit, consultant-led team focused on mentorship and skill development
- Exposure to diverse and complex caseloads, enhancing your clinical judgement
The Location

Whakatāne offers an unbeatable combination of lifestyle and location. Situated in the Eastern Bay of Plenty, it’s known for its warm climate, natural beauty, and relaxed pace of life - ideal for doctors looking to strike the right balance between meaningful work and quality downtime.
Enjoy:
- Over 50km of pristine coastline – including Ōhope Beach, regularly voted New Zealand’s most loved beach
- Incredible outdoor lifestyle – surfing, paddleboarding, mountain biking, hiking, fishing, and kayaking all on your doorstep
- A welcoming and laid-back community – perfect for those looking to settle somewhere peaceful yet well-connected
- Proximity to key hubs – just 1 hour to Tauranga (NZ’s fastest growing city) and 3.5 hours to Auckland
- Easy travel options – daily flights to Auckland make international and domestic connections simple
Whether it’s an early morning surf, a weekend hike, or simply soaking up the coastal charm, Whakatāne offers the kind of lifestyle most only dream of.
Find out more about the region here Bay of Plenty and Whakatane
What Head Medical can do for you
Head Medical is a specialist international healthcare recruitment company and has been helping doctors relocate to Australia, New Zealand and beyond since 2008. From identifying the right opportunity through to regulatory applications and relocation, we provide free guidance and support throughout the process. We also have qualified and licensed Immigration Advisers within our team who can assist with migration planning and visa applications for Australia and New Zealand. The services of our licensed Immigration Advisers are provided as an additional service, with any applicable fees discussed in advance.