Whitianga

Coromandel Peninsula is on the north-eastern coast of the North Island, due east from Auckland. Whitianga is north of other Peninsula towns Tairua and Pauanui. Mercury Bay is called such because Captain James Cook and his crew came here in November 1769 to make scientific observations of the transit of Mercury across the sun. On the other side of the harbour, which is accessible by a short passenger ferry trip, is Cooks Beach, which is also named after the visit by Captain Cook.

• Whitianga i-Site Visitor Centre

  phone: +64 7-866 5555
  address: 66 Albert St

By bus

• IntercityRun twices daily each way from/to Thames, where there are connections to other places. Tickets can be purchased online or at agents including the i-site network.

By car

It is 40 km and about 40 minutes drive north of Tairua, and 14 km (16 min) south of Kuaotunu.

By plane

Sun Air has scheduled flights from Ardmore (Auckland), Great Barrier Island and Tauranga to Whitianga Aerodrome.

By boat

• Whitianga FerriesThe ferry runs across Whitianga Harbour, between the Whitianga wharf on the Esplanade in the township and Ferry Landing on the Cook's Beach side.

By scooter

There are scooters for hire at Ferry Landing, just a short way up the hill on the right. You only need a car drivers licence.

Whitianga town side of the harbour

• HMS Buffalo memorial and anchor

  address: Buffalo Beach Rd
  The HMS Buffalo wrecked near here in 1840. Remains of the ship still lie underwater in the bay.

• Mercury Bay Museum

  address: 11A The Esplanade
  Local history from early explorer Kupe, to later explorer Capt Cook, and onwards, also natural history.

Ferry Landing side of the harbour

• Cooks BeachA 3-km white sand beach suitable for swimming.

• Shakespeare Cliff and Lonely BayA short track leads to a viewing point and a memorial to the visit of Captain Cook and HMS Endeavour in 1769. A track leads down to Lonely Bay.

• Maramaratotara TrackTurn right after getting off the ferry for a 3-km walk through bush with good views. Track can be slippery.

• Banana Boat

  address: Buffalo Beach
  Fall off on the Hellbender or take the more relaxing Scenic ride. Run by Steve and Kali Young.

• Buffalo BeachThis 3-km sandy beach adjacent to the town is safe for swimming. There are no huge bovines here – the beach is named after HMS Buffalo, which was wrecked here in 1840.

• The Lost Spring

  address: 121A Cook Dr
  Day spa, geothermal pools and restaurant.

Scenic sea cruises

Several operators run similar cruises, with some variations, around the cliffs and coves to Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve and its abundant sea-life. The main cruises last between 2 and 2.5 hours, and some operators also run a 1 to 1.5 hour cruise early or late in the day, which may suit better if you are arriving or leaving Whitianga that day. All leave from Whitianga Wharf and some will also pick up from Ferry Landing if pre-arranged. If you are lucky, you may see dolphins or orca, but they are transient, rather than resident here. In May–Sep you may see fur seals. Some cruises offer snorkeling for 15 minutes to look at the marine life, with the gear provided – just take your togs (swimsuit) and towel.

• Cathedral Cove Scenic CruisesThe Triple C Cruise (Coves, Caves & Coastline) lasts 2.5 hours. The Double C Cruise (Cove & Coastline) last 1.5 hours.

• Cave Cruzer AdventuresScenic & Sounds Experience 2-2.5 hrs. Express Tour 1-1.5 hrs.

• Glass Bottom BoatA 2-hour trip in a boat that has a glass bottom so that you can see the marine life. It visits Shakespeare Cliff, Cooks Beach, Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve (Cathedral Cove, Champagne Bay, Orua Sea Cave, Gemstone Bay). In summer you can go snorkeling for 15 minutes.

• Ocean Leopard ToursThe Full Monty tour lasts 2 hours and visits Lonely Bay, Shakespeare Cliff, Cooks Beach, Hahei and Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve (Cathedral Cove, Orua Sea Cave, Gemstone Bay). Option of snorkeling for 15 minutes. Also the Whirlwind Tour, lasting 75 min.

• Sea Cave AdventuresFull 2+ Hour Tour or Short 1+ Hour Cove Tour.

Budget

• Cafe Nina

  address: 20 Victoria St
  Lovely quaint cafe in an old cottage with seating indoors and outdoors surrounded by greenery.

• Espy Cafe

  address: 10 Esplanade
  On the waterfront esplanade, hence the name. Includes outdoor seating where you can watch the boats. Liquor license.

• French Fig

  address: 41 Albert St
  Nice cafe.

• Jandals Cafe

  address: 5 Albert St

Groceries

• Countdown

  address: 24 Joan Gaskell Dr
  Supermarket.

• New World

  address: 1 Joan Gaskell Dr
  Supermarket.

Mid-range

• Blue Ginger

  address: 1/10 Blacksmith Ln
  Southeast Asian food.

• Squids Bar & Restaurant

  address: Shop 15, 1 Blacksmith Lane
  Specialises in seafood.

Splurge

• Poivre & Sel

  address: 2 Mill Rd
  French cuisine from French restaurateurs. Expect fine dining rather than a hearty meal – you'll have room for dessert.

• Salt Restaurant & Bar

  address: 2 Blacksmith Ln
  Has a deck area looking out on the marina.

• YHA Whitianga

  address: 46 Buffalo Beach Rd

• Hahei and Hot Water Beach – near the Marine Reserve, not far due west as the crow flies, but 35 km (about half an hour) by road – at Hot Water Beach, two hot springs come up through the sand near low tide, and you can hire a spade and dig your own hot pool
• Kuaotunu – to the north
• Tairua – very scenic location to the south