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    Whitianga

    New Zealand

    Whitianga

    Coastal Town

    Whitianga is the largest town on the east coast of the Coromandel Peninsula and lies on Mercury Bay with a long town beach and marina. From here, it's about a 30-minute drive to Hahei, Cathedral Cove, and Hot Water Beach.

    by Felix Gillen

    1. Home
    3. Destinations
    5. New Zealand
    7. Coromandel Peninsula
    9. Whitianga
    Whitianga is the largest town on the east coast of the Coromandel Peninsula and lies on Mercury Bay with a long town beach and marina. From here, it's about a 30-minute drive to Hahei, Cathedral Cove, and Hot Water Beach.

    Sehenswürdigkeiten

    Discover the most important sights and attractions

    Simpson Beach

    1Simpson Beach

    Small bay north of Whitianga near Wharekaho, quieter than the main beach.
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    Mercury Bay Lookout

    2Mercury Bay Lookout

    Viewpoint at the Ferry Landing on the other side of the harbour, with views of Whitianga and the Mercury Bay. A small passenger ferry crosses in a few minutes.
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    Mercury Bay Museum

    3Mercury Bay Museum

    Ausstellungen zur Geschichte des Fischfangs und anderer Branchen in der Region sowie Geschenkeladen.
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    Shakespeare Cliff Lookout
    Attraction

    4Shakespeare Cliff Lookout

    Viewpoint near Cooks Beach overlooking Mercury Bay. It was here that James Cook observed the transit of Mercury in 1769, hence the bay's name.
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    Essen & Trinken

    1

    Hikomoto

    Restaurant on Albert Street in the town center.
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    2

    Picnic And Platter

    Café on Albert Street with breakfast and sharing platters.
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    3

    Indian Aromas Indian and Thai Food Restaurant

    An Indian and Thai restaurant situated on Albert Street.
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    4

    Earth Store Whitianga

    Vegetarian cafe with gluten-free dishes on Albert Street.
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    5

    Blue Ginger

    Asian Restaurant in the Blacksmith Lane.
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    Legacy

    James Cook anchored in the bay in 1769 and observed the transit of Mercury across the sun, hence the name Mercury Bay. According to Māori tradition, the navigator Kupe came here long before. The Mercury Bay Museum showcases the history of fishing, logging, and kauri gum.

    On-site exploring

    A small passenger ferry connects Whitianga with Ferry Landing on the other side of the harbour; from there, paths lead to Cooks Beach and Shakespeare Cliff. For Hahei and Hot Water Beach, you'll need a car or a tour, as bus services on the peninsula are sparse.

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    Nearby

    Coromandel Peninsula

    Coromandel Peninsula

    The Coromandel Peninsula lies east of Auckland, between the Hauraki Gulf and the Pacific. A forested mountain range separates the tranquil west coast, with Thames and Coromandel Town, from the east coast, with beaches like Hahei, Hot Water Beach, and Whitianga.
    Coromandel Town

    Coromandel Town

    Coromandel Town is a small settlement on the peninsula's west coast, with gold rush-era wooden houses, galleries, and cafés. New Zealand's first gold was discovered here in 1852. To the north, the secluded tip of the peninsula begins, featuring gravel roads and the Coromandel Coastal Walkway.
    Tairua & Pauanui

    Tairua & Pauanui

    Tairua and Pauanui lie opposite at the mouth of the Tairua River on the east coast of the Coromandel Peninsula. Tairua is an established town with a harbour and the lookout Mount Paku, Pauanui a planned holiday settlement with a long surf beach.
    Thames

    Thames

    Thames, on the Firth of Thames at the southwestern edge of the Coromandel Peninsula, is the gateway to the region, an hour and a half drive from Auckland. The long Pollen Street with wooden facades recalls the 1867 gold rush; hiking trails into the mountains start in Kauaeranga Valley.
    Waiheke Island

    Waiheke Island

    Waiheke is located in the Hauraki Gulf, approximately 40 minutes by ferry from central Auckland. The island is known for its vineyards, olive groves, and beaches like Oneroa and Onetangi. It's perfect for a day trip but can also be explored well over a weekend.

    Sources & method

    • Photos: Pexels, Google Maps. Each photo carries its credit.
    • Place data such as addresses and ratings comes from Google Maps.
    • The content is based on web research from public, traceable sources. How the content is made · The role of AI