Whitianga | photo by Dreamland

Whitianga is the main settlement of Mercury Bay, an attractive township with a deepwater harbour. The wharf in the centre of town is the departure point for fishing enthusiasts, charter boats and scenic cruising. If taking your own craft, Mercury Bay has several launching ramps.

Lonely Bay | photo by Tourism Coromandel

An enjoyable excursion for young and old is the ferry crossing across the river to Ferry Landing. Passengers alight at the oldest stone wharf in Australasia. A short walk up the hill from the ferry leads to Front Beach then on to Flaxmill Bay. You can hire a scooter and explore further to Cooks Beach and beyond.

Front Beach | photo by Dreamland

There are many fabulous beaches, walking tracks and great scenery to take in. Further south is situated Coromandel s first marine reserve, officially designated in early 1993. It is easily accessed from Hahei Beach and Cathedral Cove.

Cathedral Cove | photo by Dreamland

It incorporates the offshore area from Cooks Bluff and Motukorure Island to Hahei and Mahurangi Island. Marine reserves are set aside for the regeneration of the marine environment and this particular area was chosen for the quality, complexity and diversity of its habitats. ' The reserve is named Te Whanganui-A-Hei after a Maori Chief who arrived on the Te Arawa waka (canoe) at the time of the Polynesian migration to New Zealand in the 1300s. Taking of fish and shell fish in the reserve is prohibited.

Hot Water Beach | photo by Dreamland

South again is wonderful Hot Water Beach, so named because of the hot springs that surface on the sand two hours either side of low tide. You can take a spade & dig your own hot pool.

For golfers there is an 18-hole golf course 3.2km south of Whitianga, a 9-hole course at Purangi near Cooks Beach, and an 18-hole course at Matarangi, 26km north of Whitianga. A short distance north of Whitianga is Wharekaho Beach where there is a fine stand of Pohutukawa trees. One of these is a gnarled old specimen that exactly fits a description in the journal of explorer Captain Cook written in 1769.

Kuatunu beach | photo by Dreamland

A further 18km north over a scenic winding sealed road is Kuaotunu, gateway to the pristine beaches of Otama and Opito. These beaches are worth the journey but are accessed only by travelling over a steep, winding, narrow, unsealed road.

Matarangi beach | photo by Dreamland

As you travel towards Coromandel you may visit the white, sandy beaches of Matarangi and Whangapoua. The warm climate and rich soils of the Coromandel promote lush growth and this is shown in the native bush that covers much of the Peninsula.

Huge majestic trees, including Kauri that survived the intense milling of last century, have been protected and can be seen by the highways and walking tracks.

photo left:
Kauri Tree on 309 Road

photo by
Tourism Coromandel

The famous 309 Road connecting Whitianga to Coromandel Town is a mostly gravel road, very scenic with lots to see and do along the way. An unusual square Kauri tree is located on the Tapu - Coroglen Road. In the spring the yellow flowers of the Kowhai tree break the green of the forest while the red blossoms of the Pohutukawa tree provide a flaming brilliance at Christmas time.

Pohutukawa Tree | photo by Dreamland

A bit of history

The famous Tahitian explorer and master mariner, Kupe, with a group of his people, set foot in Whitianga approx. 950 AD. Kupe landed at Whitianga which he named TE WHITIANGA-a- KUPE - the crossing place of Kupe. Kupe left some of his people here to settle and he carried on with his journey.

Toi-te-Huatahi arrived further south about 1100 AD where his descendants quickly flourished and spread north to eventually dominate the Whitianga area. Hei arrived with the last great migration in about 1350 AD. He was a sailing master on the canoe Te Arawa.

He eventually settled in the Hahei area, naming the area after their tribe building the prominent headland Pa Hereheretaura. He named the Bay Te Whanganui-a-Hei, meaning the great bay of Hei. Hei s descendants intermarried with those of Toi, eventually dominating the area from Whangapoua to Whangamata.

Captain James Cook, master seaman, surveyor and astronomer, sailed on the Endeavour into Mercury Bay on 3rd November 1769.

Cook anchored at Cooks Beach off Purangi. He spent several days in the area exploring and taking astronomical readings and while here he observed the transit of Mercury.

There are two monuments commemorating this event: one at Cooks Beach, and the other at Shakespeare Cliff.

Shakespeare Cliff monument | photo by Dreamland

Cooks explorations were the starting point for what was to become a vibrant Kauri timber industry.

The potential of the Whitianga area became recognised in the 1830s when Gordon Browne purchased land for Mr Ranulph Dacre, a prominent merchant of Flaxmill Bay and Cooks Beach, establishing the first European settlement in the area.

Mercury Bay has a rich and interesting history, full of Maori and European settlers arriving, flax milling, collecting & trading Kauri gum, gold mining and ship building. You can learn much more of the local history by visiting our museum.

Mercury Bay Museum | photo by Dreamland

Mercury Bay Historical Museum 11 The Esplanade - opposite the wharf - Phone: 07 866 0730
Web: www.mercurybaymuseum.co.nz

For more information visit www.whitianga.co.nz

ACTIVITIES - on the water

Cave Cruzer Adventures
14 Monk Street, Whitianga
Freephone:
0800 4 CRUZE, Web www.cavecruzer.co.nz

View possibly Dolphins up close from this safe & comfortable NZ rescue inflatable. Recommended in the Lonely Planet, 100% Pure Kiwi Magic!

Dive HQ
7 Blacksmith Lane, Whitianga, find us by the Marina, Ph: 07 867 1580
Web: www.divehq.co.nz

ice - Gear Rental Dive HQ Whitianga is an audited & approved delivery site of Academy of Diving Trust which is registered as a Private Training Establishment by NZQA pursuant of the Education

Glass Bottom Boat
Departs Whitianga Wharf
Ph: 07 867 1962 or Skippers mobile:
021 478 290
or any
Information Centre
Web: www.glassbottomboatwhitianga.co.nz

Scenic Boat Trips year round departing at 10.30am & 1.30pm from Whitianga wharf.

Whitianga Adventures
FREEPHONE 0800 806060
Web: www.whitianga-adventures.co.nz

Come on board & explore the beautiful Mercury Bay and some of its islands. Coromandel, Cave, Crabs, Penguins, Coastal Seabirds, Volcanic Blowholes, dolphin spottings & much more...

Cathedral Cove
Dive & Snorkel
Shop 2, Grange Court, Hahei, Ph: (07) 866 3955 or Ph: A/H: (07) 866 3955
Fax: (07) 866 3053, Mob: (027) 271 3187
Web: www.hahei.co.nz/diving

SCUBA DIVING- SALES - GEAR HIRE Scuba Diving & Snorkelling Trips - both within and outside the Marine Reserve boundaries; quality tuition.

Cathedral Cove Sea Kayaking
88 Hahei Beach Rd, Hahei - 1st one on the left as you enter Hahei
Ph/Fax: (07) 866 3877, Web: www.seakayaktours.co.nz

"Beaches, Islands, Caves, Coves & Cappuccinos": 1/2 day eco tours run from Hahei beach, he, No experience necessary. Your safety is our priority. Phone bookings essential. "Simply the best tour I have ever done!" (Kristen, Hawaii)

ACTIVITIES - on land

The Lost Spring
Thermal Pools
Day Spa | Dining
121A Cook Drive Whitianga
Ph: (07) 866 04565
Web: www.thelostspring.co.nz

Imagine you’ve gone for a walk in the Coromandel bush. The sun is glinting off wet leaves. Native birds abound in lush foliage. Waterfalls descend a volcanic outcrop into effervescent pools. You put your toe in the water... and it’s warm. You strip off and dive into delicious soft warm water, the tiny champagne bubbles caressing your skin.

Arts & Craft @ Bay Carving
12 The Esplanade (opposite wharf) Whitianga,
Ph: (07) 866 402
Web: www.baycarving.com

Carve your own high quality souvenir We also sell high quality bone and shell carvings plus much more. Visitors welcome. No artistic talent required. Recommended by the Lonely Planet and Rough Guide.

High Zone Adventure
49, Kaimarama Rd, RD1 Whitianga Ph/Fax: 07 866 2113, Mobile: 021 260 7033 Web: www.highzone.co.nz

Challenge yourself to nine exciting activities between 12-15 metre high poles. Harness up to walk the log, leap for the trapeze and other high wire thrills. For the ultimate adrenalin rush, freefall from the exhilarating giant swing. Suitable for all ages, families, groups and team building. Participation is enjoyment guaranteed. New 150m flying Fox. Priced from $10-$70.

The Dunes Golf Resort
Matarangi Drive, Matarangi, RD2 Whitianga,
Phone: 0800 THE DUNES
(0800 843 386)
+64 (07) 866 5394
Fax: +64 (07) 866 2852
Web: www.thedunesmatarangi.co.nz

COASTAL VIEWS A PAR FOR THE COURSE The Dunes Golf Resort is set in glorious surroundings, with sea and harbour views from most holes and the Coromandel ranges forming a spectacular backdrop. For further enquiries call the golf shop on 07 866 5394.

Combat Zone
Adventure for the WHOLE FAMILY!!!
108 Kaimarama Road, Whitianga, New Zealand PH 0275 COMBAT
(266 228) or 07 866 0038 available 7 days, bookings recommended. Web: www.combatzone.co.nz

Combat Paintball, Paintball Target Shooting, Argo Rides, Archery, Kids Quadz and more...Great for birthday parties, stag dos, team building, work functions etc. Discounts available for school groups, youth groups and kids sports teams. Swimming hole/picnic and bbq area available

Mill Creek Lavender
445 Mill Creek Road
R.D. 1 Whitianga,
Ph: 07 866 0088
www.millcreek
lavender.co.nz

Picturesque lavender farm and gift shop. Wide range of lavender products. Relax, enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in the garden.

Twin Oaks Riding Ranch
927 State Highway 25, Whitianga, Coromandel Peninsula, NZ
Phone (07) 866 5388

Guided 2 hour treks over farmland, bush, streams. Extensive views to Great Barrier Island, Cooks Beach and surrounding bays. For more information visit our website:www.twinoaksridingranch.co.nz

ACTIVITIES - in the air

COROMANDEL HELICOPTERS PO Box 477, Whitianga 3542 Phone: 027 467 2643 Freephone: 0800 864 354 Contact: Karen & Shamus
Web: www.coromandelhelicopters.co.nz

Design your dream adventure, choose from one of our luxury scenic flights, activity adventure flights or one of our ultimate heli-sport adventures!! You will love the spectacular scenery whichever Helicopter flight you choose! Ring any time, see a dream come to life! We fly from Whitianga & also from Pauanui, Coromandel & Matarangi on selected days.

Dining - Where to eat

18sixtyfive
Restaurant at the Lost Spring
121A Cook Drive Whitianga
Ph: (07) 866 04565
Web: www.thelostspring.co.nz

Sample divine cuisine lagoon-side in our restaurant “18sixtyfive” Open 7 days from 11am - 10pm Bookings are essential - please phone 07 866 0456

EGGSENTRIC Café & Restaurant
Phone 07 866 0307
Fax: 07 866 4329
Web: www.eggsentriccafe.co.nz Owners: Jason & Paul

FOOD - FUN - ART - MUSIC | At beautiful Flaxmill Bay next to Cooks Beach, a 5 minute ferry ride from Whitianga & free pickup at night or a lovely 15 minute walk. We specialise in live music, fresh Coromandel food, films, national musicians, poetry, art exhibitions, afternoon concerts.

Sangam Indian Cuisine
13/1 Blacksmith Lane
Whitianga
Ph (07) 867 1983
Fax (07) 867 1985

SALT Bar & Restaurant
1 Blacksmith Lane, Whitianga Phone: 07 866 5818
Fax: 07 866 5808
Web: www.whitiangahotel.co.nz Host: Dave

Enjoy fine dining at the Salt Restaurant. Situated right on the water at the Whitianga Marina, the views are superbly complemented by the extensive cuisine cooked by our international chef.

Uncle Harrys
Cafe and Winebar
2 Mill Road Whitianga
Ph (07) 866 0053
Web:
www.uncleharrys.co.nz

Uncle Harry's - offering a selection of great food and wine - the only place in Whitianga where you can enjoy a tropical garden setting while dining...

Other :

Coghill House Cafe ph (07) 866 0592
Dinos Pizza ph (07) 8671010
Taste Cafe ph (07) 866 0550