Whitianga on Mercury Bay: Find hotels for culture and coast

On this page

Editor's Choice

Pure Luxury

“Call me spoiled - but I love to be treated like a queen when traveling. Only the best is good enough for me. Hotels that make my vacation a dream of luxury and seduction are my choices. Pay attention to the (violet Medal) for luxury accommodation.”

Tatjana Herzegova, Kiew, Ukraine

Editor's Choice

Sustainable Travel

“There is only one earth and we should go out and see it. I like hotels, which look for sustainability. It is not only protecting the ecology, but also taking care for the local business and culture. I recommend the medal for eco accomodation. Let’s protect our earth. Sustainable travel is travelling with responsibility.”

Markus Lenk, Düsseldorf, Germany

Whitianga is the main town on Mercury Bay. If you’re planning a coastal stay, you’ll find a range of things to explore here: the Mercury Bay Museum, with exhibits about the Polynesian navigator Kupe; the coast at Buffalo Beach; and activities on the water, in the air and on land.

The wreck of HMS Buffalo lies 50 m off Buffalo Beach and is a protected archaeological site under the Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Act 2014. The museum and the wreck offer different perspectives: the exhibit about Kupe explores the history of a Polynesian navigator, while the wreck marks a specific maritime archaeological site off Whitianga.

A short walk and a range of activities

The easy Whitianga Rock Walk nearby is 400 m long; the return walk takes 20 minutes. It starts at Ferry Landing Wharf and leads into Whitianga Rock Scenic and Historic Reserve. The Whitianga Rock Walk leads to the remains of a well-fortified Ngāti Hei pā.

From Whitianga, visitors can enjoy water sports, take scenic flights and go on boat trips in Mercury Bay. Beaches and forest walks are also among the possible activities. The options vary in focus: a boat trip takes you out on Mercury Bay, while a scenic flight offers a different kind of experience. On land, beaches and forest walks provide further options.

Ferry connection and planning

The Whitianga Ferry connects Ferry Landing and Whitianga. The ferry service in Whitianga dates back to 1895. If you’re planning a crossing, check the current timetable. The start of the Whitianga Rock Walk at Ferry Landing Wharf is another useful landmark when planning your visit.

The wider region: Thames-Coromandel District

Thames-Coromandel District offers a regional setting of dramatic terrain and coastline, native forests and diverse coastal settlements. The district includes around 2,000 hectares of parks and protected areas. The Hauraki Rail Trail is 160 km long and runs through the Thames-Coromandel, Hauraki and Matamata-Piako districts. A 34 km section from Thames to Paeroa passes through lush farmland. Trail conditions can change, so check them before planning a specific trip.

In Thames, the Thames School of Mines complex is nationally significant as a rare and well-preserved example of its kind. The site has spiritual, cultural and archaeological significance and is particularly important to Ngāti Maru. Also in Thames, the Band Rotunda in Victoria Park has been used for musical performances and related events for more than a century. These historic sites offer a different cultural perspective on the region than the Mercury Bay Museum in Whitianga.

In Coromandel Town, Driving Creek offers railway rides, ziplining, pottery classes and a park dedicated to protecting native nature. The railway runs through 60 acres of regenerating native bush to the EyeFull Tower Lookout, which offers sweeping views over Coromandel Town and the Hauraki Gulf. Booking and operating details can change, so check them before planning a specific visit.

Discover more destinations: Kuaotunu, Tapu, Hahei, Hikutaia, Opito Bay, Tairua, Matarangi, Cooks Beach.

For the broader travel overview: Thames-Coromandel District.

Search accommodationAdvertisement · We may receive a commission if you book.