Mercury Bay & Eastern Beaches
Located on the east coast of the
Coromandel Peninsula, beautiful Mercury Bay had its name gifted by Captain James Cook. He anchored the Endeavour here on 5 November 1769, to set up a shore station to observe the transit of the planet Mercury. The region incorporates Mercury Bay's main centre of
Whitianga, a popular seaside holiday resort, and the townships of
Hahei, Coroglen and Whenuakite.
The East coast is renowned for its beautiful beaches, including New Chums,
Matarangi, Otama and the famous Hot Water Beach, where visitors can dig their own private spa to relax in. Among the natural attractions are the Mercury Islands and Hahei Marine Reserve, which boast excellent diving. The seaside centre of Hahei offers surfcasting, swimming and boating, and accesses the start of a walkway to Cathedral Cove.
Attractions:
- Mercury Islands
A group of seven islands located 20km north of the Bay's entrance, with world-class deep sea fishing and diving.
- New Chums Beach
Visitors can walk along the rocky shore from Whangapoua, some 30km north of Whitianga, to this pristine white sand beach. It is considered to be one of the Coromandel's most beautiful.
- Kuaotunu
A once thriving goldmining town 16km north of Whitianga, near the beautiful white sand beaches of Otama and Opito.
- Matarangi Golf Links
Designed by golfing champion Bob Charles, the beachfront green north of Whitianga has fully watered fairways.
- Whitianga
Mercury Bay's main centre is a haven for big game fishing and watersports during the summer months, and known for its lively retail centre and adjacent marina.
- Buffalo Beach
Named after the wreck of HMS Buffalo which sank off the bay in 1840, Whitianga's long sandy beach is an ideal spot for swimming, fishing and shellfish collecting.
- Ferry Landing
Across the harbour from Whitianga, ferry passengers alight at the oldest stone wharf in Australasia (built in 1837). A track leads to Shakespeare's Lookout at the top of the cliffs, offering fine views of Mercury Bay.
- Purangi Winery
A chance to sample kiwifruit wine or enjoy a cruise on the Purangi River, south of Ferry Landing.
- Hahei Marine Reserve
The Coromandel's first marine reserve incorporates the offshore area from Cooks Bluff to Hahei, accessing islands, reefs and sea caves teeming with marine life.
- Cathedral Cove
This sheltered cove with its sandy crescent beach is famous for its large sea cave. A hilly coastal track (45min) off Hahei Beach Road leads to Cathedral Cove, offering dramatic views out to sea.
- Hot Water Beach
Visitors can dig out their own private hot pool at this popular beach. Thermal water heats parts of the beach two hours either side of low tide. Do not swim outside the flags, as there are dangerous currents.
- Whenuakite
Home to a working pottery and shop, and the popular Colenso Café and Country Shop, with its handcrafts, herb garden and orchard.
- Horse Trekking
Guided horse treks leave from Coroglen south of Whitianga, following original packhorse trails of the 1800s into the Coromandel Ranges.