 Whitianga & Mercury Bay - Located
on the east coast of the Coromandel, Mercury Bay's main town of
Whitianga has attracted visitors for more than a thousand years, since
Maori explorer Kupe first settled here around 950A.D. But iit was
Captain James Cook who gave the area its name, when he anchored in the
bay in 1769 to observe the transit of Mercury. Now an established
tourist resort, the Bay's spectacular coastline is dotted with islands
and its relatively sheltered waters are perfect for all water sports.
There are a large range of activities to enjoy. Buffalo Beach - named
after the H.M.S. Buffalo wrecked here in 1840, this beach offers safe
swimming, plus good fishing and shellfish collecting. Further north is
Wharekaho Beach, where the areas main Maori Pa was located. Whitianga
Wharf - the centre for boating and fishing activity, where you can take
the passenger Ferry to Ferry Landing and Flaxmill Bay or the shuttle to
Cooks beach, Hahei, Hot Water Beach and Cathedral Cove. Mercury Bay
Museum - located in the old Dairy Factory, the museum offers
fascinating relics from the areas past. For more information visit www.whitianga.co.nz
Hot Water Beach - Some volcanos develop huge underground reservoirs of superheated
water. Over time, this water will escape to the surface — cooling on
the way. There are two fissures at Hot Water Beach issuing water as hot
as 64˚C (147˚F) at a rate as high as 15 litres/minute. This water
contains large amounts of salt (NOT salt water), calcium, magnesium,
potassium, fluorine, bromine and silica. There are other hot water
springs nearby but the location of these two springs on the beach make
them unique. The hot springs are only accessible at low tide, however
more often than not two hours each side of low tide, will still provide
you with an opportunity to dig your own spa. Spades are available for
hire at a local store
Hahei - from the lookout
of this attractive beach (named after
the Maori Chief Hei) there is access
to Cathedral Cove and the Marine Reserve.
Cathedral Cove - Accessible only on foot or by boat, famous Cathedral Cove is one of
the “must visit” sites on the Coromandel Peninsula. The track begins at
the northern end of Hahei. Cathedral Cove Marine Reserve, Te Whanganui-
A-Hei, covers 9 square kilometres and is New Zealand’s sixth marine
reserve. It is administered by the Department of Conservation. This
site was chosen for a marine reserve because of the rich and varied
habitats associated with the coastline and outlying islands. Reefs of
hard rock, soft sediments, intricate caves and underwater arches
provide homes for complex communities of plants, crustaceans, molluscs
and fish. Sheltered from the worst of the southerly winds Te
Whanganui-A-Hei gives visitors an opportunity to learn from and enjoy
an unspoiled marine environment.
Cathedral Cove Walk There are several scenic tracks on land adjacent to the reserve,
including the 2hr return walk to Cathedral Cove track, which gives
access to Gemstone Bay, Mares Leg and Cathedral Cove. Foot access to
the Cathedral Cove car park is at the western end of Hahei Beach and
vehicle access is up Grange Road (turn left past shops and go all the
way to end of Grange Road).
Cooks Beach - flanked
by Shakespeare Cliff to the west and
the picnic spot of Purangi River to
the East, this is a popular visitor
destination.
Kuaotunu - once a thriving
gold mining town, this area offers a
good beach, fishing and access - via
the famous Black Jack Road - to the
picturesque white sand beaches of Otama
and Opito.
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Whitianga
Hot Water Beach
Hahei
Cathedral Cove
Cathedral Cove
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