WHITIANGA & MERCURY BAY

If adventure is what you're looking for then there is no better way to see this beautiful coast line than by Sea Kayak.

Cathedral Cove Sea Kayaking operate daily tours from October to May leaving from Hahei Beach. No kayaking experience is necessary and their qualified guides will give you full instruction and assistance.

Explore the clear waters of the Marine Reserve while you snorkel the volcanic coast and offshore islands. We will gladly assist you with any bookings you may want to make to enable you to see as much of the beautiful Mercury Bay as possible while you are with us.

Buffalo Beach, the main beach front at Whitianga is a wonderful 4km long stretch of soft white sand. It is named after HMS Buffalo, which was wrecked there in 1840.

The beach is a safe swimming beach lined with beautiful Canary Island Date Palms. Shellfish can be gathered from the beach and fishing is a popular past time. Restuarants along the Esplanade enjoy the fantastic views overlooking Mercury Bay.

A short stroll to the wharf and a $1 coin will have you enjoying a quick ferry ride across to the Ferry Landing, where you can walk to Front Beach and Flaxmill Bay. Shakespeare Lookout, with it's magnificent views out over Mercury Bay and the surrounding islands, is a must for those keen photographers as the views from the point are simply amazing. Cooks Beach, named by Captain Cook in 1769 when he landed there to observe the passage of Mercury and to replenish his supplies is a lovely long white sandy beach with the Purangi River at the far end of the beach. Cook discovered oysters in the river and called it Oyster River but later it was reverted back to it's original name. On the way to Cooks Beach you will pass the Purangi Winery and cafe, where wine sampling is offered.

For more information about Whitianga & Mercury Bay, visit the i-SITE Visitor Information website

www.whitianga.co.nz