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Town in Waikato, New Zealand
Photo: Pseudopanax at English Wikipedia, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Whitianga is a seaside town in the middle of Mercury Bay on the east side of the Coromandel Peninsula in northern New Zealand. It has a deep water harbour from which cruising boats depart for trips around the scenic Mercury Bay coves and cliffs to Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve and its abundant sea-life. The town is on Buffalo Beach and numerous beautiful beaches are nearby. With a permanent population of 5,000, it's the second biggest town on Coromandel Peninsula (after Thames) and the biggest on the east coast of the Peninsula, and hosts a variety of dining and accommodation options.
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The HMS Buffalo wrecked near here in 1840. Remains of the ship still lie underwater in the bay.
Local history from early explorer Kupe, to later explorer Capt Cook, and onwards, also natural history.
A 3-km white sand beach suitable for swimming.
A short track leads to a viewing point and a memorial to the visit of Captain Cook and HMS Endeavour in 1769. A track leads down to Lonely Bay.
Turn right after getting off the ferry for a 3-km walk through bush with good views. Track can be slippery.
This 3-km sandy beach adjacent to the town is safe for swimming. There are no huge bovines here – the beach is named after HMS Buffalo, which was wrecked here in 1840.
Day spa, geothermal pools and restaurant.
The Triple C Cruise (Coves, Caves & Coastline) lasts 2.5 hours. The Double C Cruise (Cove & Coastline) last 1.5 hours.
Scenic & Sounds Experience 2-2.5 hrs. Express Tour 1-1.5 hrs.
A 2-hour trip in a boat that has a glass bottom so that you can see the marine life. It visits Shakespeare Cliff, Cooks Beach, Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve (Cathedral Cove, Champagne Bay, Orua Sea Cave, Gemstone Bay). In summer you can go snorkeling for 15 minutes.
The Full Monty tour lasts 2 hours and visits Lonely Bay, Shakespeare Cliff, Cooks Beach, Hahei and Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve (Cathedral Cove, Orua Sea Cave, Gemstone Bay). Option of snorkeling for 15 minutes. Also the Whirlwind Tour, lasting 75 min.
Full 2+ Hour Tour or Short 1+ Hour Cove Tour.
Lovely quaint cafe in an old cottage with seating indoors and outdoors surrounded by greenery.
On the waterfront esplanade, hence the name. Includes outdoor seating where you can watch the boats. Liquor license.
Nice cafe.
Supermarket.
Supermarket.
Southeast Asian food.
Specialises in seafood.
Has a deck area looking out on the marina.
Fall off on the Hellbender or take the more relaxing Scenic ride. Run by Steve and Kali Young.
By car
It is 40 km and about 40 minutes drive north of Tairua, and 14 km (16 min) south of Kuaotunu.
By plane
Sun Air has scheduled flights from Ardmore (Auckland), Great Barrier Island and Tauranga to Whitianga Aerodrome.
By scooter
There are scooters for hire at Ferry Landing, just a short way up the hill on the right. You only need a car drivers licence.
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Auckland · International · AKL
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