Whitianga

Whitianga passengers ferry
Whitianga passengers ferry
New Zealand
Whitianga

Whitianga is located on the inner reaches of the deep-water harbour of Mercury Bay. Its early life as a timber port and shipbuilding centre has morphed into a far more urbane persona.  The charms of bygone days have largely disappeared, and the squat concrete block buildings which predominate in the town centre are slowly being replaced by more stylish up-market facades.  Numerous big game fishing trips and scenic boat tours to Te Whanganui a Hei Marine Reserve leave from Whitianga Wharf, as does the passenger ferry which plies the narrow crossing to Ferry Landing.  Within easy walking distance from Ferry Landing are the Whitianga Rock Scenic and Historical Reserve, Shakespeare’s Lookout and Flaxmill Bay, where you’ll find the quirky Eggsentric Café and Restaurant, which features live music and poetry during the summer, art exhibitions and sculpture symposiums, and free pick-up at night from the ferry.  The iconic kiwi beaches, Hahei, Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach, are a 30-40 minute drive south of Whitianga, while driving north will take you to the equally beautiful but less crowded Opito and Otama Beaches, and Kuaotunu Bay, where you can hire bikes and kayaks.  The annual Scallop Festival, held here every August, celebrates the bounty of the local waters, and features live jazz and blues, scallop cooking demonstrations and cook-offs. 

Whitianga Accommodation "Our Pick"

Admiralty Lodge Motel
Beach front 5 star motel, self-contained units, heated pool.
69 Buffalo Beach Rd -- Phone: +64 7 866 0181
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Marina Park Apartments
Spacious 1-3 bedroom s/c apartments, heated pool, spa, gym.
84 Albert Street -- Phone: +64 7 866 0599
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Kuaotunu Bay Lodge
Boutique B&B with fantastic views on beach front location.
8 State Highway 25, Kuaotunu (18km North of Whitianga)
Phone: +64 7 866 4396    Website

More accommodation in Hahei/Hot Water Beach

Whitianga Restaurants & Cafes "Our Pick"

The Fire Place Restaurant & Bar
International cuisine & pizzas.
9 The Esplanade --Phone: 07 866 4828

Blonde Restaurant
International cuisine.
8 The Esplanade -- Phone: 07 866 0222

Cafe Nina
BBQ breakfast and cafe food.
20 Victoria Street -- Phone: 07 866 4828

Salt
New Zealand cuisine at the Marina Hotel.
1 Blacksmith Lane -- Phone: 07 866 5818

Eggsentric Cafe and Restaurant
New Zealand cuisine and cultural events a ferry ride away.
1049 Purangi Road, Flaxmill Bay -- Phone: 07 866 0307

Whitianga Activities "Our Selection"

Mercury Bay Seafaris -- Phone: +64 7 866 3910
Two hour glass bottom boat trip to Cathedral Cave, incl. snorkeling
Departing from Whitianga wharf.
Also one hour Hahei Explorer, which departs from Hahei Beach.

Cave Cruzer Adventures -- Phone: +64 7 866 0611
1 - 3.5 hour trips in a speedy inflatable along the scenic coast. Departing from Whitianga wharf.  

The Lost Spring -- Phone: +64 7 866 0456
Thermal pools, day spa & restaurant (14 years and older).  
121A Cook Drive.

 


Otama Beach, approx. 16km North of Whitianga

 

 


The Lost Spring
The Lost Spring

Coromandel Region - Whitianga

ACCOMMODATION SPECIALS & GUEST REVIEWS 

Salt Restaurant at the Marina Hotel, Whitianga
Salt Restaurant at the Marina Hotel, Whitianga

Whitianga weather forecast on metservice.com

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The Fire Place Restaurant and Bar, Whitianga
The Fire Place Restaurant and Bar, Whitianga