Things to do in Cooks Beach

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Waikato featuring rocky coastline, a bay or harbor and a beach
Cooks Beach featuring tranquil scenes, general coastal views and a coastal town
Hahei Beach featuring a bay or harbor, a sandy beach and rugged coastline
Lonely Bay Beach featuring rugged coastline and a bay or harbor
Shakespeare Cliff Lookout featuring a sandy beach, surf and a bay or harbor
  • find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
  • calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    One Key members save % or more on select activities, hotels, cars and vacation rentals.
    Learn about One Key

Cooks Beach must see attractions

1. Cathedral Cove

New Zealand is full of spectacular scenery, and the Cathedral Cove Marine Reserve in the Coromandel Peninsular is no exception. White rock cliffs, a large pumice island, and a naturally formed archway joining Cathedral Cove Beach to Mares Leg Cove give this beach a distinct look.
Learn more
Cathedral Cove Beach featuring general coastal views, rocky coastline and a sunset

2. Hahei Beach

Situated on the majestic Mercury Bay, the tiny settlement of Hahei Beach becomes a bustling tourist town in the summer months. Its 350 permanent residents will welcome you to their town, ready to show you their beautiful pink-shell beach, the protected marine reserve and the pods of dolphins that live off shore. Enjoy a round of golf, browse for souvenirs at local gift shops and enjoy a pint at a local craft brewery as you indulge in the offerings of the Coromandel Peninsula.
Learn more
Hahei Beach featuring a sunset, a bay or harbor and a sandy beach

3. Hot Water Beach

Grab your bucket and spade and head to Hot Water Beach at low tide to find two natural warm water springs. Dig a pool and mix the hot water with just the right amount of seawater to create your perfect bath. Enjoy a relaxing stroll along this beautiful stretch of sand and find a quiet place to rest with a good book. Enjoy a meal in the oceanfront café and shop for souvenirs in the shops behind the beach.
Learn more
Hot Water Beach showing a sandy beach, landscape views and tropical scenes

4. Cooks Beach

Relax on the white sands of Cooks Beach, hike over the headlands to the secluded Lonely Bay, cast a line or take a game fishing trip.
Learn more
Cooks Beach

5. Shakespeare Cliff Lookout

Overlooking one of Mercury Bay’s most secluded swimming spots, Shakespeare Cliff Lookout provides sweeping views across the ocean and a comfortable picnic area. Take a stroll through the network of hiking trails that zigzag across the reserve or venture down to Lonely Bay Beach to have a dip in the ocean after you admire the views.
Learn more
Shakespeare Lookout which includes rocky coastline, a beach and a bay or harbor

Black Friday Sale

Limited-time deals: Save up to 50% on select hotels.
Book now

What to do in Cooks Beach

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Cooks Beach? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Cooks Beach

Shakespeare Lookout which includes rocky coastline, a beach and a bay or harbor

Shakespeare Cliff Lookout

5/5(1 review)

Surrounded by a nature reserve, this scenic lookout offers picnic areas, walking trails and stunning photo opportunities of beaches with aquamarine water lapping white sand.

Shakespeare Cliff Lookout

Purangi Regional Reserve

You can take time to visit Purangi Regional Reserve during your travels to Cooks Beach. Wander the beaches and gardens while you're in the area.

Purangi Regional Reserve

Captain Cook's Memorial

4/5(1 review)

Find out about the history of Cooks Beach when you take a trip to Captain Cook's Memorial. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in this relaxing area.

Captain Cook's Memorial

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Cooks Beach

Cathedral Cove Beach featuring a sunset, general coastal views and caves

Whitianga

Cathedral Cove Beach featuring a bay or harbor, rugged coastline and a sandy beach

Hahei

Photo by Jessie Broad

Ferry Landing

Frequently asked questions

Is Cooks Beach worth visiting?
From shopping to history and outdoor pursuits, there are loads of fun things to do in Cooks Beach. Don't forget to discover the area's mix of unmissable attractions, culture and local charm.
How do I spend a day in Cooks Beach?
Buffalo Beach and Matarangi Beach are two awesome places to kick-start your vacation adventures. Be sure to check out the dining and retail options in Cooks Beach while you're there too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Cooks Beach?
You can't go home without exploring Buffalo Beach, rated the top tourist attraction in Cooks Beach.
Is three days enough to stay in Cooks Beach?
You can easily enjoy popular sights like Buffalo Beach, Purangi Estate-The Purangi Winery and Flaxmill Bay Beach with a three-day break in Cooks Beach. On average, many travelers book two days here. There's plenty to see and do nearby too, so stay a while longer and head to Whitianga.
Is Cooks Beach a walkable city?
It all depends on what you want to do and see in Cooks Beach. Several top sights, like Buffalo Beach and Purangi Estate-The Purangi Winery, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a wander around some of Cooks Beach's neighborhoods, Ferry Landing is 1 mile away from downtown, while Simpsons Beach is 3 miles away from the city center and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Cooks Beach with kids?
If you're looking for activities and attractions for all ages, we've got some great ideas for what to do in Cooks Beach with kids.

What to do in Cooks Beach for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food connoisseur or outdoor adventurer, there's no shortage of things to do in Cooks Beach for adults including Purangi Estate-The Purangi Winery and Captain Cook's Memorial.
Are there free things to do in Cooks Beach?
From enjoying parks to wandering around exciting neighborhoods, it's easy to find free things to do in Cooks Beach. If you need inspiration, ask for tips from a local tour guide. Buffalo Beach is a must for anyone planning to save on their sightseeing adventures.