Things to do in Whitianga

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Cathedral Cove Beach featuring a sunset, general coastal views and caves
Cathedral Cove Beach featuring a sunset, general coastal views and caves
Cathedral Cove Beach featuring general coastal views, rocky coastline and a sunset
Shakespeare Lookout which includes rocky coastline, a beach and a bay or harbor
Hot Water Beach which includes a bay or harbor and a beach

Whitianga Attractions

There's something rather special about smaller cities. Whether you're traveling to Whitianga for a day or two or you're thinking of staying a little longer, it won't take you long to fall in love with this place. In fact, with so many exciting things to do and impressive sights to see, you probably won't want to leave!

Discover the best sights in Whitianga with some unique tours & day trips, or check out our list of {22 fun activities in Whitianga fun activities in Whitianga}. We have no booking fees as well as free cancellation, so you can relax and put your energy into planning an unforgettable vacation.

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Whitianga must see attractions

1. 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.
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Hahei Beach featuring a sunset, a bay or harbor and a sandy beach

2. 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.
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Cathedral Cove 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.
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Hot Water Beach which includes rocky coastline, a sandy beach and general coastal views

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.
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Cooks Beach

5. Driving Creek Railway

Take a journey on the Driving Creek Railway to zig-zag up a hill through the bushland on the Coromandel Peninsula in a fun and original way. This narrow gauge railway was originally built to supply wood and clay to the adjoining potteries, but it now mainly serves to take tourists on scenic rides.
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Driving Creek Railway showing railway items and forests

What to do in Whitianga

Free Things to Do in Whitianga

Vacationing in Whitianga on a budget? The following can be seen for nada.

Buffalo Beach - Devour a great book or listen to a podcast while sitting in the sunshine.

Things to Do in Whitianga with Kids

There are plenty of fun things to do with the kids in and around Whitianga. Keep the crew happy with our family friendly experiences.

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Whitianga? 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 Whitianga

Lost Spring Thermal Pools

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Lost Spring Thermal Pools during your travels in Whitianga. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in this relaxing area.

Lost Spring Thermal Pools

Mercury Bay Museum

You can spend time browsing the exhibits at Mercury Bay Museum during your travels in Whitianga. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in this relaxing area.

Mercury Bay Museum

Mercury Bay Golf & Country Club

Enjoy a round of golf in Whitianga at Mercury Bay Golf & Country Club. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in this relaxing area.

Mercury Bay Golf & Country Club

 

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 Whitianga

Waikato featuring rocky coastline, a bay or harbor and a beach

Cooks Beach

Coromandel Peninsula was one the highlights of our sightseeing around New Zealand. The nature in New Zealand is amazing all around, but the Coromandel Peninsula might have the most beautiful scenery with clear sea coves and lush temperate rainforests.

Kaimarama

Flaxmill Bay is a wonderful little beach - you can go paddle boarding or kayaking in the sheltered cove at one end, play with kids in the stream and shallow water or swim in the bigger surf at the other end. It has an incredible mix of white and black sand - the black sand glitters brightly, in swirling patterns throughout the white. It's gorgeous. Another bonus is the nearby Shakespeare Cliffs, which offer an easy 20 minute walk to incredible panoramic views of Mercury Bay, Lonely Bay, Cooks Beach, the Marine Reserve and its islands.

Ferry Landing

Frequently asked questions

Is Whitianga worth visiting?
Whitianga offers an interesting mix of culture, attractions and local charm. Whether you're into the outdoors, history or local cuisine, there are many things you'll find here.
How do I spend a day in Whitianga?
When you've checked off leading attractions like Buffalo Beach and Matarangi Beach, spend some time discovering Whitianga's shopping and dining scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Whitianga?
Buffalo Beach is one of the top tourist attractions in Whitianga and should be high on every sightseeing list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Whitianga?
Three days will give you time to tick off many city sights, such as Buffalo Beach, Purangi Estate-The Purangi Winery and Flaxmill Bay Beach. The average stay in Whitianga is two days. If you have the urge to extend your break, Hahei isn't far away.
Is Whitianga a walkable city?
Some top sights in Whitianga, including Buffalo Beach and Flaxmill Bay Beach, are within walking distance. You can also experience several of the city's popular neighborhoods on foot. Just 1 mile from the city center of Whitianga is Ferry Landing and Simpsons Beach is 2 miles away.
What are some activities to do in Whitianga with kids?
If you are after activities and attractions for all ages, here are some excellent ideas for what to do in Whitianga with kids.

What to do in Whitianga for adults?
Purangi Estate-The Purangi Winery and Mercury Bay Estate are just two of the things to do in Whitianga. With plenty of activities available, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Whitianga?
One of the top ways to learn about free things to do in Whitianga is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider views on hip neighborhoods, parks and other highlights you can experience without reaching for your wallet. Buffalo Beach is one sight that doesn't charge an admission fee.

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