Visit Cooks Beach to explore a quaint and picturesque community backing onto the cliffs and sandy strand of Mercury Bay. All types of resorts and bed-and-breakfasts line the narrow streets, which also have a few small restaurants and local shopping. Travel along the coastline of this community for spectacular vistas of the cliffs.
In the northwestern corner of the region is the city of Whitianga, home to the Mercury Bay Museum and the Bread & Butter Gallery. Take the Whitianga Ferry east across a stretch of water to get to Maramaratotara Bay and appreciate the views from the Mercury Bay Lookout at the end of a 30-minute nature trail. Continue east to the Shakespeare Cliff Scenic and Historic Reserve, which has the Cook Memorial and an observation point overlooking the beaches.
Sunbathe on the golden sand of secluded Lonely Bay Beach, beside the bluffs. On its eastern side is the long Cooks Beach strand, which has restroom facilities. Venture through the dense forest to arrive at the white-sand beach, protected from the wind by the Shakespeare Cliffs. Captain James Cook landed at the eastern end of this beach in 1769.
From Whitianga you can join game fishing charters in Cathedral Cove Marine Reserve. Head east to the vineyards of Purangi and enjoy pizza and drinks at the Purangi Winery. Stroll along the banks of the enchanting Purangi River. A little south is the gorgeous Purangi Golf & Country Club.
The community of Cooks Beach is in the Thames-Coromandel District, in the northern part of New Zealand’s North Island. It lies at the northern end of Coromandel Forest Park. Drive east from Auckland for 110 miles (177 kilometers) to get here in 2 to 3 hours. While in the region, consider visiting other nearby areas such as Waiheke Island, Fletcher Bay and Great Mercury Island.
