| |
 |
|
|
 |
 |
| |
|
|
- Located on the east coast of the Coromandel, Mercury Bay's main town of Whitianga has attracted visitors for more than a thousand years, since Maori explorer Kupe first settled here around 950A.D. But iit was Captain James Cook who gave the area its name, when he anchored in the bay in 1769 to observe the transit of Mercury. Now an established tourist resort, the Bay's spectacular coastline is dotted with islands and its relatively sheltered waters are perfect for all water sports. There are a large range of activities to enjoy. Buffalo Beach - named after the H.M.S. Buffalo wrecked here in 1840, this beach offers safe swimming, plus good fishing and shellfish collecting. Further north is Wharekaho Beach, where
the areas main Maori Pa was located. Whitianga Wharf - the centre for boating and fishing activity, where you can take the passenger Ferry to Ferry Landing and Flaxmill Bay or the shuttle to Cooks beach, Hahei, Hot Water Beach and Cathedral Cove. Mercury Bay Museum - located in the old Dairy Factory, the museum offers fascinating relics from the areas past. For more information visit www.whitianga.co.nz
 Hot Water Beach - Some volcanos develop huge underground reservoirs of superheated water. Over time, this water will escape to the surface — cooling on the way. There are two fissures at Hot Water Beach issuing water as hot as 64˚C (147˚F) at a rate as high as 15 litres/minute. This water contains large amounts of salt (NOT salt water), calcium, magnesium, potassium, fluorine, bromine and silica. There are other hot water springs nearby but the location of these two springs on the beach make them unique. The hot springs are only accessible at low tide, however more often than not two hours each side of low tide, will still provide you with an opportunity to dig your own spa. Spades are available for hire at a local store
Hahei - from the lookout
of this attractive beach (named after
the Maori Chief Hei) there is access
to Cathedral Cove and the Marine Reserve.
Cathedral Cove - Accessible only on foot or by boat, famous Cathedral Cove is one of the “must visit” sites on the Coromandel Peninsula. The track begins at the northern end of Hahei. Cathedral Cove Marine Reserve, Te Whanganui- A-Hei, covers 9 square kilometres and is New Zealand’s sixth marine reserve. It is administered by the Department of Conservation. This site was chosen for a marine reserve because of the rich and varied habitats associated with the coastline and outlying islands. Reefs of hard rock, soft sediments, intricate caves and underwater arches provide homes for complex communities of plants, crustaceans, molluscs and fish. Sheltered from the worst of the southerly winds Te Whanganui-A-Hei gives visitors an opportunity to learn from and enjoy an unspoiled marine environment.
Cathedral Cove Walk There are several scenic tracks on land adjacent to the reserve, including the 2hr return walk to Cathedral Cove track, which gives access to Gemstone Bay, Mares Leg and Cathedral Cove. Foot access to the Cathedral Cove car park is at the western end of Hahei Beach and vehicle access is up Grange Road (turn left past shops and go all the way to end of Grange Road).
Cooks Beach - flanked
by Shakespeare Cliff to the west and
the picnic spot of Purangi River to
the East, this is a popular visitor
destination.
Kuaotunu - once a thriving
gold mining town, this area offers a
good beach, fishing and access - via
the famous Black Jack Road - to the
picturesque white sand beaches of Otama
and Opito.
Wharekaho (Simpsons Beach) Cooks first landing place in NZ.
|
Whitianga
Hot Water Beach
Hahei
Cathedral Cove
Cathedral Cove
|
 Arts & Craft @
Bay
Carving
12 The Esplanade (opposite wharf)
Whitianga,
Ph: (07) 866 402
Web: www.baycarving.com
approx. 2 hours and are priced depending on design. No artistic talent required. Recommended by the Lonely Planet and Rough Guide.
 Cathedral Cove
Dive & Snorkel
Shop 2, Grange Court,
Hahei,
Ph: (07) 866 3955 or
Ph: A/H: (07) 866
3955
Fax: (07) 866 3053,
Mob: (027) 271 3187
Web: www.hahei.co.nz/diving
SCUBA DIVING- SALES - GEAR HIRE Scuba Diving & Snorkelling Trips - both within and outside the Marine Reserve boundaries; quality tuition.
 Cathedral Cove Sea Kayaking
88 Hahei Beach
Rd, Hahei -
1st one on the left as you enter
Hahei
Ph/Fax: (07) 866 3877,
Web: www.seakayaktours.co.nz
"Beaches,
Islands, Caves, Coves & Cappuccinos":
1/2 day eco tours run from Hahei beach,
he, No experience necessary.
Your safety is our priority. Phone bookigs essential. "Simply the best tour I have ever done!" (Kristen, Hawaii)
 Cave Cruzer Adventures
14 Monk Street, Whitianga,
Freephone: 0800 4 CRUZE,
Web www.cavecruzer.co.nz
possibly Dolphins up close from this safe & comfortable NZ rescue inflatable. Recommended in the Lonely Planet, 100% Pure Kiwi Magic!
 Dive HQ
7 Blacksmith Lane, Whitianga,
find us by the Marina,
Ph: 07 867 1580
Web: www.divehq.co.nz
ice - Gear Rental Dive HQ Whitianga is an audited & approved delivery site of Academy of Diving Trust which is registered as a
Private Training Establishment by NZQA pursuant of the Education
 Escapade - Fishing Trips & Charter
Mob. 0274 Island (475263), Phone 07 867 1488 Fax 07 867 1489
web: www.islandcruise.co.nz
|
|
|
 Glass Bottom Boat
Ph: 07 867 1962 or Skippers,
mobile: 021 478 290 or any Information Centre
Web: www.glassbottomboatwhitianga.co.nz
Scenic Boat Ttrips year round departing at 10.30am & 1.30pm from Whitianga wharf.
 High Zone Adventure
49, Kaimarama Rd, RD1 Whitianga Ph/Fax: 07 866 2113,
Mobile: 021 260 7033 Web: www.highzone.co.nz
larating giant swing. Suitable for all ages, families, groups and team building. Participation is enjoyment guaranteed. Priced from $10-$60.
 The Dunes Golf Resort
Matarangi Drive,
Matarangi,
RD2 Whitianga,
Phone: 0800 THE DUNES
(0800 843 386)
+64 (07) 866 5394,
Fax: +64 (07) 866 2852,
Web: www.thedunesmatarangi.co.nz
COASTAL VIEWS
A PAR FOR THE COURSE The Dunes Golf Resort is set in glorious surroundings, with sea and harbour views from most holes and the Coromandel ranges forming a spectacular backdrop.
For further enquiries call the golf shop
on 07 866 5394.
 Mill Creek Lavender
445 Mill Creek Road
R.D. 1 Whitianga,
Ph: 07 866 0088
www.millcreeklavender.co.nz
Picturesque lavender farm and gift shop. Wide range of lavender products. Relax, enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in the garden.
Whitianga Adventures
FREEPHONE 0800 80 60 60
Web: www.whitianga-adventures.co.nz
Come on board & explore the beautiful Mercury Bay and some of its islands. Coromandel, Cave, Crabs, Penguins, Coastal Seabirds, Volcanic Blowholes, dolphin spottings & much more...
 Twin Oaks Riding Ranch
927 State Highway 25, Whitianga, Coromandel Peninsula, NZ
Phone (07) 866 5388
Guided 2 hour treks over farmland, bush, streams. Extensive views to Great Barrier Island, Cooks Beach and surrounding bays. For more information visit our website:www.twinoaksridingranch.co.nz
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Whitianga Adventures