Overview
Whitianga is the largest town on the east coast of Coromandel Peninsula, serving as a base for exploring Mercury Bay and the Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve. The town has a deep-water harbour where cruise boats depart for Cathedral Cove, sea caves, and coastal cliffs.
Beach · Day Trips · History · Nature
Before you go
Accommodation
YHA Whitianga at 46 Buffalo Beach Rd has dorm beds from $24.30; book ahead during summer holidays.
Food
Two supermarkets (Woolworths, New World) on Joan Gaskell Dr for self-catering; open 7AM-9PM daily except Christmas.
Transport
Intercity buses connect Whitianga to Thames twice daily; tickets available online or at i-Site Visitor Centre.
Water
Hot Water Beach: visit during low tide and bring or hire a spade to dig your own hot pool in the sand.
