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Whitianga Must-Do's
Whitianga Ferry
Connecting Ferry Landing to Whitianga via a seven-minute passenger ferry.
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Bike Up The Coast
Hire a bike from The Bike Man in Whitianga, take it on the ferry and zip along the coast to Hahei and surrounds.
Cooks Beach
Boasting a 3km stretch of white sand, Cook’s Beach is walkable from Shakespeare Cliff Lookout, with Lonely Bay sandwiched in between. The latter is seldom busy.
Dive Aldermen Islands (Ruamaahu)
One of the best open-water dive sites in New Zealand, charters operate out of Whitianga and Tairua.
Mercury Islands
Just over an hour from Whitianga wharf. Day trips with Windborne Charters sail to secret swimming and snorkelling spots.
Whitianga Oceans Festival
Formerly the Whitianga Scallop Festival, this annual event occurs each September.
The Lost Spring
Sink into thermal waters at adult-orientated Lost Spring Spa. With fluffy white towels, a full cocktail list, a la carte menu and luxury spa treatments, it’s just the ticket.
Mercury Bay Art Escape
Over the first two weekends in March 2022, visit more than 50 artists and open studios around Mercury Bay.
Whiti Farm Park
Depending on your petting bravery, you might like to stroke a big fluffy alpaca or pat the ears of a hee-hawing donkey. Hand feed a range of animals from rare sheep to wallabies and don’t forget to say hello to the ostrich, she’s one large assertive lady.
Mill Creek Bird Park and Animal Encounters
Come and see all sorts of big, bright and wonderful birds and hand feed the pigs, ducks, horses, llamas and donkey. Marvel at the sashaying peacock and jump aboard the miniature train ride. There’s a small picnic and play area for day trippers as well as camp sites and cabins for overnight stays.
Maramaratotara Bay, Whitianga © Adobe Stock
