Whitianga

Travel Guide
Cathedral Cove Beach showing general coastal views, a beach and a sunset
It’s all about the water at this laid-back coastal town on Mercury Bay where you can explore beautiful beaches, including one that’s naturally heated, and fascinating coves.

Perched on the edge of the idyllic Mercury Bay, this historic coastal settlement was an early point of arrival for Māori explorers. Permanently settled by the Māori’s for more than 1,000 years, Whitianga is an important cultural site surrounded by natural beauty. With over 4,000 permanent residents Whitianga offers a bustling town centre with a laid-back atmosphere. Use Whitianga as a base to explore Mercury Bay and spend time checking out the town centre.

Bring your swimsuit to make the most of Mercury Bay’s many beaches. Whitianga is located on Buffalo Beach. Look for the dolphins that regularly play just out from shore. Have your camera ready as the sun begins to set to see the dolphins at their most active.

Travel farther afield, by car and ferry, to reach the pristine waters of Cooks Beach, a landing point for British explorer James Cook, or the thermally heated waters of Hot Water Beach, one of the country’s most popular attractions. A number of islands are dotted around the Mercury Bay area and can be explored by charter boat or ferry.

Visit Whitianga in September to experience the culinary delights of the Scallop Festival. Learn new ways of cooking seafood, sample freshly caught produce and enjoy a glass of wine as you savour a plate of scallops. With more than 60 stalls, the festival is a highlight of Whitianga’s calendar.

Whitianga is located in the northeast of New Zealand’s North Island. Reach the town by car, bus or train in a pleasant 2-to-3 hour journey from Auckland. Once in Whitianga you’ll find a wealth of accommodation, ranging from affordable hotels and motels in the town centre to resort-style apartments with beach views. Over the Christmas and summer holiday period the town becomes extremely popular and bookings are recommended for all accommodation.

Peninsula Motel
Peninsula Motel
3.5 out of 5
93-97 Albert Street, Whitianga
The price is P6,572 per night from 11 Nov to 12 Nov
P6,572
P7,558 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 11 - Nov 12
Stay at this 3.5-star motel in Whitianga. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (218 reviews)
"Spacious, clean, comfortable and friendly and welcoming staff"

Reviewed on Oct 28, 2024

Peninsula Motel
Beachside Resort Whitianga
Beachside Resort Whitianga
4 out of 5
20 Eyre Street, Whitianga
The price is P5,347 per night from 17 Nov to 18 Nov
P5,347
P6,149 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 17 - Nov 18
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified motel in Whitianga. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a business center. Popular attractions Cathedral Cove and Lost Spring ...
9/10 Wonderful! (766 reviews)
"The Beachside resort was an excellent place to stay for the time we were in Whitianga. It must be a new place because everything is very well designed and spotlessly clean. The staff are friendly, relaxed and professional. A bonus is that the lost spring hot pools are just through the back gate. ..."

Reviewed on Oct 27, 2024

Beachside Resort Whitianga
Blue Marlin Apartments
Blue Marlin Apartments
3.5 out of 5
4 Buffalo Beach Road, Whitianga
The price is P5,694 per night from 6 Nov to 7 Nov
P5,694
P6,603 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 6 - Nov 7
Stay at this 3.5-star beach hotel in Whitianga. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Cathedral Cove and Lost Spring Thermal Pools ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (247 reviews)
"overall is ok. The wifi is abysmal. Sometimes you cannot get it at all"

Reviewed on Oct 5, 2024

Blue Marlin Apartments
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Oceans Resort Whitianga
Oceans Resort Whitianga
4.5 out of 5
18 Eyre Stree, Whitianga
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Whitianga. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Popular attractions Cathedral Cove and Lost Spring Thermal ...
9/10 Wonderful! (240 reviews)
"Great setup close to the centre. Great reception. Thanks for looking after us."

Reviewed on Sep 19, 2024

Oceans Resort Whitianga
Waterfront Apartments Whitianga
Waterfront Apartments Whitianga
3.5 out of 5
2 Buffalo beach Road, Whitianga, WKO
Stay at this 3.5-star beach aparthotel in Whitianga. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (168 reviews)
"Best motel in the town"

Reviewed on Oct 14, 2024

Waterfront Apartments Whitianga
Sovereign Pier on the Waterways
Sovereign Pier on the Waterways
5 out of 5
73 South Highway, Whitianga, Coromandel
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Whitianga. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Cathedral Cove and Lost Spring Thermal ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (90 reviews)
Amazing location
"Very well equipped apartment with view over marina. Garage was welcome as it was raining. Very friendly and helpful check-in"

Reviewed on Oct 30, 2024

Sovereign Pier on the Waterways
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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