What to do in Cooks Beach

Activities, attractions and tours

A beach with calm waves, a pink and blue sky, and rocky cliffs.
A coastal town with houses by the water, surrounded by hills and dense forests.
A calm river reflecting the sunset, surrounded by cliffs and trees.
A rocky shoreline with clear turquoise water and distant hills.
A beach with waves crashing against rocks, clear blue water, and a few people in the distance.

Things to do

Picture 4 for Activity Whitianga: 2-Hour Cathedral Cove and Volcanic Coast Cruise

Whitianga: 2-Hour Cathedral Cove and Volcanic Coast Cruise

Rp1.458.469
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Whitianga: 2-Hour Cathedral Cove and Volcanic Coast Cruise
Picture 2 for Activity From Whitianga: Cathedral Cove Cruise with Snorkeling

Whitianga: Cathedral Cove Cruise, Caves & Snorkelling

Rp1.518.364
per adult
Whitianga: Cathedral Cove Cruise, Caves & Snorkelling
Cathedral Cove Kayak Tour

Cathedral Cove Kayak Tour

Rp1.845.068
per adult
Cathedral Cove Kayak Tour
Sea Cave Adventures in the Coromandel

Sea Cave Adventures in the Coromandel

Rp1.417.140
per adult
Sea Cave Adventures in the Coromandel
Sea Cave Adventures in Whitianga

Sea Cave Adventures in Whitianga

Rp1.417.140
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Sea Cave Adventures in Whitianga
Cathedral Cove Track

Cathedral Cove Day Trip from Auckland

Rp3.947.747
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Cathedral Cove Day Trip from Auckland
Private Cathedral Cove and Coromandel Tour from Auckland

Cathedral Cove & Hot water beach -Full Day Tour: PRIVATE TOUR

Rp4.048.971
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Cathedral Cove & Hot water beach -Full Day Tour: PRIVATE TOUR
Cathedral Cove Scenic Cruises Whitianga

Cathedral Cove Scenic Cruises Whitianga

Rp1.417.140
per adult
Cathedral Cove Scenic Cruises Whitianga
Cathedral Cove & Hot Water Beach with Lunch Tours

Cathedral Cove & Hot Water Beach with Lunch Tours

Rp9.919.980
per adult
Cathedral Cove & Hot Water Beach with Lunch Tours
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Top places to visit

1. Cathedral Cove

New Zealand is full of spectacular scenery, and the Cathedral Cove Marine Reserve in the Coromandel Peninsular is no exception. White rock cliffs, a large pumice island, and a naturally formed archway joining Cathedral Cove Beach to Mares Leg Cove give this beach a distinct look.
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A large rock formation by the sea with a beach and distant mountains.

2. Hahei Beach

Situated on the majestic Mercury Bay, the tiny settlement of Hahei Beach becomes a bustling tourist town in the summer months. Its 350 permanent residents will welcome you to their town, ready to show you their beautiful pink-shell beach, the protected marine reserve and the pods of dolphins that live off shore. Enjoy a round of golf, browse for souvenirs at local gift shops and enjoy a pint at a local craft brewery as you indulge in the offerings of the Coromandel Peninsula.
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A beach with a rocky cliff and calm water.

3. Hot Water Beach

Grab your bucket and spade and head to Hot Water Beach at low tide to find two natural warm water springs. Dig a pool and mix the hot water with just the right amount of seawater to create your perfect bath. Enjoy a relaxing stroll along this beautiful stretch of sand and find a quiet place to rest with a good book. Enjoy a meal in the oceanfront café and shop for souvenirs in the shops behind the beach.
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A sandy beach with rocky outcrops and clear blue water.

4. Driving Creek Railway

Take a journey on the Driving Creek Railway to zig-zag up a hill through the bushland on the Coromandel Peninsula in a fun and original way. This narrow gauge railway was originally built to supply wood and clay to the adjoining potteries, but it now mainly serves to take tourists on scenic rides.
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A train journey through a dense, lush green forest with a wooden bridge.

5. Shakespeare Cliff Lookout

Overlooking one of Mercury Bay’s most secluded swimming spots, Shakespeare Cliff Lookout provides sweeping views across the ocean and a comfortable picnic area. Take a stroll through the network of hiking trails that zigzag across the reserve or venture down to Lonely Bay Beach to have a dip in the ocean after you admire the views.
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A beach with clear turquoise water, a sandy shore, and a forested hill in the background.

What to do in Cooks Beach

Stay near popular Cooks Beach attractions

Shakespeare Cliff Lookout

9.6/10 (4 reviews)
Surrounded by a nature reserve, this scenic lookout offers picnic areas, walking trails and stunning photo opportunities of beaches with aquamarine water lapping white sand.
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Frequently asked questions

Is Cooks Beach worth visiting?
Cooks Beach has an interesting mix of local charm, attractions and culture. Whether you're into the outdoors, history or local culinary flavours, there are many things here to enjoy.
How do I spend a day in Cooks Beach?
After you've visited major attractions like Buffalo Beach and Matarangi Beach, spend the rest of your day enjoying Cooks Beach's retail and dining scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Cooks Beach?
The top tourist attraction in Cooks Beach is Buffalo Beach, so don't forget to include it on your sightseeing list.
Is three days enough to stay in Cooks Beach?
Three days in Cooks Beach is enough to visit the city's major highlights. Many guests spend two days on average. Buffalo Beach, Purangi Estate-The Purangi Winery and Flaxmill Bay Beach are among the most popular sights. Want to see more? Stick around a little longer to explore nearby hotspots such as Whitianga.
Is Cooks Beach a walkable city?
Some leading sights in Cooks Beach, such as Buffalo Beach and Purangi Estate-The Purangi Winery, are within walking distance. You can also explore several of the city's popular neighbourhoods on foot. Only 2 kilometers from the city centre of Cooks Beach is Ferry Landing and Simpsons Beach is 5 kilometers away.
What are some activities to do in Cooks Beach with kids?
If you're searching for activities and sights for all the family, have a look at these awesome ideas for what to do in Cooks Beach with kids.

What to do in Cooks Beach for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, avid foodie or fan of Mother Nature, there's no shortage of things to do in Cooks Beach for adults including Purangi Estate-The Purangi Winery and Captain Cook's Memorial.
Are there free things to do in Cooks Beach?
In Cooks Beach, Buffalo Beach is a top spot for anyone looking to tour the city without reaching for their wallet. Also, stroll around the parks and other neighbourhoods, and ask for tips from a local tour guide. It's an easy way to learn about the best free things to do in Cooks Beach.