Whitianga Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Cathedral Cove Beach showing a sandy beach, general coastal views and caves
Cathedral Cove Beach showing a sunset, general coastal views and rugged coastline
Shakespeare Lookout which includes a sunset, rocky coastline and mountains
Hot Water Beach featuring a beach and a bay or harbour
Whitianga showing island views, a park and general coastal views

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 further 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.

Oceans Resort Whitianga

Oceans Resort Whitianga

4.5 out of 5
18 Eyre Stree, Whitianga
The price is Rp1.904.445 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
Rp1.904.445
Rp2.190.112 total
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Whitianga. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a beach locale. Popular attractions Lost Spring Thermal Pools and Mercury ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (281 reviews)
"Ants on the kitchen island."

Reviewed on 13 Aug 2025

Oceans Resort Whitianga
Beachside Resort Whitianga

Beachside Resort Whitianga

4 out of 5
20 Eyre Street, Whitianga
The price is Rp1.341.815 per night from 3 Sept to 4 Sept
Rp1.341.815
Rp1.543.087 total
3 Sept - 4 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach motel in Whitianga. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Lost Spring Thermal Pools and Mercury Bay ...
9/10 Wonderful! (841 reviews)
"Lovely clean and quiet enjoyed our stay and staff were friendly"

Reviewed on 12 Jul 2025

Beachside Resort Whitianga
Waterfront Apartments Whitianga

Waterfront Apartments Whitianga

3.5 out of 5
2 Buffalo beach Road, Whitianga, WKO
The price is Rp1.649.741 per night from 21 Aug to 22 Aug
Rp1.649.741
Rp1.963.604 total
21 Aug - 22 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star beach aparthotel in Whitianga. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (202 reviews)
"The manager Chris was absolutely awesome. He was extremely attentive before we arrived and once we got there, he recommended several spots for us to check out, including a great restaurant and an incredible hot spring spa with amazing food. We stayed at the third floor apartment and the view was ..."

Reviewed on 17 Aug 2025

Waterfront Apartments Whitianga
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 Wi-Fi, free parking and a beach locale. Popular attractions Lost Spring Thermal Pools and Mercury ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (281 reviews)
"Ants on the kitchen island."

Reviewed on 13 Aug 2025

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 Wi-Fi, free parking and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (202 reviews)
"The manager Chris was absolutely awesome. He was extremely attentive before we arrived and once we got there, he recommended several spots for us to check out, including a great restaurant and an incredible hot spring spa with amazing food. We stayed at the third floor apartment and the view was ..."

Reviewed on 17 Aug 2025

Waterfront Apartments Whitianga
Crowsnest Apartments

Crowsnest Apartments

4 out of 5
18-20 Mill Road, Whitianga
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified aparthotel in Whitianga. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions Mercury Bay Museum and Flaxmill ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (198 reviews)
"Great spot. So roomy. Walk to dinner. What’s not to love?"

Reviewed on 25 Jul 2025

Crowsnest 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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do