Whitianga is a coastal town located on New Zealand’s North Island. Whitianga is the main town in Mercury Bay, featuring 18th-century harvested forests and a timber port. If you’re in Whitianga, do experience the seafood, along with the scallop shucking competition. Here’s a rundown of the 6 best things to do in Whitianga, New Zealand.
1. The Lost Spring
The Lost Spring is situated in the Whitianga region of New Zealand. If you’re looking to spoil yourself with extensive skincare therapies, you must visit this place to rejuvenate and relax. The Lost Spring is a paradise and features therapeutic, natural thermal spring pools, with excellent service. Indulge in authentic Pacific cuisine at their on-site restaurant or try the varied spa beauty treatments. Try the hot stone massage, that gently unloosens aching muscles and allows you to relax.
At the Lost Springs, you will discover an excellent ambiance, staff, services, pools and massages. The tropical atmosphere is a winner and the whole area has been built to be a geothermal paradise. The Spring Saver package will cost you 250 NZD (180.24 USD) for a couple and is normally priced at 446 NZD (321.50 USD).
The Lost Spring
Address: 121A Cook Dr, Whitianga 3510, New Zealand
Website: The Lost Spring
2. Shakespeare Cliff Scenic and Historic Reserve
Shakespeare Cliff Scenic and Historic Reserve is a beautiful place in Whitianga, offering stunning views of Mercury Bay. You can spend hours here, admiring the spectacular views and the waves. Hike up the trail after you get off the ferry and you will arrive at a picturesque spot. We suggest you take the path down to Cooks Beach, through Lonely Bay, which is a marvellous trek to enjoy an incredible view. It will take you about 30-minutes to reach the top, however, it's totally worth the climb.
Shakespeare Cliff Scenic and Historic Reserve
Address: Cooks Beach 3591, New Zealand
3. Whiti Farm Park
Whiti Farm Park in Whitianga is an amazing park that houses a large variety of animals. Visit this stunning and thoughtfully laid out park to feed and pamper the animals! The owners have meticulously set up this park in a cool fashion. While you are here, make sure to visit the incredible Treehouse and watch the inquisitive animals from there. There is an entry fee of 10 NZD (7.21 USD) and you can pay an additional 1 NZD (.72 USD) to get some animal feed. Expect to meet alpacas, possums, goats, emus, sheep, turtles, wallabies, turkeys, dogs, cats, rabbits, ostriches, deer, stags, donkeys and ponies.
Whiti Farm Park
Address: 2414 Tairua Whitianga Rd, Whitianga 3591, New Zealand
Website: Whiti Farm Park
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4. Mercury Bay Museum in Whitianga
Mercury Bay Museum features phenomenal art displays, worth the visit. This interesting museum in Whitianga is the epitome of learning, where you can also meet the local volunteer groups. From history revolving around the Pacific, Captain Cook and his adventurous voyages, there’s a lot to explore here. Be prepared to spend at least two hours in the museum, to be able to grasp everything.
Earlier, this Museum was the Mercury Bay Dairy Factory! Today, this historically interesting and informative museum is Whitianga’s pride. Here, you can learn about the first visitors to New Zealand, along with other fascinating facts about this island nation. The best part is observing the 15th-century classroom, that reflects how education has evolved since then. The museum contains plenty of interactive features and content. In addition, you get access to information on local shipwrecks and artefacts of the time.
Mercury Bay Museum
Address: 11a The Esplanade, Whitianga 3510, New Zealand
Website: Mercury Bay Museum
5. Whitianga Bike Park
Whitianga Bike Park features multiple bike tracks, along with additional tracks for people to walk on. The Bike Park is famous for its good level of maintenance and upgrades. Bikers will have an awesome time, riding through the paths, which are surrounded by nature. Children and non-bikers can take the lower tracks and enjoy a pleasant stroll while listening to the birds chirping and singing.
Hewie’s Lookout is a picnic area at the top of the hill, which features wide views of Whitianga. Whitianga Bike Park is an ideal picnic spot to enjoy a nature-inspired lunch. This less famed attraction in Mercury Bay is definitely worth a visit. This well-designed park is well-maintained, with gorgeous picnic areas, gardens and native trees.
Whitianga Bike Park
Address: Moewai Road, Whitianga 3510, New Zealand
Website: Whitianga Bike Park
6. Aquatic adventures at Whitianga Beach
Whitianga Beach features spectacular beaches. First, explore the white sands of Buffalo Beach, named after the 18th-century, wrecked ship. This beach offers swimming activities, cafes, shops, restaurants and good proximity to the spas. From this beach, you can also take a ferry to the Whitianga Rock Historic Reserve.
The second beach worth exploring is Cathedral Cove. Thousands of people walk the coastal track each year to visit this beautiful bay. In fact, Cathedral Cove’s exalted arch, connecting to Mares Leg Beach is a photographer’s dream. Cathedral Cove offers excellent snorkelling and swimming opportunities within the Te Whanganui and Hei Marine Reserve.
Last but not the least, visit Hot Water Beach, which features an exquisite spa on a beautiful beach. Spend a few hours on this beach, to soak in the freshness of the thermal springs, or enjoy some aquatic adventures and windsurfing.
Whitianga Buffalo Beach
Address: Buffalo Beach Rd, Whitianga, New Zealand
Vacation in New Zealand
Whitianga is the second largest town on the Coromandel Peninsula, facing Buffalo Beach, which is named after the HMS Buffalo. Today, the township survives on farming, fishing, and tourism. This coastal city in New Zealand is one of the best places to enjoy a complete vacation.
History
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