Cooks Beach Tours and Activities

Cooks Beach
Waikato which includes rocky coastline, a sunset and a bay or harbour
Lonely Bay Beach featuring a bay or harbour and a beach
Cooks Beach
Cathedral Cove Beach which includes a bay or harbour, a beach and rugged coastline


Thick forest leads down to this popular swimming beach in Mercury Bay, where explorer Captain Cook anchored in 1769.         

Relax on the white sands of Cooks Beach, hike over the headlands to the secluded Lonely Bay, cast a line or take a game fishing trip.

Cooks Beach is surrounded by the bush of Shakespeare Reserve and is protected from the elements by Shakespeare Cliff. An estuary provides safe swimming for children, although the ocean doesn’t experience large swells and is relatively safe. Bush walks through the Shakespeare Cliff Reserve will take you to Lonely Beach and the Cook Memorial. See where the famous explorer stopped in 1769 for some hull repairs and astronomy study.

The area is known for its fishing. Striped Marlin, tuna, Hapuka, snapper and Trevally have a chance to grow to a great size in the Cathedral Cove Marine Reserve just south of Cook’s Beach. Game fishing charters leave from Whitianga, which is known for its fresh seafood. Come in September for the annual Scallop Festival. Cooks Beach has a local shop and only a handful of restaurants. Stock up on groceries at Whitianga if you plan to stay a few nights.

Foodies will love the vineyards along Purangi Road, the main access road to Cooks Beach. Wines, spirits, liqueurs and teas are produced in the area. Some of the vineyards open their cellar doors in the evening for tapas, live music, and wine. Stay overnight at a vineyard hotel. There are B&Bs, resorts and self-contained cottages close to the beach. Camping is permitted at the Cooks Beach Resort.

This area of beaches is located in Mercury Bay, a 30-minute drive from the town of Whitianga, the largest settlement in Mercury Bay. A ferry service operates from Whitianga across the bay, where you’ll step off at the oldest surviving stone wharf in Australasia, built in 1837. Once here, get around on foot in true beach style.

Plan a trip to see Cooks Beach

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Marsden Suites Nautilus Orewa
Delamore Lodge
Luminous on Anzac

Popular places to visit


Top Cooks Beach Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Captains Bach at Cooks - Downstairs Holiday Unit

Captains Bach at Cooks - Downstairs Holiday Unit

Cooks Beach
Captains Bach at Cooks - Downstairs Holiday Unit
Captains Bach at Cooks - Upstairs Holiday Unit

Captains Bach at Cooks - Upstairs Holiday Unit

Cooks Beach
Captains Bach at Cooks - Upstairs Holiday Unit
Cute Cottage - Cooks Beach Bach

Cute Cottage - Cooks Beach Bach

Cooks Beach
Cute Cottage - Cooks Beach Bach
Lake on Scott - Cooks Beach Holiday Home

Lake on Scott - Cooks Beach Holiday Home

Cooks Beach
Lake on Scott - Cooks Beach Holiday Home
Daze Away - Cooks Beach Holiday Home

Daze Away - Cooks Beach Holiday Home

Cooks Beach
Daze Away - Cooks Beach Holiday Home
Hosts on the Coast Mellow out on Martins

Hosts on the Coast Mellow out on Martins

Cooks Beach
Hosts on the Coast Mellow out on Martins
Cooks Beach Gem - Cooks Beach Holiday Home

Cooks Beach Gem - Cooks Beach Holiday Home

Cooks Beach
Cooks Beach Gem - Cooks Beach Holiday Home
Cosy at Cooks - Cooks Beach Downstairs Unit

Cosy at Cooks - Cooks Beach Downstairs Unit

Cooks Beach
Cosy at Cooks - Cooks Beach Downstairs Unit
Home Base - Cooks Beach Holiday Home

Home Base - Cooks Beach Holiday Home

Cooks Beach
Home Base - Cooks Beach Holiday Home
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.

Things to do near Cooks Beach

Cooks Beach offers a fantastic range of activities for visitors, including scenic island cruising and excellent camping sites for those looking to immerse themselves in nature. Surf enthusiasts can enjoy the local surf break, while bird watchers will be delighted by the diverse avian life in the area. With its beautiful landscapes, Cooks Beach is an ideal spot for both relaxation and adventure.

Shopping

For local gifts, check out The Coromandel Smoking Co. for unique treats, located 24.1km away. If you're up for a drive, the Goldfields Shopping Centre is 38.6km away and offers a mix of shopping, entertainment, and family-friendly vibes.

Recreation

Lost Spring Thermal Pools, located 3.2km from Cooks Beach, offers a rejuvenating experience with its soothing thermal waters and serene atmosphere. For outdoor enthusiasts, Tairua Golf and Country Club and The Lakes Golf Course, both within 12 to 24.1km, provide stunning landscapes and invigorating golf challenges.

Adventure

Explore Flaxmill Bay Camp Grounds for a relaxing outdoor experience, perfect for camping and enjoying nature. For a more adventurous outing, hike the Pauanui Tairua Trail, which offers stunning scenery and a true sense of adventure. Don’t miss the Hauraki Rail Trail Thames for a scenic ride through beautiful landscapes.

Nightlife

For a fun-filled night, venture to Combat Zone Paintball and Fun Park, an arcadeAdventureZone located 9.7km from Cooks Beach. Enjoy thrilling games and vibrant family vibes, making it a perfect spot for adventure seekers and families alike.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Cooks Beach

Cooks Beach in Waikato, New Zealand, offers a delightful mix of attractions for every traveller. Enjoy the stunning beach and bay, perfect for outdoor adventures and taking in the scenic views. Key highlights include discovering Cooks Beach, exploring local attractions, and visiting nearby hotspots like Cooks Bay and Hot Water Beach. Whether you're after relaxation or exploration, Cooks Beach is an ideal destination for an unforgettable getaway.

  • Cathedral Cove: A stunning natural wonder, Cathedral Cove features towering sea cliffs and a grand archway leading to pristine sands. The breathtaking scenery is perfect for swimming, snorkelling, or simply soaking up the sun.
  • Hahei Beach: Known for its golden sands and crystal-clear waters, Hahei Beach offers a relaxed vibe ideal for sunbathing and picnicking. The beach is a gateway for kayaking and exploring nearby caves.
  • Hot Water Beach: Famous for its geothermal springs, Hot Water Beach allows you to dig your own hot pool in the sand. It's a unique experience that combines relaxation with the beauty of the coastline.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Cooks Beach

To save money on your trip to Cooks Beach, consider visiting from July to September when accommodation rates are lower. Book your stay about a month in advance for the best prices, and look for last-minute deals on platforms like Expedia. Tuesdays are the cheapest days to stay, while Sundays are the priciest. Use Expedia’s search tools to refine your preferences and combine hotel bookings with flights for added savings. Don't forget to explore free activities, enjoy scenic walks, and utilise public transport to keep costs down.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Cooks Beach are July to September, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to December to February, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Cooks Beach is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Cooks Beach is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Cooks Beach is Sunday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and the type of accommodation you desire. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and eco-friendly hotels currently available. To find the most affordable prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from low to high.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your Cooks Beach hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.