Whitianga Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

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

Waterfront Apartments Whitianga

Waterfront Apartments Whitianga

3.5 out of 5
2 Buffalo beach Road, Whitianga, WKO
The price is AU$194 per night from 16 Oct to 17 Oct
AU$194
16 Oct - 17 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star beach aparthotel in Whitianga. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (208 reviews)
"Great view"

Reviewed on 8 Oct 2025

Waterfront Apartments Whitianga
Beachside Resort Whitianga

Beachside Resort Whitianga

4 out of 5
20 Eyre Street, Whitianga
The price is AU$141 per night from 19 Oct to 20 Oct
AU$141
19 Oct - 20 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach motel in Whitianga. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Lost Spring Thermal Pools and Mercury Bay ...
9/10 Wonderful! (848 reviews)
"Too early to try the pool for us! Looked good though. Helpful check in. Great room (Accessible option)."

Reviewed on 12 Oct 2025

Beachside Resort Whitianga
Crowsnest Apartments

Crowsnest Apartments

4 out of 5
18-20 Mill Road, Whitianga
The price is AU$223 per night from 16 Oct to 17 Oct
AU$223
16 Oct - 17 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified aparthotel in Whitianga. Enjoy free WiFi, 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 July 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.
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 a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (208 reviews)
"Great view"

Reviewed on 8 Oct 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 WiFi, 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 July 2025

Crowsnest Apartments
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 a beach locale. Popular attractions Lost Spring Thermal Pools and Mercury ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (285 reviews)
Spot-on
"Great communication, friendly check in and check out. Lovely, clean, spacious apartment. Handy to town and the beach."

Reviewed on 24 Aug 2025

Oceans Resort 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.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Reviews of Whitianga

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
127
5 - Excellent 60%
4 - Good
75
4 - Good 36%
3 - Okay
7
3 - Okay 3%
2 - Disappointing
2
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Whitianga & surrounding areas are a wonderful part of the country. Shopping & cafes were great, everyone we came across was really polite, friendly & helpful. Appreciated Dan's (new owner) welcome food & beverages & his attention to detail is good.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Small harbour town with good selection of bars/restaursnts. Sage bathing, great walking.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Took the kids to whiti farm park about 10 minutes south of whitianga. Well worth it. Kids enjoyed the few hours that we were there

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Beautiful location. So much fantastic coastline, lots of eating options, and many activities in the area.

5/5 - Excellent

Jill

Amazing and beautiful

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Very winding roads getting to Whitianga - so just take your time and enjoy the scenery. But once there - nice laid back vibe of a place.

Cities near Whitianga

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