15 Best Things to Do in Whitianga & Hahei 🐚 [2025]

Last Updated: 8 December, 2024

What to Do in Whitianga, Hahei and Mercury Bay

Our Genuine Takes on Local Experiences

If your travels have brought you to the east coast of the Coromandel, then you are in for a treat. Whitianga is the main hub of the Coromandel’s Mercury Bay, home to popular attractions like Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach. Needless to say, there are plenty of coastal adventures to be had, from kayaking to coastal walks. Whitianga is also your typical Kiwi coastal town with an obligatory mini golf course and fish and chips shops to take advantage of. See what you can get up to and more with this list of things to do in Whitianga, Hahei and Mercury Bay!

While you’re here, you might also be interested in 20 Coromandel Must-Dos and 15 Awesome Hikes in the Coromandel.

Side note: Our insights come from firsthand experiences and trusted recommendations. In other words, we are not AI-generated. For more about our travel expertise, check out our bio at the bottom of the page.

1. Walk to Cathedral Cove…

We know this one is already on your bucket list, so let’s get to it! Cathedral Cove is one of the Coromandel’s most breathtaking beaches, with a large archway, stacks and white cliffs. One of the most popular ways to get to Cathedral Cove is via a 30 to 40-minute one-way walk hugging the coast (in our experience, the best walk is from Grange Road, but those needing to park can access Cathedral Cove via an alternative farm trail from Lees Road). Alternatively, boat and kayak tours also visit the beach (see below). For more walks in the area, see 10 Best Walks in Whitianga.

Location: Grange Road, Hahei, approximately 35 km (22 mi) from Whitianga. Note that parking is not permitted at Grange Road. Paid car parking is available at Cathedral Cove Adventures, 150 Lees Road, Hahei.

2. … Kayak Around Cathedral Cove and the Marine Reserve…

The waters surrounding Cathedral Cove, known as Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve, offer a protected haven for marine life. This fishing-free zone creates a spectacular environment for exploration, particularly by kayak. Paddle through crystal-clear waters, weaving around islands teeming with birdlife and watching for graceful stingrays gliding beneath the surface. For an unforgettable experience, consider joining a kayak tour with Cathedral Cove Kayak Tours. As a delightful bonus, you’ll even be treated to barista-style coffee on the beach – the perfect way to cap off your marine adventure!

Location: Departs from Hahei Beach, 2 Hahei Beach Road, Hahei.

3. … Cruise to Cathedral Cove

While walking and kayaking are popular activities, boat cruises and glass-bottom boat tours offer another perspective of the stunning Coromandel coastline. From Whitianga, embark on a two-hour glass-bottom boat adventure with Glass Bottom Boat Whitianga. From Hahei, join the Hahei Explorer for a one-hour tour exploring the dramatic coastline. Their mammal watch permit allows for potential encounters with dolphins, whales, orcas and seals. For a more extensive experience, try the 1.5-hour tour with Mercury Bay Discoveries. Their comfortable catamaran features a toilet, warm freshwater shower for post-snorkelling rinses, and refreshments. It’s wheelchair accessible and offers a dry experience in all weather conditions. Check out the 10 Things to Do in the Coromandel with Kids for more experiences like this.

Location: Glass Bottom Boat and Mercury Bay Discoveries depart from 1 The Esplanade, Whitianga. Hahei Explorer departs from the end of Hahei Beach, Wigmore Crescent, Hahei.

4. Dig Your Own Hot Pool at Hot Water Beach

A beach with a difference, Hot Water Beach has a hot spring seeping through its sands. The hot water part of the beach is accessible at low tide. Dig a hole until you reach the hot water, and then you’ll need to mix it with some seawater to make a comfortable temperature for your very own hot sand pool. (Trust us, you don’t want to sit in the water while it’s scolding!) Spades can be hired from the nearby holiday park and general store. See more activities like this in the 10 Free & Cheap Things to Do in the Coromandel.

Location: State Highway 25. Approximately 33 km (20.5 mi) south of Whitianga.

5. Take a Trip Down the 309 Road

It’s not all about the coast in Whitianga! Take the 309 Road, a gravel road inland through the lush forest. Along the way, you can find a few fun attractions, including The Waterworks, a family-friendly park with more than 30 water-powered inventions. There’s also the Waiau Kauri Grove, a short walk to a stand of kauri trees (New Zealand’s largest kind of tree) and the majestic Waiau Falls. We love the mix of natural wonders and quirky inventions on this route!

Location: 309 Road. Waiau Kauri Grove is 20 km (12 mi) from Whitianga.

6. Hike to Wainuiototo (New Chum Beach)

One of the most scenic and secluded beaches in the Coromandel, Wainuiototo New Chum Beach is only accessible on foot or by boat. A walk to the beach begins just north of Whangapoua and takes you through nikau and pōhutukawa forest. The track leads to a lookout where you’ll be able to get “that picture” before descending onto the beach. For more beaches, see our 10 Coromandel Beaches You Can’t Miss.

Location: The walk starts on the north end of Whangapoua Beach. 36 km (22 mi) from Whitianga.

7. Snorkel or Scuba Dive at Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve or the Mercury Islands

The waters around Whitianga and Mercury Bay are teeming with life, best seen through snorkelling or scuba diving! See the marine life of the Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve by scuba diving or simply picking up some snorkel gear from Cathedral Cove Dive & Snorkel in Hahei. Alternatively, Dive Zone Whitianga makes dive trips to the Mercury Islands. We recommend trying both options if you can!

Location: Cathedral Cove Dive & Snorkel – 48 Hahei Beach Road, Hahei. Dive Zone Whitianga – 10/12 Campbell Street, Whitianga.

8. Unwind at The Lost Spring

Unwind in the natural geothermal mineral waters at The Lost Spring. This geothermal hot pool complex has a range of pools in nature-inspired settings. Bathe in waters of 30-40°C (86-104°F) with a tropical cocktail from the springs’ bar or indulge in a spa treatment. (You’ll feel like you’re in paradise!) The Lost Spring is typically open Friday to Sunday most of the year and seven days a week between mid-December and mid-January. See more like this in the 10 Romantic Activities in the Coromandel.

Location: 121A Cook Drive, Whitianga.

9. Play Mini Golf

Who doesn’t love a good game of mini golf?! Play 18 challenging holes with fun birdy themes and attractive ponds and trees at Wild Wood Mini Golf. The golf course is open from Thursday to Tuesday from 10 am to 4:30/5 pm, and coffee and ice cream are sold on-site. Ask to see their tortoise while you’re there!

Location: 67 Joan Gaskell Drive, Whitianga.

10. Grab Some Fish and Chips

You can’t visit some of the beachiest towns in New Zealand and not eat fish and chips! This is a favourite Kiwi food option for days at the beach, so jump on the bandwagon and try the fish and chips in Whitianga or Hahei. Snapper Jacks in Whitianga is our favourite, but Buffalo Beach Takeaways has also been highly recommended to us, as has Hehei Eatery & Ice Cream in Hahei. Warning: Keep your chips out of sight from the seagulls at Whitianga, or else they’ll never leave you alone!

Location: Buffalo Beach Takeaways – 5 Albert Street, Whitianga. Snapper Jacks – 26 Albert Street, Whitianga. Hehei Eatery & Ice Cream – 3 Grange Road, Hahei.

11. Visit the Mercury Bay Museum

Whether it’s a rainy day or you just feel like educating yourself, the Mercury Bay Museum is something you can rely on. See exhibitions on the earliest navigators to discover New Zealand, kauri logging and gum digging, the history of dairy farming, the Coromandel’s natural history, the history of fishing and much more in this jam-packed museum in Whitianga!

Location: 11 The Esplanade

12. Try Your Luck on a Fishing Charter

The Coromandel has a huge fishing culture, which you can experience on one of the many fishing charters available. For instance, join the kingfish experts Epic Adventures Fishing Charters for a day on the water. Try your luck at hitting a Yellowtail Kingfish, where all the fishing gear is included. The tour starts from Whitianga, collecting baitfish in Mercury Bay before heading out to the deep water to catch some Kingfish!

Location: 1153 Purangi Road, Ferry Landing or Whitianga Wharf, Esplanade, Whitianga.

13. Set Sail Along the Coast

Another more premium way to get out on the water is on a sailing cruise. Windborne Charters offers sailing trips on their 19 m (62 ft) topsail schooner, a characterful vessel built in 1928. Join them for one of their day trips around Mercury Bay, out to the Mercury Islands or for their sunset cruise. Alternatively, they are available for private charters should you want to plan something extra special. Another sailing option is with Boom! Sailing, offering relaxing sails around Mercury Bay on their catamaran yacht. This tour sets sail from Cooks Beach and allows you to swim or snorkel at the marine reserve, anchor at Cathedral Cove for a while, and lounge on the onboard bean bags with some smoked seafood and a cold beer or wine. See more experiences like this in the 10 Luxury Experiences in the Coromandel.

Location: Boom Sailing – Flaxmill Bay, Purangi Road Ferry Landing, Whitianga. Windborne Charters – The Esplanade, Whitianga.

14. See the Coromandel on Horseback

Saddle up for an unforgettable countryside adventure with Wairakau Horse Treks just outside of Whitianga. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a complete novice, their range of lessons and treks cater to all abilities. For a truly unique experience, don’t miss their special “Wild Food” trek. You’ll ride through stunning rural landscapes before enjoying a delicious barbecue of venison steaks and wild pork sausages by the river. It’s the perfect way to combine horseback exploration with a taste of New Zealand’s wild cuisine. (We promise you won’t go hungry on this ride!)

Location: Kaimarama Road, Whitianga. 10 km (6 mi) from Whitianga town centre.

15. Do a Guided Hike of the Coromandel Coastal Walkway

Want to go anywhere in the Coromandel? Chances are, Hike & Bike Coromandel can get you there. They can even get you to the remotest part of the region to embark on the stunning Coromandel Coastal Walkway. Learn about the fascinating history, wildlife and geology of the landscapes you travel through on your way to the 3-4-hour Coromandel Coastal Walkway. Once there, you have the option for a guided or self-guided experience of one of Coromandel’s most stunning yet blissfully uncrowded walks. See more walks in the 15 Awesome Hikes in The Coromandel.

Location: Pick-ups are available from Whitianga.

More Things to Do Near Whitianga and Hahei

That’s it for the best things to do in Whitianga and Hahei. For more experiences, check out the following:

Finally, find more activities for your travels in the 50 Best Things to Do on the North Island.

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Sources:

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2025])
Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2025])
AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2025])
Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2025])
NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2025])
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (Road and transport tips - Updated [2025])
DriveSafe (Road safety - Updated [2025])
Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2025])
Safe Travel (NZ travel advisories - Updated [2025])
Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2025])
TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2025])
The Coromandel (Regional tourism website)
Thames-Coromandel District Council (Local council website)

Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About The Author

Laura S.

This article has been reviewed and published by Laura, the editor-in-chief and co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. Laura is a first-class honours journalism graduate and a travel journalist with expertise in New Zealand and South Pacific tourism for over 10 years. She also runs travel guides for five of the top destinations in the South Pacific and is the co-host of over 250 episodes of the NZ Travel Show on YouTube.

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