Cooks Beach
A gently sloping sandy beach about 3 km long within Mercury Bay, with small waves that suit families. Captain Cook landed here in 1769.
The beach faces north with gentle surf, making it ideal for swimming, stand-up paddleboarding and walks, with a community of holiday homes behind it. At the west end stands a memorial to Cook's landing, and to the north you can walk to the Shakespeare Cliff viewpoint. From Whitianga it takes about 10 minutes by ferry, or you can drive around by road, about 35 km. The village has limited shops, so it is best to bring your own supplies.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Shakespeare Cliff Lookout & Lonely Bay
- Whitianga
- Cathedral Cove (Mautohe)
- Hahei Beach
- Hot Water Beach
- Matarangi Beach
- Otama Beach
- Opito Bay