Shakespeare Cliff Lookout & Lonely Bay
Shakespeare Cliff
A viewing platform on the white cliffs at the mouth of Mercury Bay, with 360-degree views over the bay, Cooks Beach and the islands, and the secluded Lonely Bay hidden below.
The viewing platform is located in the Shakespeare Cliff reserve at the north end of Cooks Beach. It is about a five-minute walk from the car park. Captain Cook observed celestial events near here in his day, and a monument now stands on the site. A path down the slope for about 10 minutes leads to Lonely Bay, a small sandy bay surrounded by trees and suitable for swimming. Entry is free. From Whitianga, take the ferry to Ferry Landing, then walk about 30 minutes.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Cooks Beach
- Whitianga
- Cathedral Cove (Mautohe)
- Hahei Beach
- Hot Water Beach
- Matarangi Beach
- Otama Beach
- Opito Bay