Title: Cooks Beach in Waikato | Expedia.co.uk [Cooks Beach Hotels](https://expedia.co.uk/Cooks-Beach-Hotels.0-l6108204-0.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels)[Flights to Waikato](https://expedia.co.uk/Destinations-In-Waikato.d6047974.Flight-Destinations)[Things to do in Waikato](https://expedia.co.uk/Things-To-Do-In-Waikato.d6047974.Travel-Guide-Activities)[Cooks Beach Car Hire](https://expedia.co.uk/Compare-Cheap-Car-Hire-In-Cooks-Beach.d6108204.Car-Hire-Guide)[Waikato Holidays](https://expedia.co.uk/Waikato.d6047974.Holidays-City-Breaks) # Cooks Beach ![Cooks Beach](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6108204/165e25da-e220-4f97-a66d-5a3a84831626.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Cooks Beach](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6108204/165e25da-e220-4f97-a66d-5a3a84831626.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Waikato featuring a beach, a sunset and a bay or harbour](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6108204/cfb56ed3-a8de-4620-8585-8cf126f40656.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Lonely Bay Beach which includes a sandy beach and a bay or harbour](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6108202/ce574435-4a67-462f-8b92-3a38356a734f.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Shakespeare Cliff Lookout showing night scenes, a bay or harbor and rugged coastline](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6108206/b14c76b5-3a66-4b40-afb6-66d8d602efc0.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ## Visit Cooks Beach Activities --- --- #### 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. ![Auckland City Hotel](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/2000000/1880000/1870600/1870566/89d53bb3_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) ### Auckland City Hotel Auckland Central Business District £1,297 per person 13 Mar - 18 Mar found 1 day ago Return direct flight included London (LON) to Auckland (AKL) 8.2/10 Very Good! (1,003 reviews) Clean room, large room, friendly and helpful staff. Perfect location! Reviewed on 7 Feb 2026 ![Park Hyatt Auckland](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/39000000/38880000/38874300/38874278/47ae1c6f_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) ### Park Hyatt Auckland Auckland Central Business District £1,737 per person 13 Mar - 18 Mar found 1 day ago Return direct flight included London (LON) to Auckland (AKL) 9.2/10 Wonderful! (323 reviews) Beautiful room and staff excellent Reviewed on 17 Jan 2026 ![The Grand by SkyCity](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/2000000/1390000/1386200/1386172/af1bd6d9_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) ### The Grand by SkyCity Auckland Central Business District £1,406 per person 13 Mar - 18 Mar found 1 day ago Return direct flight included London (LON) to Auckland (AKL) 9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,897 reviews) Room was spotless, staff were wonderful, sauna was lovely, gym was excellent. A great stay, would absolutely visit again Reviewed on 5 Feb 2026 ### Popular places to visit ![Lonely Bay Beach featuring a bay or harbour, a sandy beach and rugged coastline](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6108202/ffcc542e-ac26-4c8a-b8c3-a8490d03c53f.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Lonely Bay Beach Plan for a day of peace and quiet at this secret spot reached by traversing a trail along a cliff face. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Lonely-Bay-Beach-Waikato.d6108202.Attraction) ![Shakespeare Lookout which includes a sunset, rocky coastline and mountains](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6108206/4b4157a5-83c7-4c56-8605-a65513310737.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Shakespeare Cliff Lookout Surrounded by a nature reserve, this scenic lookout offers picnic areas, walking trails and stunning photo opportunities of beaches with aquamarine water lapping white sand. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Shakespeare-Cliff-Lookout-Cooks-Beach.d6108206.Attraction) ![Cathedral Cove Beach showing a sunset, general coastal views and rugged coastline](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6108210/84a38bda-8566-44df-b84c-44ae2e14fc52.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Cathedral Cove Enter the white sand beach through a natural rock archway, the perfect frame for your photos of the rocky islands and clear waters of this marine reserve. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Cathedral-Cove-Hahei.d6108210.Attraction) ![Hahei Beach showing a beach, a bay or harbour and a sunset](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6108212/939e2140-3a93-4c63-8f3e-b7bf33b69d76.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Hahei Beach Nestled between some of the Bay of Plenty’s most popular attractions, this tiny coastal hamlet is a great base for exploring the North Island. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hahei-Beach-Waikato.d6108212.Attraction) #### Captain Cook's Memorial Find out about the history of Cooks Beach with a stop at Captain Cook's Memorial. Wander through the beautiful beaches and seaside in this relaxing area. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Captain-Cooks-Memorial-Cooks-Beach.d553248621526967465.Attraction) #### Purangi Regional Reserve You can take time to visit Purangi Regional Reserve during your travels to Cooks Beach. Wander the beaches and gardens while you're in the area. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Purangi-Regional-Reserve-Cooks-Beach.d783245616987856896.Attraction) --- ## Top Hotel Deals ## Check availability on hotels close to Cooks Beach [Tonight ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6108204&startDate=2026-02-07&endDate=2026-02-08)[7 Feb - 8 Feb](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6108204&startDate=2026-02-07&endDate=2026-02-08) [Tomorrow night ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6108204&startDate=2026-02-08&endDate=2026-02-09)[8 Feb - 9 Feb](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6108204&startDate=2026-02-08&endDate=2026-02-09) [Next weekend ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6108204&startDate=13%2F02%2F2026&endDate=15%2F02%2F2026)[13 Feb - 15 Feb](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6108204&startDate=13%2F02%2F2026&endDate=15%2F02%2F2026) ![Albert Number 6 Motel](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/5000000/4250000/4248300/4248299/73370d51_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Albert Number 6 Motel 6 Albert Street Whitianga [](https://expedia.co.uk/Whitianga-Hotels-Albert-Number-6-Motel.h4248299.Hotel-Information) ![Captains Bach at Cooks - Upstairs Holiday Unit](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/42000000/41910000/41903400/41903338/f8abb9e9_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Captains Bach at Cooks - Upstairs Holiday Unit Cooks Beach Coromandel [](https://expedia.co.uk/Cooks-Beach-Hotels-Captains-Bach-At-Cooks-Upstairs-Holiday-Unit.h41903338.Hotel-Information) ![The Bach at 44 - Cooks Beach Holiday Home](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/112000000/111280000/111278600/111278588/1d25140b_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### The Bach at 44 - Cooks Beach Holiday Home Cooks Beach Coromandel [](https://expedia.co.uk/Cooks-Beach-Hotels-The-Bach-At-44-Cooks-Beach-Holiday-Home.h111278588.Hotel-Information) ![Cute Cottage - Cooks Beach Bach](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/38000000/37910000/37908400/37908374/9cfecac7_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Cute Cottage - Cooks Beach Bach Cooks Beach Coromandel [](https://expedia.co.uk/Cooks-Beach-Hotels-Cute-Cottage-Cooks-Beach-Bach.h37908374.Hotel-Information) ![Oceans Resort Whitianga](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/7000000/6430000/6420300/6420228/8f466d1a_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Oceans Resort Whitianga 18 Eyre Stree Whitianga [](https://expedia.co.uk/Whitianga-Hotels-Oceans-Resort-Whitianga.h6420228.Hotel-Information) ![Hosts on the Coast Cooks Crib](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/114000000/113940000/113933800/113933773/bb3edf1d_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Hosts on the Coast Cooks Crib Cooks Beach Waikato [](https://expedia.co.uk/Cooks-Beach-Hotels-Hosts-On-The-Coast-Cooks-Crib.h113933773.Hotel-Information) ![Bay Coast Happy Place - Cooks Beach Holiday Home](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/46000000/45170000/45165400/45165375/06346da2_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Bay Coast Happy Place - Cooks Beach Holiday Home Cooks Beach Coromandel [](https://expedia.co.uk/Cooks-Beach-Hotels-Bay-Coast-Happy-Place-Cooks-Beach-Holiday-Home.h45165375.Hotel-Information) ![Cooks Estuary Escape - Waterfront at your doorstep](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/39000000/38080000/38078200/38078165/8043b8ec_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Cooks Estuary Escape - Waterfront at your doorstep Cooks Beach [](https://expedia.co.uk/Cooks-Beach-Hotels-Cooks-Estuary-Escape-Waterfront-At-Your-Doorstep.h38078165.Hotel-Information) ![Hosts on the Coast Orchard Views](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/123000000/122190000/122185900/122185819/1f5dd9e8_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Hosts on the Coast Orchard Views Cooks Beach Waikato [](https://expedia.co.uk/Cooks-Beach-Hotels-Hosts-On-The-Coast-Orchard-Views.h122185819.Hotel-Information) [See all 505 properties in Cooks Beach](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.Package®ionId=6108204) Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. 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