Title: Whitianga Travel Guide: Best of Whitianga, Waikato Travel 2025 | Expedia.co.uk [Hotels in Whitianga](https://expedia.co.uk/Whitianga-Hotels.d10451.Travel-Guide-Hotels)[Holiday Rentals in Whitianga](https://expedia.co.uk/Whitianga-Holiday-Rentals.d10451.Travel-Guide-HolidayRentals)[Flights to Whitianga](https://expedia.co.uk/Cheap-Flights-To-Whitianga.d10451.Travel-Guide-Flights)[Whitianga Car Hire](https://expedia.co.uk/Compare-Cheap-Car-Hire-In-Whitianga.d10451.Car-Hire-Guide)[Whitianga Holidays](https://expedia.co.uk/Whitianga.d10451.Holidays-City-Breaks) # Whitianga Travel Guide ## Tourist Guide ![Cathedral Cove Beach showing a sandy beach, general coastal views and caves](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/236000/236077-Waikato.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Cathedral Cove Beach showing a sunset, general coastal views and rugged coastline](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/236000/236078-Waikato.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Shakespeare Lookout which includes a sunset, rocky coastline and mountains](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/179000/179318-Coromandel-Peninsula.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Hot Water Beach featuring a beach and a bay or harbour](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/179000/179061-Waikato.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Whitianga showing island views, a park and general coastal views](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/236000/236576-Whitianga.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ## Visit Whitianga Things to do Reviews #### 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. - Top hotels in Whitianga - Top Holiday Rentals in Whitianga ![Waterfront Apartments Whitianga](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/10000000/9680000/9679400/9679371/ade3a2cf_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Waterfront Apartments Whitianga 2 Buffalo beach Road, Whitianga, WKO £103 19 Sept - 20 Sept includes taxes & fees Stay at this 3.5-star beach aparthotel in Whitianga. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ... 9.2/10 Wonderful! (207 reviews) "Excellent location, nice place to stay" Reviewed on 28 Aug 2025 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=19%2F09%2F2025&endDate=20%2F09%2F2025&selected=9679371&PinnedHotelID=9679371&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=10451) ![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 Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay £100 28 Sept - 29 Sept includes taxes & fees Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Whitianga. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 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 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=28%2F09%2F2025&endDate=29%2F09%2F2025&selected=6420228&PinnedHotelID=6420228&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=10451) ![Beachside Resort Whitianga](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/4000000/3590000/3584200/3584192/45e2df45_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Beachside Resort Whitianga 20 Eyre Street, Whitianga Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay £67 28 Sept - 29 Sept includes taxes & fees Stay at this 4-star beach motel in Whitianga. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Lost Spring Thermal Pools and Mercury Bay ... 9/10 Wonderful! (842 reviews) "This was the second time staying here. This time was during the winter, while the first was in the summer. This is a nice place to stay with clean and spacious rooms. Flat and easy walking distance to Buffalo beach, Ferry landing and town centre. The heater in the room was very efficient at keeping ..." Reviewed on 23 Aug 2025 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=28%2F09%2F2025&endDate=29%2F09%2F2025&selected=3584192&PinnedHotelID=3584192&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=10451) [See all 719 properties in Whitianga](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience&startDate=17%2F09%2F2025&endDate=18%2F09%2F2025®ionId=10451) 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](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/10000000/9680000/9679400/9679371/ade3a2cf_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Waterfront Apartments Whitianga 2 Buffalo beach Road, Whitianga, WKO Stay at this 3.5-star beach aparthotel in Whitianga. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ... 9.2/10 Wonderful! (207 reviews) "Excellent location, nice place to stay" Reviewed on 28 Aug 2025 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Whitianga-Hotels-Waterfront-Apartments-Whitianga.h9679371.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 Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Whitianga. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 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 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Whitianga-Hotels-Oceans-Resort-Whitianga.h6420228.Hotel-Information) ![Crowsnest Apartments](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/10000000/9630000/9626300/9626259/c46a9575_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Crowsnest Apartments 18-20 Mill Road, Whitianga Stay at this 4-star eco-certified aparthotel in Whitianga. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 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 Jul 2025 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Whitianga-Hotels-Crowsnest-Apartments.h9626259.Hotel-Information) [See all properties in Whitianga](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience®ionId=10451&sort=VACATION_RENTAL) 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. ## Check Whitianga hotel availability [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=10451&startDate=2025-09-16&endDate=2025-09-17) [Tonight](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=10451&startDate=2025-09-16&endDate=2025-09-17) [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=10451&startDate=2025-09-16&endDate=2025-09-17) [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=10451&startDate=2025-09-16&endDate=2025-09-17)[16 Sept - 17 Sept](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=10451&startDate=2025-09-16&endDate=2025-09-17) [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=10451&startDate=2025-09-17&endDate=2025-09-18) [Tomorrow night](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=10451&startDate=2025-09-17&endDate=2025-09-18) [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=10451&startDate=2025-09-17&endDate=2025-09-18) [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=10451&startDate=2025-09-17&endDate=2025-09-18)[17 Sept - 18 Sept](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=10451&startDate=2025-09-17&endDate=2025-09-18) [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=10451&startDate=19%2F09%2F2025&endDate=21%2F09%2F2025) [This weekend](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=10451&startDate=19%2F09%2F2025&endDate=21%2F09%2F2025) [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=10451&startDate=19%2F09%2F2025&endDate=21%2F09%2F2025) [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=10451&startDate=19%2F09%2F2025&endDate=21%2F09%2F2025)[19 Sept - 21 Sept](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=10451&startDate=19%2F09%2F2025&endDate=21%2F09%2F2025) [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=10451&startDate=26%2F09%2F2025&endDate=28%2F09%2F2025) [Next weekend](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=10451&startDate=26%2F09%2F2025&endDate=28%2F09%2F2025) [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=10451&startDate=26%2F09%2F2025&endDate=28%2F09%2F2025) [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=10451&startDate=26%2F09%2F2025&endDate=28%2F09%2F2025)[26 Sept - 28 Sept](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=10451&startDate=26%2F09%2F2025&endDate=28%2F09%2F2025) ### Popular places to visit #### Lost Spring Thermal Pools Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Lost Spring Thermal Pools during your travels in Whitianga. Wander through the beautiful beaches and seaside in this relaxing area. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Lost-Spring-Thermal-Pools-Whitianga.d6301184.Attraction) #### Mercury Bay Golf & Country Club Enjoy a round of golf in Whitianga at Mercury Bay Golf & Country Club. Wander through the beautiful beaches and seaside in this relaxing area. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Mercury-Bay-Golf-Country-Club-Whitianga.d553248621592223742.Attraction) #### Mercury Bay Museum You can spend time studying the exhibits at Mercury Bay Museum in Whitianga. Wander through the beautiful beaches and seaside in this relaxing area. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Mercury-Bay-Museum-Whitianga.d553248621526967463.Attraction) ### Things to do ![From Whitianga: Cathedral Cove Cruise with Snorkeling](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/44504367/fc1e63b8-5e38-4fe7-8645-429ae3527fbd.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### From Whitianga: Cathedral Cove Cruise with Snorkeling £62 per adult [](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/from-whitianga-cathedral-cove-cruise-with-snorkeling.a44504367.activity-details) ![Zipline Coromandel](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/49738946/657a841f-fbb9-4fd8-8294-ba7add106a97.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Private Day Tour of Cathedral Cove, Zipline and Glass Bottom Boat £962 per adult [](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/private-day-tour-of-cathedral-cove.a49738946.activity-details) ![Cathedral Cove Kayak Tour](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/1297696/94df563b-8944-4105-8b23-388f17273f09.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Cathedral Cove Kayak Tour £85 per adult [](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/cathedral-cove-kayak-tour.a1297696.activity-details) [See all activities in Whitianga](https://expedia.co.uk/Things-To-Do-In-Whitianga.d10451.Travel-Guide-Activities) ## Reviews of Whitianga 4.5 Top destination 5 - Excellent 8 4 - Good 7 3 - Okay 0 2 - Disappointing 0 1 - Terrible 0 ### 5/5 - Excellent Verified traveller Fabulous area ! Lots to see and do. Good dining places. Good boat trips. Excellent all round. ### 4/5 - Good Verified traveller Very quite place to stay and not much going on but so very pretty ### 4/5 - Good Verified traveller It's very quiet but it has a decent selection of restaurants/pubs. We went to Squids for supper and had a brilliant meal, highly recommended!! ## Cities near Whitianga ![Waikato featuring a beach, a sunset and a bay or harbour](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/179000/179015-North-Island.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Cooks Beach [](https://expedia.co.uk/Cooks-Beach.dx6342591) - Cities near Whitianga - Places of interest [Cooks Beach](https://expedia.co.uk/Cooks-Beach.dx6342591)[Wharekaho](https://expedia.co.uk/Wharekaho.dx6361482)[Otapaurau](https://expedia.co.uk/Otapaurau.dx553248635926198033) - [Cathedral Cove](https://expedia.co.uk/Cathedral-Cove-Hahei.d6108210.Attraction) - [Shakespeare Cliff Lookout](https://expedia.co.uk/Shakespeare-Cliff-Lookout-Cooks-Beach.d6108206.Attraction) - [Driving Creek Railway](https://expedia.co.uk/Driving-Creek-Railway-Coromandel.d6323437.Attraction) - [Lonely Bay Beach](https://expedia.co.uk/Lonely-Bay-Beach-Waikato.d6108202.Attraction) - [The Coromandel Smoking Co.](https://expedia.co.uk/The-Coromandel-Smoking-Co-Coromandel.d553248621532610889.Attraction) ![](https://a.travel-assets.com/mad-service/footer/bnaBanners/BEX_Footer.jpg) ## Go further with the Expedia app Save on select hotels when you book in the app. Our app deals help you to save on trips so you can travel more and manage it all on the go. Scan the QR code with your device camera and download our app ![QR code to download the app](data:image/png;base64,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)