Whitianga guidebook
Popular Beaches
Dig your own hot pool at Hot Water Beach. Hot springs filter up through the sand between the high and low water tidal reaches. The beach is a popular destination both for locals and tourists visiting New Zealand. Annual visitor numbers have been estimated at 700,000, making it one of the most popular geothermal attractions in the Waikato region
202 locals recommend
Hot Water Beach
Dig your own hot pool at Hot Water Beach. Hot springs filter up through the sand between the high and low water tidal reaches. The beach is a popular destination both for locals and tourists visiting New Zealand. Annual visitor numbers have been estimated at 700,000, making it one of the most popular geothermal attractions in the Waikato region
Untouched white sand beach. Walk to New Chums around the beach and through some bush. It's not far and it's worth it. An untouched paradise. (no car access).
84 locals recommend
New Chums Beach
Untouched white sand beach. Walk to New Chums around the beach and through some bush. It's not far and it's worth it. An untouched paradise. (no car access).
Cathedral Cove walk and beach are currently closed due to dangerous slips, however you can view it from boat. So, if you're keen to see it, look up one of the boat tours going in the area. They will take you to some of the other really cool caves and beaches in the area.
41 locals recommend
Cathedral Cove
Cathedral Cove walk and beach are currently closed due to dangerous slips, however you can view it from boat. So, if you're keen to see it, look up one of the boat tours going in the area. They will take you to some of the other really cool caves and beaches in the area.
This is a good beach for a quick dip as it's only 5mins drive north from our place.
Simpsons Beach Whitianga
This is a good beach for a quick dip as it's only 5mins drive north from our place.
Relax in a hot spa - No kids allowed.
Relax in the pool, whilst staff serve you cocktails and food. Have a relaxing massage and retire to the restaurant for dinner afterwards. This place was made for relaxing!
Great place to get away from it all. They have good food and you can eat or go to a day spa without doing/paying for the actual swim experience,
122 locals recommend
The Lost Spring
121A Cook DrGreat place to get away from it all. They have good food and you can eat or go to a day spa without doing/paying for the actual swim experience,
Secret Spots
Our favourite local spots
Our favourite spot in summer. Swim in the water hole on the 309 Road. Take a picnic, drinks and some insect spray (and maybe some toilet paper - there is a long drop toilet there but not always paper).
More information to follow in our guide book.
Waterhole
1920 309 RdOur favourite spot in summer. Swim in the water hole on the 309 Road. Take a picnic, drinks and some insect spray (and maybe some toilet paper - there is a long drop toilet there but not always paper).
More information to follow in our guide book.
This is up the 309 Road almost at the other end. A short walk from the Road you will find Waiau Falls
Waiau Falls and Kauri Grove Lookout Walk
Waiau Falls and Kauri Grove Lookout WalkThis is up the 309 Road almost at the other end. A short walk from the Road you will find Waiau Falls
Food Scene
Great spot to sit and watch the boats and people go by. Reviews have been mixed in regards to food and coffee. I have had both good and bad experiences.
26 locals recommend
The harbour house cafe
11 EsplanadeGreat spot to sit and watch the boats and people go by. Reviews have been mixed in regards to food and coffee. I have had both good and bad experiences.
Hula
5 Albert StOffers Vegan, gluten free and dairy free options
Allergy friendly Cafe & shop where natural, sustainable living is their focus. The shop sells bulk food, fresh organic fruit & veg, & plenty of products.
Earth Store Whitianga
65 Albert StAllergy friendly Cafe & shop where natural, sustainable living is their focus. The shop sells bulk food, fresh organic fruit & veg, & plenty of products.
Great Asian Fusion Restaurant. Probably the best in Town in my opinion.
Things to know:
There is no Alcohol or dessert served here.
There is no booking system - you just have to walk in and wait for seat
They have good vegetarian options.
54 locals recommend
Blue Ginger
10 Blacksmith LnGreat Asian Fusion Restaurant. Probably the best in Town in my opinion.
Things to know:
There is no Alcohol or dessert served here.
There is no booking system - you just have to walk in and wait for seat
They have good vegetarian options.
Sangam Indian Cuisine
1 Blacksmith LnThe House of Chang Thai
33 Albert StSalt Restaurant & Bar
1 Blacksmith LnGreat vibe. Sometimes they have live music. Lots of good food choices.
118 locals recommend
Lukes Kitchen
20 Black Jack RdGreat vibe. Sometimes they have live music. Lots of good food choices.
Great Coffee and one of the best Cafes for food in town. They also have a little gift shop.
30 locals recommend
The French Fig
41 Albert StGreat Coffee and one of the best Cafes for food in town. They also have a little gift shop.
Stoked Restaurant and Bar
19 EsplanadeThat Curry Place
45 Albert StSlice Slice Baby
23C Albert StreetMaster Kebab
41 Albert StreetGreat for takeaways
Great tapas menu at the moment. I loved the Tempura Eggplant, and another favorite is the Pork Belly.
Marina Bay Eatery (Fully Licensed)
Great tapas menu at the moment. I loved the Tempura Eggplant, and another favorite is the Pork Belly.
Dino's Pizza Takeaway & Delivery
1 Blacksmith LnGreat in store made Pizza, Chicken wings, Pasta etc
Whitianga's Newest Cafe. Great food and a great spot to sit and eat. Lovely outdoor area overlooking the waterways.
Basker
Whitianga's Newest Cafe. Great food and a great spot to sit and eat. Lovely outdoor area overlooking the waterways.
Nightlife
Good sports bar for a drink and they also have a pretty good menu for a bar. Always playing the latest Sports and have lots of live music and interactive nights like karaoke, bingo, quizz nights etc
16 locals recommend
Frankies Sports Bar & Grill
37 Albert StGood sports bar for a drink and they also have a pretty good menu for a bar. Always playing the latest Sports and have lots of live music and interactive nights like karaoke, bingo, quizz nights etc
Sightseeing
Glass Bottom Boat Whitianga Scenic Cruise
16 Monk StThe walkway to Cathedral Cove is closed due to repairable and dangerous slips. You can however access it from the water and there is a really amazing blow hole that they take you to see.
Cathedral Cove Scenic Cruises
11 The EsplanadeThe walkway to Cathedral Cove is closed due to repairable and dangerous slips. You can however access it from the water and there is a really amazing blow hole that they take you to see.
Another way to get to Cathedral Cove is via water Taxi. This taxi takes you from Hahei around to Cathedral Cover in a boat.
Only in operation from 1 Oct - 30 April
27 locals recommend
Cathedral Cove Water Taxi
Another way to get to Cathedral Cove is via water Taxi. This taxi takes you from Hahei around to Cathedral Cover in a boat.
Only in operation from 1 Oct - 30 April
This popular walk leads to Pinnacles Hut, and on to the summit of the Pinnacles with spectacular views of the Coromandel Peninsula. It can be completed as a day or overnight walk.
This is a 3 hour (oneway), uphill walk in bush so please make sure you are prepared. Take food and plenty of water. Check the weather and always take extra clothes.
The Pinnacles, Waikato 3592, New Zealand
This popular walk leads to Pinnacles Hut, and on to the summit of the Pinnacles with spectacular views of the Coromandel Peninsula. It can be completed as a day or overnight walk.
This is a 3 hour (oneway), uphill walk in bush so please make sure you are prepared. Take food and plenty of water. Check the weather and always take extra clothes.
Traveler advice
Getting around
You will need a car to get around
You can take a ferry from Whitianga to Ferry Landing. From there you can walk to Cooks beach (its a long walk). Sometimes there is a taxi service over the other side but I believe you will need to book it.