Bruce and Margot’s guidebook

Margot
Bruce and Margot’s guidebook

Sightseeing

It’s only a short walk or drive to the lookout point. Stunning views over Mercury Bay, it’s island, Cooks Beach and Whitianga.
34 locals recommend
Shakespeare Cliff Lookout
34 locals recommend
It’s only a short walk or drive to the lookout point. Stunning views over Mercury Bay, it’s island, Cooks Beach and Whitianga.

Food scene

Our personal favourite and local treasure. Foodies will love this restaurant. Booking essential.
36 locals recommend
Go Vino
19 Captain Cook Rd
36 locals recommend
Our personal favourite and local treasure. Foodies will love this restaurant. Booking essential.
Best food in town. A short ferry ride across to Whitianga and you’ll enjoy amazing asian fusion dishes. No reservations.
54 locals recommend
Blue Ginger
10 Blacksmith Ln
54 locals recommend
Best food in town. A short ferry ride across to Whitianga and you’ll enjoy amazing asian fusion dishes. No reservations.
Lovely laid back place for coffee lunch or dinner. Check out the little shop too.
21 locals recommend
The Hive
450 Purangi Road
21 locals recommend
Lovely laid back place for coffee lunch or dinner. Check out the little shop too.
Best coffees. Lunch under the plum trees. Fresh produce. We love this place.
26 locals recommend
Colenso Country Cafe & Country Shop
895 State Hwy 25
26 locals recommend
Best coffees. Lunch under the plum trees. Fresh produce. We love this place.
In Whitianga the French Fig offers delicious cabinet food and pastries.
30 locals recommend
The French Fig
41 Albert St
30 locals recommend
In Whitianga the French Fig offers delicious cabinet food and pastries.

Active

Dig your own spa! We provide the spades and towels. Low tide only
202 locals recommend
Hot Water Beach
202 locals recommend
Dig your own spa! We provide the spades and towels. Low tide only
Rent a paddle board or kayak and explore the river Purangi. Unforgettable!
9 locals recommend
Purangi Regional Reserve
210 Captain Cook Rd
9 locals recommend
Rent a paddle board or kayak and explore the river Purangi. Unforgettable!
Relax in the geo-thermal pools, be pampered in the tree top day spa or dine in the restaurant.
122 locals recommend
The Lost Spring
121A Cook Dr
122 locals recommend
Relax in the geo-thermal pools, be pampered in the tree top day spa or dine in the restaurant.
Absolute must, one of the best known walks of New Zealand.
148 locals recommend
Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve
148 locals recommend
Absolute must, one of the best known walks of New Zealand.

Shopping

Lovely art, big and small, something for everyone
The Lawnmower's Son Gallery
4 Grange Rd
Lovely art, big and small, something for everyone
Miss pipers goods, collected homewares & vintage finds Cute little shop, worth a visit.
miss pipers goods
17 Captain Cook Rd
Miss pipers goods, collected homewares & vintage finds Cute little shop, worth a visit.