New Zealand > North Island > Coromandel & Waikato > Coromandel Peninsula Travel Guides > Natural Attractions

Beaches of Cook's Coast

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Climb onboard the Whitianga ferry and escape to the Cook's Coast. Enjoy a day away at one or more of the many pretty beaches along the coast. The ferry ride takes you to the Stone Steps Wharf, the start of Cook's Coast. From here, lovely beaches and headlands are a short walk away.

Cathedral Cove: is a sandy beach ideal for picnics, named after the giant overhead archway of the same name at its entrance. The Cathedral is 20m wide, 10m high, and was formed by the sea against the rock coves.

Hahei Beach: at the eastern end of the beach is the site of an old Maori pa, Mautohe Pa, with the still visible terracing showing the Maori fortification. The 1.5km beach is beautiful, with clear crystal waters and lots of crayfish and fish.

Dalmeny Corner: is named after a Scottish Park by William Meikle, a director of the Mercury Bay Timber Company, who bought the land in the area in the 1870s. This is the turn off to Ferry Landing, Cooks Beach, Hot Water Beach and Hahei from Highway 25.

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Cathedral Cove, Coromandel
© Tourism New Zealand
Beach at Hahei, Coromandel Peninsula
© Christian Heeb

Details

Special Features: Hot Water Beach: the name says it all: hot pools can be dug out of the sand at low tide near the rocks and steam can be seen rising from the open sea at high tide. Geothermal and volcanic activity on the Coromandel Peninsula has died away, leaving the hot mineral pools as a legacy. Hot Water Beach is also known as a good surfing spot.
Further Information: Flaxmill or Homestead Bay: sits at the base of Shakespeare Cliff and provides sheltered anchorage for small boats. This is where a flaxmill once operated on the foreshore. It was here that Captain Cook was said to have careened the Endeavour. Lonely Bay: is a totally unspoilt, small bay which is cut off by cliffs. It is accessible only from the Cook Memorial via a short steep walking track. Cooks Beach: is a 3km crescent of fine golden sand to the south side of the bluff with safe waters. Front Beach: is a lovely beach to visit and is safe swimming for children and small boats.