With a prime spot on Mercury Bay, Whitianga thrives with a beachy ambience and plenty of water activities, fishing and cruises to nearby islands and coves. Whitianga also features museums, thermal hot pools and family-friendly adventures parks.

Things to do

In addition to lazy days at the beach, visitors can engage in scuba diving, kayaking and boating from Mercury Bay or the nearby Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve. Sport fishing for tuna and marlin heats up from January through March. You can also join a chartered trip for sightseeing at the Mercury or Alderman islands.

Don’t miss experiencing The Lost Spring, a collection of hand-sculpted thermal springs nestled within tropical trees and a native New Zealand bush. Take a break from soaking to wander through amethyst and crystal-laden caves within the surrounding gardens.

Travelling with the family? Head over to Fun Zone Adventure & Family Park for an action-packed day of archery, quad bike riding, laser clay bird shooting and paintball. In a valley about 20 minutes outside the city, you can spend the day observing native birds and farm animals at Mill Creek Bird & Animal Park. There’s also a mini-golf course, train rides and fort climbing.

History and mystery take centre stage at Mercury Bay Museum Whitianga, housed within the original 1937 Dairy Factory. Exhibits highlight everything from maritime disasters to legendary explorers and early settlers to the region. You’ll also find Maori artefacts and natural history displays.

Getting around

You can rent a car at Tauranga Airport, about 172 kilometres away. Taxis and shuttles offer transportation around town, while ferries depart from Ferry Landing for popular sites.