Discover Cooks Beach – Mercury Bay NZ

About Cooks Beach

Cooks Beach is situated south of Whitianga, accessible by passenger ferry or by car if arriving from SH25. A popular holiday destination Cooks Beach is relatively quiet until the holidays begin. Famous for it close connection and names sake – Captain James Cook who stopped over to view the transit of Mercury, Cooks Beach is a well know family haven with easy access to local beaches, restaurants, walks and views of Mercury Bay. 

Fishing and Boating

The Purangi estuary lies at the south end of Cooks Beach and includes a boat ramp and park ing. The boat ramp is also a comfortable exit for kayakers who are interested in rowing up stream for some bird watching. 

Walks in the area

Shakespeares Cliff is a great family outing with 180 degree view of Mercury Bay. You can catch the ferry from Whitianga to Ferry Landing to do the Whitiang Rock Walk which leads you past Back Bay and down to the Maramatotara track to the road. Cross the road and walk on to Flaxmill Bay, take the pathway in the corner up to Shakespeares Cliff. Looking out from Shakepeares Cliff on your right you will see Lonely Bay which you can access by a path from the parking area at Shakespeares view point.

Things To Do In Cooks Beach

Cooks Beach is a safe, crescent shaped white sandy beach, stretching approx. 3 kms. Great for family walks, running or lauching your kayak.

The Purangi Reserve which can be found at the south end of Cooks Beach has a shaded public area and a playground, and is the perfect venue for a lazy afternoon on the waters edge. Situated on the Purangi estuary the reserve is a popular meeting place for families and the community.

Where to eat in Cooks Beach, Flaxmill Bay and Purangi

Cooks Beach and the surrounding area of Ferry Landing, Flaxmill Bay and Purangi Rd have a wide range of options for food. With a great choice of local eateries within Cooks Beach one also has the options of restaurants towards Flaxmill Bay as well as the local winery and restaurants further down Purangi Rd.

Retail therapy in Cooks Beach

Cooks Beach is supported by the local dairy, liquor store and real estate. However during holiday season there are a variety of retail pop ups and the annual Cooks Beach Gala which funds the local Whenuakite School.

Accommodation in Cooks Beach, Flaxmill Bay and Purangi

The Cooks Beach area has many B&B’s and online accommodation options. The closest camping/holiday park is the Cooks Beach Resort at the entrance to the township. However there are a variety of accommodation choices along Purangi Rd.

Live & work in Cooks Beach

Cooks Beach is currently in an exciting development phase with a new housing development. Being 3km from the Whitianga Ferry, the area is an exciting option where one is close to the business hub of Whitianga and also far enough away to enjoy the country life.