Title: Visit Whitianga: Best of Whitianga Tourism | Expedia Travel Guide - Expedia.ca [Hotels in Whitianga](https://expedia.ca/Whitianga-Hotels.d10451.Travel-Guide-Hotels)[Vacation Rentals in Whitianga](https://expedia.ca/Whitianga-Vacation-Rentals.d10451.Travel-Guide-VacationRentals)[Whitianga Car Rentals](https://expedia.ca/Car-Rentals-In-Whitianga.d10451.Car-Rental-Guide)[Whitianga Vacation Packages](https://expedia.ca/Whitianga.d10451.Destination-Travel-Guides) # Whitianga ## Travel Guide ![Cathedral Cove Beach featuring caves, a sunset and a sandy beach](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6108210/cfd03319-df9e-4b3d-bfc8-2a7a0703ca5b.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Cathedral Cove Beach featuring caves, a sunset and a sandy beach](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6108210/cfd03319-df9e-4b3d-bfc8-2a7a0703ca5b.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Cathedral Cove Beach which includes a sunset, rocky coastline and general coastal views](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6108210/84a38bda-8566-44df-b84c-44ae2e14fc52.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Shakespeare Lookout showing mountains, a sunset and rocky coastline](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6108206/4b4157a5-83c7-4c56-8605-a65513310737.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Hot Water Beach which includes a beach and a bay or harbour](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6108206/bf4f8adc-ed73-4f2e-8822-50d15fb48308.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ## Visit Whitianga Things to do Reviews #### It’s all about the water at this laid-back coastal town on Mercury Bay where you can explore beautiful beaches, including one that’s naturally heated, and fascinating coves. Perched on the edge of the idyllic Mercury Bay, this historic coastal settlement was an early point of arrival for Māori explorers. Permanently settled by the Māori’s for more than 1,000 years, Whitianga is an important cultural site surrounded by natural beauty. With over 4,000 permanent residents Whitianga offers a bustling town centre with a laid-back atmosphere. Use Whitianga as a base to explore Mercury Bay and spend time checking out the town centre. Bring your swimsuit to make the most of Mercury Bay’s many beaches. Whitianga is located on Buffalo Beach. Look for the dolphins that regularly play just out from shore. Have your camera ready as the sun begins to set to see the dolphins at their most active. Travel farther afield, by car and ferry, to reach the pristine waters of Cooks Beach, a landing point for British explorer James Cook, or the thermally heated waters of Hot Water Beach, one of the country’s most popular attractions. A number of islands are dotted around the Mercury Bay area and can be explored by charter boat or ferry. Visit Whitianga in September to experience the culinary delights of the Scallop Festival. Learn new ways of cooking seafood, sample freshly caught produce and enjoy a glass of wine as you savour a plate of scallops. With more than 60 stalls, the festival is a highlight of Whitianga’s calendar. Whitianga is located in the northeast of New Zealand’s North Island. Reach the town by car, bus or train in a pleasant 2-to-3 hour journey from Auckland. Once in Whitianga you’ll find a wealth of accommodation, ranging from affordable hotels and motels in the town centre to resort-style apartments with beach views. Over the Christmas and summer holiday period the town becomes extremely popular and bookings are recommended for all accommodation. - Whitianga Hotel Deals - Vacation Rentals in Whitianga ![Albert Number 6 Motel](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/5000000/4250000/4248300/4248299/73370d51_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Albert Number 6 Motel 6 Albert Street Whitianga CA $130 CA $150 total Mar 1 - Mar 2 includes taxes & fees Stay at this hotel in Whitianga. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and free bicycles on site. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ... 8.8/10 Excellent! (414 reviews) Grear Reviewed on Feb 4, 2026 [](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=01%2F03%2F2026&endDate=02%2F03%2F2026&selected=4248299&PinnedHotelID=4248299&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=10451) ![Oceans Resort Whitianga](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/7000000/6430000/6420300/6420228/8f466d1a_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Oceans Resort Whitianga 18 Eyre Stree Whitianga CA $234 CA $269 total Feb 9 - Feb 10 includes taxes & fees Book a stay at this luxury aparthotel in Whitianga. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Cathedral Cove and Hahei Beach are ... 9.2/10 Wonderful! (311 reviews) While in New Zealand, this was the best stay we had. Spacious two bedroom unit will all amenities needed for a perfect visit by the sea. Thank you Bailey for the wonderful reception, making us feel welcome. The unit was clean, well furnished, secure, and conveniently located to the beach as well ... Reviewed on Feb 2, 2026 [](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=09%2F02%2F2026&endDate=10%2F02%2F2026&selected=6420228&PinnedHotelID=6420228&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=10451) ![Peninsula Motel](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/10000000/9680000/9679600/9679508/e5775200_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Peninsula Motel 93-97 Albert Street Whitianga CA $249 CA $287 total Feb 14 - Feb 15 includes taxes & fees Stay at this motel in Whitianga. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ... 9.2/10 Wonderful! (300 reviews) Spacious apartment with good facilities, close to town and friendly staff Reviewed on Jan 31, 2026 [](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=14%2F02%2F2026&endDate=15%2F02%2F2026&selected=9679508&PinnedHotelID=9679508&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=10451) [See all 770 properties in Whitianga](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience&startDate=07%2F02%2F2026&endDate=08%2F02%2F2026®ionId=10451) Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply. ![Oceans Resort Whitianga](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/7000000/6430000/6420300/6420228/8f466d1a_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Oceans Resort Whitianga 18 Eyre Stree Whitianga Book a stay at this luxury aparthotel in Whitianga. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Cathedral Cove and Hahei Beach are ... 9.2/10 Wonderful! (311 reviews) While in New Zealand, this was the best stay we had. Spacious two bedroom unit will all amenities needed for a perfect visit by the sea. Thank you Bailey for the wonderful reception, making us feel welcome. The unit was clean, well furnished, secure, and conveniently located to the beach as well ... Reviewed on Feb 2, 2026 [](https://expedia.ca/Whitianga-Hotels-Oceans-Resort-Whitianga.h6420228.Hotel-Information) ![Waterfront Apartments Whitianga](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/10000000/9680000/9679400/9679371/ade3a2cf_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Waterfront Apartments Whitianga 2 Buffalo beach Road Whitianga WKO Book a stay at this beach aparthotel in Whitianga. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ... 9.4/10 Exceptional! (232 reviews) Clean room, friendly and helpful staff, beautiful beach views Reviewed on Jan 27, 2026 [](https://expedia.ca/Whitianga-Hotels-Waterfront-Apartments-Whitianga.h9679371.Hotel-Information) ![Crowsnest Apartments](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/10000000/9630000/9626300/9626259/c46a9575_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Crowsnest Apartments 18-20 Mill Road Whitianga Stay at this aparthotel in Whitianga. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions Cathedral Cove and Hahei Beach are located ... 9.2/10 Wonderful! (204 reviews) Great apartment in a great location Reviewed on Feb 2, 2026 [](https://expedia.ca/Whitianga-Hotels-Crowsnest-Apartments.h9626259.Hotel-Information) [See all properties in Whitianga](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience®ionId=10451&sort=VACATION_RENTAL) Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply. ## Check Whitianga hotel availability [Tonight ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=10451&startDate=2026-02-06&endDate=2026-02-07)[Feb 6 - Feb 7](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=10451&startDate=2026-02-06&endDate=2026-02-07) [Tomorrow night ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=10451&startDate=2026-02-07&endDate=2026-02-08)[Feb 7 - Feb 8](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=10451&startDate=2026-02-07&endDate=2026-02-08) [This weekend ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=10451&startDate=06%2F02%2F2026&endDate=08%2F02%2F2026)[Feb 6 - Feb 8](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=10451&startDate=06%2F02%2F2026&endDate=08%2F02%2F2026) ### Popular places to visit #### Lost Spring Thermal Pools Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Lost Spring Thermal Pools during your travels in Whitianga. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in this relaxing area. [](https://expedia.ca/Lost-Spring-Thermal-Pools-Whitianga.d6301184.Vacation-Attraction) #### Mercury Bay Museum You can spend time browsing the exhibits at Mercury Bay Museum during your travels in Whitianga. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in this relaxing area. [](https://expedia.ca/Mercury-Bay-Museum-Whitianga.d553248621526967463.Vacation-Attraction) #### Mercury Bay Golf & Country Club Enjoy a round of golf in Whitianga at Mercury Bay Golf & Country Club. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in this relaxing area. [](https://expedia.ca/Mercury-Bay-Golf-Country-Club-Whitianga.d553248621592223742.Vacation-Attraction) ### Things to do ![Cathedral Cove Kayak Tour](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/1297696/94df563b-8944-4105-8b23-388f17273f09.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Cathedral Cove Kayak Tour CA $163 per adult [](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/cathedral-cove-kayak-tour.a1297696.activity-details) ![Coromandel: Guided Zipline Tour Experience](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/48219602/37391675-8890-40f1-a6aa-62af30d803e4.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Coromandel: Guided Zipline Tour Experience CA $117 per adult **100%** of travellers recommend [](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/coromandel-guided-zipline-tour-experience.a48219602.activity-details) ![Whitianga: Sailing Trip to Cathedral Cove](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/4580500/31dbdbb2-67be-46c4-ae60-c975602f01ae.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Whitianga: Sailing Trip to Cathedral Cove CA $116 per adult **100%** of travellers recommend [](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/whitianga-sailing-trip-to-cathedral-cove.a4580500.activity-details) [See all activities in Whitianga](https://expedia.ca/Things-To-Do-In-Whitianga.d10451.Travel-Guide-Activities) ## Reviews of Whitianga 4.3 Top destination 5 - Excellent 7 4 - Good 3 3 - Okay 1 2 - Disappointing 0 1 - Terrible 1 ### 5/5 - Excellent Verified traveller Hot water beach is fun. Be persistent! The walk to Cathedral Cove is Challenging but so worth it! ### 5/5 - Excellent Ridley Wonderfull ### 4/5 - Good Verified traveller In the off-season, the town is very quiet and many local restaurants have shortened hours or fewer open days. ### 4/5 - Good Verified traveller Beautiful area, but didn't get to explore as much as I hoped to. Will go back to this area, but will never go back to Whitianga Campground. ### 1/5 - Terrible Verified traveller Very rude, unprofessional, argumentative, and unhelpful owner. Ruined any potential good experience for this campground. This is the only time I have ever felt compelled to review a place like this. Many other suitable accommodation around this area. ### 4/5 - Good CK I tried to find fishing trips but they were expensive and unavailable for my time. Even the fishing license for tourists are expensive too. I gave up fishing there because of the costs and my time. - Cities near Whitianga - Places of interest - [Cathedral Cove ](https://expedia.ca/Cathedral-Cove-Hahei.d6108210.Vacation-Attraction) - [Hot Water Beach ](https://expedia.ca/Hot-Water-Beach-Waikato.d6108208.Vacation-Attraction) - [Cooks Beach ](https://expedia.ca/Cooks-Beach-Waikato.d6108204.Vacation-Attraction) - [Lonely Bay Beach ](https://expedia.ca/Lonely-Bay-Beach-Waikato.d6108202.Vacation-Attraction) ![](https://a.travel-assets.com/mad-service/footer/bnaBanners/BEX_Footer.jpg) ## Go further with the Expedia app Save on select hotels and earn double points when you book on the app. Our app deals help you to save on trips so you can travel more and manage it all on the go. Scan the QR code with your device camera and download our app