Things to do in Cooks Beach

Activities, attractions and tours

Waikato featuring rocky coastline, a bay or harbour and a sandy beach
Cooks Beach
Hahei Beach showing a beach, rugged coastline and a sunset
Lonely Bay Beach featuring a bay or harbour and rocky coastline
Cooks Beach

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Top places to visit

1. Cathedral Cove

New Zealand is full of spectacular scenery, and the Cathedral Cove Marine Reserve in the Coromandel Peninsular is no exception. White rock cliffs, a large pumice island, and a naturally formed archway joining Cathedral Cove Beach to Mares Leg Cove give this beach a distinct look.
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Cathedral Cove Beach showing a sunset, rocky coastline and general coastal views

2. Hahei Beach

Situated on the majestic Mercury Bay, the tiny settlement of Hahei Beach becomes a bustling tourist town in the summer months. Its 350 permanent residents will welcome you to their town, ready to show you their beautiful pink-shell beach, the protected marine reserve and the pods of dolphins that live off shore. Enjoy a round of golf, browse for souvenirs at local gift shops and enjoy a pint at a local craft brewery as you indulge in the offerings of the Coromandel Peninsula.
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Hahei Beach which includes a bay or harbour, a sunset and a beach

3. Hot Water Beach

Grab your bucket and spade and head to Hot Water Beach at low tide to find two natural warm water springs. Dig a pool and mix the hot water with just the right amount of seawater to create your perfect bath. Enjoy a relaxing stroll along this beautiful stretch of sand and find a quiet place to rest with a good book. Enjoy a meal in the oceanfront café and shop for souvenirs in the shops behind the beach.
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Hot Water Beach showing landscape views, a beach and tropical scenes

4. Cooks Beach

Relax on the white sands of Cooks Beach, hike over the headlands to the secluded Lonely Bay, cast a line or take a game fishing trip.
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Cooks Beach

5. Shakespeare Cliff Lookout

Overlooking one of Mercury Bay’s most secluded swimming spots, Shakespeare Cliff Lookout provides sweeping views across the ocean and a comfortable picnic area. Take a stroll through the network of hiking trails that zigzag across the reserve or venture down to Lonely Bay Beach to have a dip in the ocean after you admire the views.
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Shakespeare Cliff Lookout which includes rocky coastline, a bay or harbour and mountains

What to do in Cooks Beach

Popular places to visit

Shakespeare Cliff Lookout which includes rocky coastline, a bay or harbour and mountains

Shakespeare Cliff Lookout

Surrounded by a nature reserve, this scenic lookout offers picnic areas, walking trails and stunning photo opportunities of beaches with aquamarine water lapping white sand.

Shakespeare Cliff Lookout

Purangi Regional Reserve

You can take time to visit Purangi Regional Reserve during your travels to Cooks Beach. Wander the beaches and gardens while you're in the area.

Purangi Regional Reserve

Captain Cook's Memorial

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Find out about the history of Cooks Beach with a stop at Captain Cook's Memorial. Wander through the beautiful beaches and seaside in this relaxing area.

Captain Cook's Memorial

Frequently asked questions

Is Cooks Beach worth visiting?
Cooks Beach has an interesting mix of local charm, attractions and culture. Whether you're into the outdoors, history or local culinary flavours, there are many things here to enjoy.
How do I spend a day in Cooks Beach?
After you've visited major attractions like Buffalo Beach and Matarangi Beach, spend the rest of your day enjoying Cooks Beach's retail and dining scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Cooks Beach?
The top tourist attraction in Cooks Beach is Buffalo Beach, so don't forget to include it on your sightseeing list.
Is three days enough to stay in Cooks Beach?
Three days in Cooks Beach is enough to visit the city's major highlights. Many guests spend two days on average. Buffalo Beach, Purangi Estate-The Purangi Winery and Flaxmill Bay Beach are among the most popular sights. Want to see more? Stick around a little longer to explore nearby hotspots such as Whitianga.
Is Cooks Beach a walkable city?
Some leading sights in Cooks Beach, such as Buffalo Beach and Purangi Estate-The Purangi Winery, are within walking distance. You can also explore several of the city's popular neighbourhoods on foot. Only 2 kilometres from the city centre of Cooks Beach is Ferry Landing and Simpsons Beach is 5 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Cooks Beach with kids?
If you're searching for activities and sights for all the family, have a look at these awesome ideas for what to do in Cooks Beach with kids.

What to do in Cooks Beach for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, avid foodie or fan of Mother Nature, there's no shortage of things to do in Cooks Beach for adults including Purangi Estate-The Purangi Winery and Captain Cook's Memorial.
Are there free things to do in Cooks Beach?
In Cooks Beach, Buffalo Beach is a top spot for anyone looking to tour the city without reaching for their wallet. Also, stroll around the parks and other neighbourhoods, and ask for tips from a local tour guide. It's an easy way to learn about the best free things to do in Cooks Beach.