Buffalo Beach stretches along Mercury Bay, north of Whitianga Harbour. A five-minute passenger ferry ride will take you across the harbour to Whitianga Rock Scenic & Historical Reserve, Flaxmill Bay, Shakespeare Cliff Lookout, Lonely Bay, Cooks Beach and Captain Cook’s Memorial, all within walking distance. Further afield are Hahei Beach (13km), Cathedral Cove (15km) and Hot Water Beach (18km, one hour by bike).