Things to do in Whitianga
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Purangi Estate
On the way to Hahei, Purangi Estate has a cafe and free tastings of fruit wines and liqueurs.
reviewed
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A
Lost Spring
The Lost Spring is an intriguing Disney-meets-Rotorua thermal complex, involving a series of hot pools in a lush junglelike setting, complete with an erupting volcano. Yet this is an adult’s indulgence (children under 14 not permitted), leaving the grown-ups to marinate themselves in tranquillity, cocktail in hand. There’s also a day spa and an excellent restaurant.
reviewed
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Passenger Ferry Ride
A five-minute passenger ferry ride will take you across the harbour to Whitianga Rock Scenic & Historical Reserve, Flaxmill Bay, Shakespeare's Lookout, Captain Cook's Memorial, Lonely Bay and Cooks Bay.
reviewed
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B
Fire Place
Living up to its name, the modern interiors wrap around big stone chimneys and open fires. The excellent wood-fired pizzas ($20) are big enough for two, saving room for the phenomenal desserts. In the off-season look out for cracking specials like the $15 Sunday roast.
reviewed
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C
Seafari Windsurfing
Seafari Windsurfing, 4km north of Whitianga, hires out sailboards (from $25 per hour) and kayaks (from $15 per hour), and provides windsurfing lessons (from $40 including gear).
reviewed
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D
Cafe Nina
Barbecue for breakfast? Why the hell not. Too cool to be constricted to four walls, the kitchen grills bacon and eggs on an outdoor hotplate while the punters spill out onto tables in the park.
reviewed
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Highzone
Highzone offers high adventure on a ropes course, including a trapeze leap and flying fox. It’s located 7km south of Whitianga, just off the main road. Call for opening hours.
reviewed
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E
Dive HQ
Dive HQ is a PADI five-star accredited dive facility offering a range of shore, kayak and boat dives. Come November, it also organises a dive festival.
reviewed
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F
Sangam Indian Cuisine
North India comes to Whitianga via this large, upmarket restaurant with exotic light fittings. If the kids aren’t spice-friendly there’s a fish-and-chips lifeline.
reviewed
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Cog
Get an early start on the sunny terrace of this side-street cafe, where the counter food beckons enticingly and the toasted sandwiches have gourmet aspirations.
reviewed
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Mercury Bay Museum
Mercury Bay Museum is small but interesting, focusing on local history – especially Whitianga’s most famous visitors, Kupe and Cook.
reviewed
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Monk St Market
Self-catering foodies should head to Monk St Market for deli goods, imported chocolate and organic produce.
reviewed
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Twin Oaks Riding Ranch
Twin Oaks Riding Ranch will take you horse-trekking over farmland and through bush 9km north of Whitianga.
reviewed
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Tuatua
The tapas craze has made it to Whitianga, but with a local flavour – try the Madrid-style Coromandel mussels.
reviewed
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Mercury Twin Cinemas
Offers latest-release mainstream and independent films as an alternative to getting wet.
reviewed
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Buffalo Beach - Southern End
reviewed
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Whare-Taewa Pa
reviewed
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Wharekaho Pa
reviewed
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Simpsons Beach
reviewed
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Front Beach
reviewed
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Q
Brophy's Beach
reviewed
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Whitianga Adventures
Offers a two-hour Sea Cave Adventure in an inflatable (adult/child $65/40) and four-hour trips to the Mercury Islands in a 14m launch (adult/child $125/70).
reviewed
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Glass Bottom Boat
reviewed
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