Whitianga History
In approximately 950 AD, the famous Tahitian explorer and master mariner, Kupe, and a group of his people arrived in Mercury Bay. Kupe landed at Whitianga which he named TE WHITIANGA - a - KUPE.
Captain James Cook master seaman, surveyor and astronomer, sailed into Mercury Bay in the Endeavour on the 3rd November 1769. Cook anchored at Purangi later known as Cooks Beach. He spent some time in the area exploring and taking astronomical readings and observed the transit of Mercury.
Whitianga's potential was recognised in the 1830s when Gordon Brown, a merchant of Flaxmill Bay, established the first European settlement.
Mercury Bay has an interesting Maori and European history. You can learn a lot more of the local history by visiting the Mercury Bay Historical Museum.
Mercury Bay and Whitianga
Whitianga is at the heart of the beautiful Mercury Bay, which encompasses a number of beaches and bays. Whitianga is a very popular holiday destination all year round and especially in the summer months when the population increases significantly.
Whitianga is the perfect base for enjoying water-based activities such as swimming and kayaking. The deep-water harbour is perfect for the many charter boats used for fishing, sailing and sightseeing which operate from the wharf or marina, situated in the heart of the town. Whitianga also boasts a number of boat ramps for launching your own craft.
Mercury Bay is also a haven for recreational divers with a marine reserve easily accessible from Hahei or Cathedral Cove. If you prefer hot water, The Lost Spring is a unique thermal hot water and spa experience located in the centre of Whitianga. With its sculpted pools, waterfalls, hidden gemstones, and dense foliage, the Lost Spring offers more than simply a swim in hot water. Alternatively, you can create your own hot pool at Hot Water Beach by taking a spade and digging in the sand two hours either side of low tide.
Off the water, there are a large number of short walks and day trips to be enjoyed. The more popular walks include taking the passenger ferry from Whitianga to Ferry Landing (a continuous daytime service) and then walking along the road to Shakespeare Cliff, a scenic reserve above Flaxmill Bay. This is an easy walk, which takes approximately two hours return to Ferry Landing.
"Must do" walks include Cathedral Cove (Hahei) which takes 90 minutes return and New Chums Beach accessible from Whangapoua and a 60-minute return walk.
For golfers, there is a Driving Range and 18-hole golf courses 3 kms south of Whitianga and north at Matarangi or a 9-hole course at Purangi near Cooks Beach. If mini-putt is more for you, Birdwood Springs is situated on Joan Gaskill Drive.
If driving, the options are limitless with attractions listed under Activities. All less than an hour away. Scooter hire is also available both in Whitianga and across the river at Ferry Landing for extra fun.
