Things To Do
Things to do in Whitianga
Welcome to Whitianga, where you can do a little, or do a lot. That’s the luxury of exploring this absolute pearl of an area, just a stone’s throw from the excitement of the Coromandel and all its popular hotspots! Brimming with charm and access to the magnificent Mercury Bay, Whitianga might just be the best-kept secret of the Coromandel. Whether you’re staying for a day or a week, you are spoilt for choice for adventures from the sky, land or sea, in the remarkable area that is Whitianga and the Coromandel Peninsula.
Whitianga's historical haven
As the businesses gear up for a busy summer period, you can bask in the sunshine and lap up the welcoming and beautifully historic little township, meeting people from all over the world gearing up to take on the Coromandel. Take a deep dive into delicious, fresh seafood and hit the water for a little bit of water sporting activity, or discover the Lost Spring Geo-Thermal Pools for a spot of RnR. We offer a Dip & Dine flight straight to the Lost Springs in Whitianga from Auckland’s Ardmore Airport if you want a speedy and magical retreat to one of Whitianga’s best-kept secrets.
If a summer vacation isn’t on the cards, visiting Whitianga in the picturesque winter months allows for quieter enjoyment of the little stores, forest walks, local offerings and easy sights of sunrises and sunsets over Mercury Bay, thanks to the shorter days and mild weather. For seafood lovers in spring, you can hit the Whitianga Scallop Festival in September, which includes an entire weekend of delicious food and wine stalls, and even friendly competitive events like scallop shucking!
Fly to the Lost Springs from Ardmore Airport with Air Auckland’s Dip & Dine Package! You’ll find many Air BnBs and places to stay – like Aqua Vista!
The gateway to the Coromandel
Escape the hustle and bustle of the busy season that takes hold of the Coromandel by staying just a short distance away in Whitianga. Loaded tour buses go straight to the summer hotspots and try to stay as close as possible to the action, but with a little extra planning with a car hire or bus trip – you can reach all the amazing sights and activities the Coromandel offers and be able to escape the tourist traps again by returning to Whitianga accommodation to relax in its little restaurants, cafes, bays and local hospitality.
The Coromandel is famous for beautiful bush walk adventures, gorgeous beaches and natural wonders – like the popular hot water beach. Dig your own outdoor heated pool in the sand and bathe in hot water that rises from beneath, thanks to the area’s natural hot springs. Summer and winter are both great times to visit Whitianga and the Coromandel, with the latter being the ideal time to enjoy the area with fewer people to share it with – meaning you’ll always get the best hot water beach spot, uninterrupted views of Cathedral Cove and dramatically beautiful frosty mornings in the valleys.
See it all from the sky with Air Auckland
Hop on a scenic flight from Auckland or Whitianga!
We operate once-in-a-lifetime flight adventures both from Whitianga and from Auckland, jetting you up into the sky to take in the breathtaking sights of Whitianga and the Coromandel.
If you’re already in Whitianga and looking for a unique and thrilling adventure – you can book a scenic flight that works in with your schedule. With our flexible 30-minute scenic flight departing from Whitianga, you can really take in exclusive sights only able to be viewed by sea or sky, which include sweeping views of the coast and secluded coves, Mercury Bay, Whitianga, Great Barrier, and Coromandel’s most famous spots.
Fancy flying to get lunch or dinner in the beautiful setting of Whitianga?
Choose our found-no-where-else scenic flight packages departing from Auckland. Leaving from Ardmore Airport, you can explore the Hauraki Gulf, Whitianga and the Coromandel from the air on your way there and back to grab some delicious local food in Whitianga, like the mouthwatering charcoal oven and seafood offerings at The Stoke Restaurant and Bar – complete with a waterfront setting. These packages are exceptionally special, and ideal for those wanting something extra memorable and a little bit VIP.
Looking for the most romantic flight experience imaginable?
This is the start of a story you’ll love telling your grandchildren. We offer a sunset scenic flight and dinner in Whitianga as part of a 3-hour experience that includes shuttles to and from the restaurant in Whitianga and a chance to take a little stroll through the afternoon Coromandel scenery before boarding your scenic flight back to Auckland admist a magnificent sunset. You and your loved one are in for an unforgettable trip, ideal for creating lifelong memories (imagine proposing with that view)
Go by sea
No need to hire a car when you can get to the best sights by the water! The best things to do in Whitianga include hopping on board one of the region’s many choices of boats and yachts suitable for every kind of explorer, from families with kids to thrill-seeking solo adventurers. Catch one of the many boat cruises, sailing trips, water taxis, schooner adventures and private excursions that can visit all the favourites, including Cathedral Cove, the hot water beaches and Mercury Island. Different trip providers offer packages where you can see the sights, swim, snorkel, dine, jet and explore to your heart’s content – returning again to Whitianga at the end of your trip.