Things to do in Cooks Beach

Activities, attractions and tours

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


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 general coastal views, rocky coastline and a sunset

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 showing a sunset, a beach and a bay or harbour

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 a beach, landscape views 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 Lookout featuring a sandy beach, rocky coastline and mountains

What to do in Cooks Beach


Popular places to visit