The Lifestyle

Whitanga's Playground

Swimming pools – who needs them? The canals offer fabulous opportunities to swim, kayak or cruise around in relative safety.

Add to that the opportunity to hike bush trails, cycle town and country roads, play a round of golf or game of tennis, and there is little you could want for. New activity and excursion operators are popping up every year. Want to venture further afield by boat? You will not be disappointed.

The township of Whitianga is located right in the heart of Mercury Bay, the Coromandel’s most popular marine playground. Whitianga’s natural all weather harbour with its deep water entrance and no bar to navigate is barely subjected to the affects of weather and tide.

Boat owners who have cruised in the area extol the virtues of Mercury Bay because of its unparalleled selection of picturesque islands, beaches, bays, dive sites and marine reserves. For example Great Mercury Island, one of the most popular cruising destinations lies just 10 km offshore.

This large island is surrounded by a number of smaller islands, all of which offer exceptional cruising, fishing and diving sites. Swimming in the crystal clear waters and relaxing on the pristine sandy beaches are experiences one never tires of.

Although privately owned, Great Mercury Island’s owners, generously allow beach landings providing there is no overnight camping, all refuse is removed and pets are left aboard visiting boats.

Hahei’s Marine reserve is located just a few kilometres to the East of Whitianga. It was chosen for a Marine Reserve because of the vast array of habitats and inhabitants associated with the coastline and outlying islands. Reefs, caves, archways and soft sediments provide the ideal playground for a variety of plants, fish, molluscs and crustaceans. the Reserve is sheltered from the worst of the southerly winds and so provides visitors with a safe haven to enjoy an unspoilt marine environment.
Visit the Hahei marine reserve link .