Explore Cooks Beach

Cooks Beach – a gorgeous long sandy beach with some surprising history.

Cooks Beach is a favourite family holiday destination on the Coromandel Peninsula with 3km of white sandy beach great for walking, swimming and doing a spot of sunbathing.

All About Cooks Beach

Cooks Beach Mercury Bay

By car

You can get to Cooks Beach by car following SH25. Near Whenuakite there is a major intersection, which is well sign posted and will take you directly to Cooks Beach.

By Passenger Ferry from Whitianga

Catch the ferry from Whitianga Wharf to Ferry Landing. Cathedral Cove Shuttles run services from Ferry Landing that will take you to Cooks Beach. Alternatively if you need to stretch your legs you can walk from Ferry Landing to Cooks Beach, which is a moderate flat walk that will take you approximately 40 minutes.

Other transport

See the Getting Around Guide for a range of options.

View Guide

Things to do for the kids

Purangi Reserve at the end of Purangi Road has a small playground that is ideally located by a sheltered barbeque area and popular paddling spot for children.

Where to grab a bite

For a casual dining option you can’t beat getting fish and chips from the Frying Scotsman Takeaways and dining on the beach kiwi style.

Places to stay

Check out a range of accommodation options in our Accommodation Guide.

View Guide

Shopping

The Cooks Beach Liquor Store is a the place to go if you are looking for a gift, they not only sell Liquor they have some gift ideas for everyone including - mugs, warm socks, candles, ornaments, body lotion and much more.

Must Do's

Nothing beats a walk along glorious Cooks Beach with an ice cream.
Check out the Cook Memorial on Purangi Road where Captain Cook made his observation of the Transit of Mercury.

Local Tips

Go to the annual Cooks Beach Summer Gala for some good old fashioned gala fun.
For a seriously great view walk or drive to the lookout at Shakespeare Cliff.

Boat Ramps

Cooks Beach free boat ramp – Purangi Reserve, Purangi Road (concrete ramp with trailer parking close by).

Public Toilets

Cooks Beach North – Riverview Rd.
Cooks Beach Central – Marine Parade.
Cooks Beach – Purangi Reserve, Captain Cook Rd.

More About Cooks Beach

Cooks Beach is also rich in history, being named after navigator Captain James Cook. Cook, his expedition astronomer Charles Greene and his crew landed here on the 9th November 1769 to observe the transit of Mercury and to establish longitude.

Cooks Beach Local Info

Cooks Beach business, community and event listings.

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Ordering

Concert in the Vines Cooks Beach, Whitianga, Mercury Bay, Coromandel, NZ

Concert in the Vines 2019 - date to be confirmed

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Music Concerts & Gigs

Event Info

Event Date

January 12, 2019

The Concert in the Vines is now a summer institution for families seeking a great day out. The local artists, food and atmosphere is a favourite with the regular...

Cooks Beach Community Centre

Community Halls

Cooks Beach Community Centre is located close to the beach and is a popular venue for community activities and private events such as weddings and family celebrations. The Cooks...

Cooks Beach Garden Club

Hobby & Craft Groups

Cooks Beach Garden Club for gardening enthusiasts!

Cooks Beach Summer Gala 2019 - date to be confi...

Markets, Galas & Fairs

Event Info

Event Date

January 04, 2019

Join in the annual fun at the annual Cooks Beach Summer Gala for the whole family at Cooks Beach near Whitianga with over 100 stalls. Come and enjoy...