Explore Flaxmill Bay

Flaxmill Bay (Maramaratotara Bay) is uniquely picturesque.

Flaxmill Bay offers a sheltered safe beach where you can swim with all of the family. Alternatively you could just cosy up with a great book in the sun and watch the boats moored in the bay gently bobbing up and down.

All About Flaxmill Bay

Flaxmill Bay - Mercury Bay

How to get there

By car

Flaxmill Bay is located not far from Cooks Beach. From State Highway 25 turn onto Hotwater Beach Rd, turn left at the signpost for Cooks Beach and Ferry Landing onto Purangi Road. Continue on Purangi Road past the Hahei turn off and past Cooks Beach turn off and you will reach Flaxmill Bay.

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 Flaxmill Bay. Alternatively if you need to stretch your legs you can walk from Ferry Landing to Flaxmill Bay, which is a short moderate flat walk that will take you approximately 15 minutes.

Other transport

See the Getting Around Guide for a range of options.

Things to do for the kids

Enjoy swimming out to the pontoon (not always available all year round) at this safe beach or explore the rock pools to find different sea life. Note that at the base of the Shakespeare Cliff sandshoes or reef shoes are recommended.

Where to grab a bite and drink

For options nearby visit our Restaurants and Bars guide.

View Guide

Places to stay

Check out a range of options that are available nearby in our Accommodation Guide.

View Guide

Shopping

There is plenty of shopping in nearby Cooks Beach and Whitianga.

View Guide

Must Do's

Enjoy a scenic and historic walk from Ferry Landing to Whitianga Rock and pa site. Once you reach Ferry Landing wharf there is a signboard showing the walk to the side of the parking area and public toilets. The walk takes approximately 30-40 minutes return. Note this walk is a moderate to difficult climb as there are stairs and a few steep areas to negotiate.
Take a picnic to Shakespeare Cliff Historic Reserve lookout (walk or drive) – Allow a generous 2 hours to undertake a return walk - where you will be rewarded with expansive views over the wider Mercury Bay. Alternatively you can drive from Purangi Road and park near the viewing area if you are short on time.
Sit with a picnic at Flaxmill Bay and enjoy the picturesque view.

Local Tips

Grab an ice cream and head on down to Front Beach or alternatively to Ferry Landing to people watch.
Walk to Lonely Bay from Shakespeare Cliff Historic Reserve - 20 minutes return. Lonely Bay is a lovely beach to have a swim.

Reserve

Shakespeare Cliff Historic Reserve.
Flaxmill Bay beach and reserve on Purangi Road.
Font Beach just along the main road heading east toward Cooks Beach.

Public Toilets

Ferry Landing Car park, Purangi Rd.
Flaxmill Bay Boat ramp, Purangi Rd.
Shakespeare Cliff Reserve, Purangi Rd.

More About Flaxmill Bay

Industries from the 1860s in Mercury Bay developed around timber, kauri gum, gold, and flax milling – which is where Flaxmill Bay derives its English name. Flax was processed and used to produce rope for local and British markets. Today the industries have long gone, but the Ferry Landing Wharf located a few minutes from Flaxmill Bay provides a busy hub for locals and visitors going about their daily activities.

Front Beach is adjacent to Flaxmill Bay and is also a must with its white sand and Pohutukawas trees, making this a particularly attractive spot on a hot summers day.

Flaxmill Bay Local Info

Flaxmill Bay business, community and event listings.

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Ordering

Eggsentric Cafe & Restaurant

Cafes

Useful Tip

Cafe & Deli & Icecreams

At Eggsentric Cafe & Restaurant we have created a relaxing atmosphere great food, colourful art to view and purchase. We use locally grown organic products.