Local information; Cathedral Cove Walk, Hahei Beach, Hot Water Beach, Cooks beach, Fishing, Kayaking, Safe Swimming, Bush walks, NZ Native Fauna and Flora - Local Info here at Ferry Landing Lodge

Experience the Coromandel Peninsula

The Coromandel Peninsula is about 3 hours drive from Auckland, Hamilton & Tauranga so plan on staying 2-3 days. So much to do, don't under estimate the Driving times around the Coromandel Peninsula.

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Hot water beach

Soaking in hot thermal springs at Hot water beach during low tide is a popular activity. You can only reach the hot water at low tide. We'll provide the spades so you can dig your own spa at Hot Water Beach. Best time is 1 hour either side of the low tide. The surf is renowned for its strong currents, frequent rips and large waves so visitors are advised to swim with caution, between the flags.
Ferry Landing Lodge is 12 min drive to Hot Water Beach.

Cathedral Cove

The natural rock formation that is Cathedral Cove attracts over 160,000 tourists to the Coromandel Peninsula. Prince Caspian, the movie; opening scenes filmed in 2006.
At Cathedral Cove a snorkel trail at Gemstone Bay shows the abundance of fish in the Hahei Marine Reserve. 12 minutes from Cathedral Cove.

Bush walks in Mercury Bay

- see the full list, of beautiful walks within the Whitianga/Mercury Bay area. Nearest to the Lodge is the Maramaratotara track, 40 minute round trip, past historic Back Bay, over the hill through native bush, to Front Beach. Spectacular from the top of Whitianga Rock over Whitianga township, Buffalo Beach & the tree studded Coromandel Ranges.

Swimming

Front Beach, Flaxmill Bay, Lonely Bay, Cooks Beach, Buffalo Beach, ideal swimming beaches, sparkling blue waters, soft white sand. Easy walking distance with everything, umbrellas, towels, chairs, buckets, spades is here at the lodge all available FREE.

Shakespeare Cliff

A 2 hour walk to Shakespeare Cliff meanders thorough native bush to the top of the cliffs & spectacular views.
Named by Captain Cook as it resembled the Shakespeare cliffs of Dover, England.

Hahei Beach

Beautiful Hahei Beach where Rob's great grandfather chose to bring his young family from Ireland. This magnificent house built entirely from Kauri timber is still impressive today. When you are driving back from Hahei beach, the house can been seen on the right, behind the white picket fence.

Hahei Marine Reserve

The Te Whanganui a Hei Marine Reserve is a great place for diving, Dive charters and Cathedral Cove Kayaks offer kayak trips in the Hahei Marine Reserve.

Families

"We had a great time fishing off the wharf. I LOVE fishing, wish we could have stayed longer."

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Free Activities

Have you ever thought this would be fun to try?
This is your chance to try kayaking for FREE

Launch the kayak from the water's edge at Ferry landing Beach. Explore historic Back Bay, some awesome caves and you just might see stingrays who frequent the Bay to feed.

The mountain bikes can be put on the small 'p assenger only' ferryboat and taken to Whitianga where the roads are flatter!
Check the online availability calendar and book now.

Restaurants /Cafes

You have a choice of 10+ restaurants / cafes within walking distance. Over in Whitianga there is Squids, The Wild Hog, Salt Bar, an authentic Indian & Thai restaurant.
On Ferry Landing / Cooks beach side of the harbour is the Eggsentric Cafe, a cafe in Cooks Beach and a couple of restaurants in Hahei. Click here to see the full dining guide.

Others have enjoyed a Kiwi style BBQ in the garden. We supply the BBQ and condiments & you can pick seasonal salad produce from our wonderful organic garden. A local store sells supplies and there is even a bottle store at Cooks Beach.

Bird Watchers Paradise

Choose the drive along the Pacific Coast Highway on route to the Coromandel Peninsula. You will pass the Miranda foreshore which is home to over 100 bird species! It's on the Western shores of the Firth of Thames between the Hunua Forest Park and the Coromandel Ranges. Many birds build their nests in our trees, providing an opportunity to watch the babies grow.

Listen to the sound of forest birds

Boat Charters, Sailing, Fishing

Whitianga offers many charters for big game fishing. (tuna and marlin)

'Windborne' Charters Ocean Leopard Tours' 'Glass Bottom Boat', all offer day trips. The image of the Glass Bottom Boat show Orcas in Whitianga harbour. Ferry Landing Lodge is in the background. Fishing opportunities in the area

NZ native fauna and flora

One of the most successful community led Millennium Projects was Kauri 2000. Native bush is being restored on the Coromandel Peninsula wherever possible. We've planted 1 for each of our grandchildren. This 600 year old kauri is on the 309 Road, Whitianga, The Coromandel Peninsula, New Zealand.

Golf

A lovely 9 hole golf course at Purangi is 10 km from the lodge. Whitianga, Tairua and Matarangi. offer 18 holes and all have hire clubs.

Mercury Bay History Museum

Mercury Bay Museum located across the water on the Esplanade Whitianga. Interesting displays of both Maori & European history including commemoration of Kupe's discovery of New Zealand and Captain Cooks visit in 1769.
Established in the old Mercury Bay Dairy Company. Photos of four generations of Rob's family are part of a large collection of photos, of the region's pioneer families.

Driving Creek Railway

A day trip over the 309 road to Driving Creek Railway & Pottery, the WaterWorks & Coromandel town is very popular.

Shops / Services

Stores in Whitianga include a variety of shops including New World supermarket., book stores, hardware, chemists, several clothing stores, gift and souvenir shops. The Monk St Market sells organic produce, specialty items. During summer there are mini markets, craft days. There are many fine restaurants and cafes to choose from. Other shopping and services in Whitianga town

Touring Routes

The Coromandel Peninsula is very popular for locals and overseas visitors. Incredible scenery, beautiful beaches, fauna and flora, birdlife and the people are so eager to share their knowledge of the area. You won't find a better kiwi welcome anywhere. We can assist you with travel times and based on your particular interests, also point out places along your chosen route. For more help with initial planning go to The Coromandel Touring Routes & Suggested Itineraries and The Coromandel Road Trip

Ferry Landing Lodge