Sight
Mercury Bay
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Mercury Bay is a large, sheltered bay on the Coromandel Peninsula, named after Captain Cook's 1769 observation of the Transit of Mercury from its shores. The bay boasts several beautiful beaches, including Buffalo Beach and Cooks Beach, with calm waters perfect for swimming, sailing, and fishing. The Mercury Bay area is also a gateway to the Cathedral Cove Marine Reserve and offers stunning coastal walks, such as the Shakespeare Cliff Lookout, which provides panoramic views of the bay and the Pacific Ocean.
Don't miss
- Visit the Cook's Memorial at Cooks Beach marking the Transit of Mercury observation
- Swim or sail in the calm, clear waters of Buffalo Beach
- Hike to Shakespeare Cliff Lookout for breathtaking bay views
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit Mercury Bay
You can usually visit on your own. A tour is worth it for transport, a guide, or combining nearby sights into one day.
Cheapest way inTauranga Harbour Scenic 1.5 Hour Historical Boat Cruise4.7★ · 49 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$24 per personSee dates →
Best full dayWhitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout Snorkeling Cruise4.9★ · 3,084 travelers~8 hoursFree cancellationFrom$176 per personSee dates →
Top ratedWhitianga: Cathedral Cove Thrilling Boat Tour, Caves & Snorkeling5★ · 294 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$88 per personSee dates →More attractions in Whitianga