Nestled on the east coast of the Coromandel, Mercury Bay's main town of Whitianga has attracted visitors for more than a thousand years, since Maori explorer Kupe first settled here around 950A.D. At this time an established tourist resort, the Bay's spectacular coastline is dotted with islands and its relatively sheltered waters are perfect for all water sports. And here any tourist will find a large range of activities to enjoy.
Hot Water Beach is among them. Several volcanoes develop huge underground reservoirs of superheated water. This water will escape to the surface - cooling on the way. There are 2 cracks at Hot Water Beach issuing water as hot as 64˚C (147˚F) at a rate as high as 15 liters/minute. The water contains large amounts of salt (not salt water), calcium, magnesium, potassium, fluorine, bromine and silica.
Flanked by Shakespeare Cliff to the west and the picnic spot of Purangi River to the East, Cooks Beach is another popular visitor destination.
Named after the H.M.S. Buffalo wrecked here in 1840, Buffalo Beach offers safe swimming, plus good fishing and shellfish collecting. To the north there is Wharekaho Beach, where the areas main Maori Pa was located.
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