Hahei Beach

Nestled between some of the Bay of Plenty’s most popular attractions, this tiny coastal hamlet is a great base for exploring the North Island.

Situated on the majestic Mercury Bay, the tiny settlement of Hahei Beach becomes a bustling tourist town in the summer months. Its 350 permanent residents will welcome you to their town, ready to show you their beautiful pink-shell beach, the protected marine reserve and the pods of dolphins that live off shore. Enjoy a round of golf, browse for souvenirs at local gift shops and enjoy a pint at a local craft brewery as you indulge in the offerings of the Coromandel Peninsula.

Located near Whitianga and the world famous Hot Water Beach, Hahei Beach is an ideal place to base yourself as you explore the region. Take a morning stroll along the coastline to reach Hot Water Beach and see why thousands of visitors come to the stretch of sand each year. The geothermic activity beneath the sand heats up the ocean water and the temperatures are ideal for bathing along the shore. Dig yourself a hole in the sand to experience your own private hot spring.

Embark on a guided kayak tour from Hahei Beach. Find tour operators in town. Explore the protected marine reserve that surrounds Hahei Beach as you keep watch for pods of dolphins. Capture photographs as the dolphins play in the shallow water. Make the journey to the stunning Cathedral Cove, accessible only by boat, to see one of the highlights of the area.

Back on shore, lay out a towel on the pink sand of Hahei Beach. The beach is made of millions of light pink shells, which make for beautiful photographs.

Hahei Beach is located about 14 kilometres (9 miles) east of Whitianga and can be reached by car, ferry or a pleasant coastal walk. There is plenty of accommodation in Hahei Beach but note that if you are visiting in peak periods, book in advance as the region becomes busy, especially during the Christmas holiday season.

Attractions and Neighbourhoods near Hahei Beach

Cathedral Cove

Enter the white sand beach through a natural rock archway, the perfect frame for your photos of the rocky islands and clear waters of this marine reserve.

Hot Water Beach

Dig your own pool in the warm sand and soak in the waters of a natural hot springs when you visit one of New Zealand’s most beautiful beaches.

Cooks Beach

Thick forest leads down to this popular swimming beach in Mercury Bay, where explorer Captain Cook anchored in 1769.

Lonely Bay Beach

Plan for a day of peace and quiet at this secret spot reached by traversing a trail along a cliff face.

Shakespeare Cliff Lookout

Surrounded by a nature reserve, this scenic lookout offers picnic areas, walking trails and stunning photo opportunities of beaches with aquamarine water lapping white sand.

Hotels near Hahei Beach

Beachside Resort Whitianga

20 Eyre Street

Rated 4.6 / 5 by Guests

This family-friendly Whitianga motel is located near the airport, just steps from Mercury Bay and Buffalo Beach. Hot Water Beach and Hahei Beach are also within 25 mi (40 km).

Pacific Harbour Villas

223 Main Rd

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

Situated in Tairua, this beach cabin is within 1 mi (2 km) of Tairua Beach and Pauanui Beach. Mount Paku and Pauanui Tairua Trail are also within 12 mi (20 km).

Grand Mercure Puka Park Resort

42 Mount AvenuePauanui Beach, Pauanui Beach

Rated 4.5 / 5 by Guests

Situated in the mountains, this luxury hotel is 0.5 mi (0.8 km) from Pauanui Beach and 3.1 mi (5 km) from Pauanui Tairua Trail. Whangamata Beach and Hot Water Beach are also within 32 mi (52 km).

Oceanside Motel

32 Buffalo Beach Road

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Situated in Whitianga, this beach motel is within a 15-minute walk of Lost Spring Thermal Pools, Mercury Bay Museum, and Mercury Bay. Buffalo Beach and Flaxmill Bay Camp Grounds are also within 1 mi (2 km).

Coromandel TOP 10 Holiday Park

636-732 Rings Road

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

Situated by the ocean, this holiday park is within 2 mi (3 km) of Coromandel Historical Museum, Coromandel Goldfields Centre & Stamper Battery, and Driving Creek Railway. Long Bay is 1.9 mi (3.1 km) away.

Sovereign Pier on the Waterways

73 South Highway

Rated 5.0 / 5 by Guests

Situated in Whitianga, this luxury apartment building is within 2 mi (3 km) of Lost Spring Thermal Pools, Mercury Bay Museum, and Buffalo Beach. Mercury Bay and Flaxmill Bay Camp Grounds are also within 2 mi (3 km).

Turtle Cove Accommodation - Hostel

14 Bryce Street

Rated 4.1 / 5 by Guests

Situated near the airport, this hostel is within a 15-minute walk of Lost Spring Thermal Pools and Buffalo Beach. Purangi Estate-The Purangi Winery and Cathedral Cove are also within 25 mi (40 km).

Admiralty Lodge Motel

69-71 Buffalo Beach Road

Rated 4.6 / 5 by Guests

Offering direct access to the beach, this Whitianga motel is within a 10-minute walk of Buffalo Beach and Mercury Bay. Brophys Beach and Lost Spring Thermal Pools are also within 1 mi (2 km).

Albert Number 6 Motel

6 Albert Street

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

Located in the heart of Whitianga, this hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Buffalo Beach and Mercury Bay. Mercury Bay Museum and Lost Spring Thermal Pools are also within 10 minutes.

Pipi Dune Bed & Breakfast

5 Pipi Dune

Rated 4.8 / 5 by Guests

Situated in Whitianga, this beach bed & breakfast is within a 15-minute walk of Mercury Bay and Lost Spring Thermal Pools. Buffalo Beach and Mercury Bay Museum are also within 1 mi (2 km).

Indigo Bush Studios

19 Flays Road

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Situated in a rural location, this hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Driving Creek Railway and Coromandel Goldfields Centre & Stamper Battery. Coromandel Historical Museum is 1.5 mi (2.5 km) away.

At Parkland Place

14 Parkland Place, Brophy's Beach

Rated 4.7 / 5 by Guests

Situated near the airport, this bed & breakfast is within a 10-minute walk of Brophys Beach, Mercury Bay, and Buffalo Beach. Simpsons Beach and Lost Spring Thermal Pools are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Whitianga Campground

6 Bongard Road

Rated 3.0 / 5 by Guests

Situated near the beach, this campground is steps from Buffalo Beach and Mercury Bay. Brophys Beach and Lost Spring Thermal Pools are also within 2 mi (3 km).

Seabreeze Holiday Park

1043 Tairua Whitinga Road

Rated 3.9 / 5 by Guests

Situated in a rural location, this campground is within 9 mi (15 km) of Purangi Estate-The Purangi Winery, Hot Water Beach, and Hahei Beach. Cathedral Cove and Stingray Bay are also within 9 mi (15 km).

Harbourside Holiday Park

135 Albert Street

Rated 4.0 / 5 by Guests

Situated in Whitianga, this campground is within a 15-minute walk of Mercury Bay Museum and Buffalo Beach. Mercury Bay and Flaxmill Bay Camp Grounds are also within 1 mi (2 km).

Aotearoa Lodge

70 Racecourse Road

Rated 4.1 / 5 by Guests

Situated near the beach, this motel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Mercury Bay and Lost Spring Thermal Pools. Buffalo Beach and Brophys Beach are also within 2 mi (3 km).

Lakes Resort Pauanui

100 Augusta Driveoff Hikuai Settlement Road, off Hikuai Settlement Road

Rated 4.1 / 5 by Guests

Location

Blue Water Motel

213 Main Road

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Situated near the beach, this motel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Tairua Beach and Pauanui Beach. Mount Paku and Hot Water Beach are also within 16 mi (25 km).

Mercury Bay Holiday Park

121 Albert Street

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Situated near the airport, this holiday park is within a 15-minute walk of Mercury Bay Museum, Buffalo Beach, and Mercury Bay. Flaxmill Bay Camp Grounds and Lost Spring Thermal Pools are also within 1 mi (2 km).

Peninsula Motel

93-97 Albert Street

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Situated in the entertainment district, this motel is within a 15-minute walk of Mercury Bay Museum, Buffalo Beach, and Mercury Bay. Flaxmill Bay Camp Grounds and Lost Spring Thermal Pools are also within 1 mi (2 km).

Bailey's At The Beach Motel

66 Buffalo Beach Road

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

With direct access to the beach, this Whitianga aparthotel is within a 15-minute walk of Mercury Bay, Buffalo Beach, and Lost Spring Thermal Pools. Brophys Beach and Mercury Bay Museum are also within 1 mi (2 km).

Hot Water Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park

790 Hot Water Beach Road, Waikato

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Situated on the beach, this holiday park is 0.2 mi (0.4 km) from Hot Water Beach and within 6 mi (10 km) of Hahei Beach and Cathedral Cove. Mercury Bay and Cooks Beach are also within 12 mi (20 km).

Marina Park

84 Albert Street

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Situated near the beach, this spa hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Mercury Bay Museum, Buffalo Beach, and Lost Spring Thermal Pools. Mercury Bay Golf & Country Club and Purangi Estate-The Purangi Winery are also within 20 mi (32 km).

Abbey Court Motel

234 Tiki Rd

Rated 4.5 / 5 by Guests

Situated in the historical district, this motel is within 2 mi (3 km) of Coromandel Historical Museum, Long Bay, and Coromandel Goldfields Centre & Stamper Battery. Driving Creek Railway is 2.2 mi (3.5 km) away.