Things to do in the Mercury Bay
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Maramaratotara Bay (Flaxmill Bay)
First stop is Front Beach, a broad scenic stretch of sand, cherished by locals for swimming, relaxing and soaking up tranquil coastal views. It’s an ideal spot to park your e-bikes and enjoy the warmth of the Coromandel sun.
A short ride from there is Eggcentric Café, a popular local favourite nestled among gardens and sculptures. This charming café is perfect for a coffee, brunch, or a sweet treat while embracing the area's relaxed atmosphere.
Flaxmill Bay with it’s unique geological formations is a sheltered, picturesque spot featuring golden sands and calm, inviting waters.
Whether you’re seeking a refreshing swim, a stunning photo opportunity or a tranquil café stop, Flaxmill Bay offers a harmonious mix of natural beauty, simplicity, and charm—easily accessible on your e-bike adventure.
Distance to Flaxmill Bay: 3km round trip
Direct round trip ride time: 5-10 minutes -

Shakespeare
Shakespeare Cliff is one of the Coromandel’s most impressive natural lookouts, offering sweeping views over Mercury Bay, Cooks Beach and the coastline’s dramatic headlands. The ride takes you through quiet roads and gentle climbs before opening up to the reserve, where native bush frames the track to the summit.
Tucked beneath Shakespeare Cliff, Lonely Bay is one of the Coromandel’s true hidden gems—a secluded, crescent-shaped beach framed by dramatic pohutukawa trees and soft white sand. It offers a quiet escape perfect for swimming, exploring, or simply unwinding in nature.
The unique limestone formations around the bay give it a distinctive, almost secret feel. A short walk down from the car park leads you directly to this stunning little hideaway.
For riders looking to add a magical, serene stop to their Zoomandel e-bike journey, Lonely Bay is the perfect place to slow down, breathe, and enjoy one of the region’s most beautiful tucked-away spots.
Distance to Shakespeare: 5km round trip
Direct round trip ride time: 15 - 20 minutes (to parking/walkway entrance)
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Cooks Beach
Cooks Beach is a classic Coromandel destination, known for its long stretches of soft golden sand, calm, shallow waters, and family-friendly atmosphere. The beach is perfect for swimming, kayaking, or simply lounging while taking in the stunning views across Mercury Bay. The Wee and Purangi estuaryare must see’s on your journey.
The area is steeped in history—named after Captain James Cook, who famously anchored here in 1769.
This area has some amazing eateries as well - Mercury Bay Estate, The Hive, The Vessel, Kaizen, local shops and picnic spots make it an easy, relaxed stop on your Zoomandel e-bike journey.
Distance to Cooks Beach: 12km round trip
Direct round trip ride time: 30-40 minutes
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Cathedral Cove
Cathedral Cove is one of the Coromandel’s most iconic destinations, famed for its dramatic limestone arch, pristine white-sand beaches, and crystal-clear waters. Accessible via a scenic walking track, it’s a must-visit spot for anyone looking to experience the region’s natural beauty up close.
The surrounding area is a wonderland of coves, rock formations, and native bush, offering plenty of opportunities to explore, snorkel, or simply relax. Whether you pause for a dip in the turquoise waters or take in the sweeping views from the cliffs above, Cathedral Cove delivers an unforgettable highlight on any Zoomandel e-bike journey.
Distance to Cathedral Cove: 26km round trip
Direct round trip ride time: 1 - 1.15 hours
Walk from lee’s road carpark 30-40 minutes each way
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Hahei Beach
Hahei is a charming coastal village and a gateway to some of the Coromandel’s most stunning beaches, including the famous Cathedral Cove. Known for its golden sands, calm waters, and relaxed, friendly atmosphere, Hahei is perfect for swimming, kayaking, or simply enjoying a peaceful break during your Zoomandel e-bike adventure.
The village itself offers cafés, shops, and picnic spots, making it a convenient stop to refuel or soak up the local vibe. Surrounded by native bush and dramatic coastal scenery, Hahei combines natural beauty with laid-back charm—an ideal place to pause, explore, and enjoy the Coromandel coastline.
Eateries: The Church, BarHei, The Pour House, Little Blue Kitchen
Distance to Hahei Beach: 28km round trip
Direct round trip ride time: 1 - 1.15 hours
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Hot Water Beach
Hot Water Beach is a must-visit Coromandel experience, famous for its naturally heated underground springs. At low tide, you can dig your own thermal pool in the sand and soak in warm, mineral-rich water while enjoying the golden beach and sparkling ocean.
The beach is also ideal for swimming, strolling, or simply relaxing while taking in the sweeping coastal views. Nearby cafés and facilities make it a convenient and memorable stop on your Zoomandel e-bike journey. Whether you’re after a unique hot-sand soak or just a scenic beach break, Hot Water Beach offers an unforgettable taste of the Coromandel’s natural wonders.
Eateries: Hotties, Hot Waves Cafe
Distance to Hot Water Beach: 36km round trip
Direct round trip ride time: 1.30 - 1.45 hours
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Buffalo Beach
Buffalo Beach is one of Whitianga’s most popular coastal spots on the Coromandel Peninsula. It’s a long, sandy beach with calm, swimmable waters and views out across Mercury Bay — perfect for a ride to find the perfect spot to relax by the sea. There’s a shared pedestrian and cycle path that runs along the beachfront from Buffalo Beach all the way out to Ohuka Bay and back into the town centre. This paved/esplanade-style path makes it easy to walk, jog, or cycle between the beach and Whitianga village — ideal for a leisurely outing with great coastal views and access to cafes, shops and facilities. Be sure to stop into Cooked for a Margarita or a local craft beer and some excellent Mexican cuisine.
Eateries: Cooked, Salt, Blue Ginger
Distance to Ohuka Beach: 8km round trip
Direct round trip ride time: 30 minutes
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Wharekaho Beach
Wharekaho Beach is a peaceful, family-friendly stretch of coastline just north of Whitianga. Known for its calm waters, golden sand, and open views across Mercury Bay, it’s a favourite spot for swimming, picnics, and soaking up the Coromandel atmosphere. Reaching Wharekaho by e-bike is a relaxed and rewarding coastal journey.
The ride begins in Whitianga along the shared pedestrian and cycle path that follows Buffalo Beach. This flat, well-maintained path runs right beside the ocean, offering uninterrupted sea views and an easy, stress-free ride. It’s ideal for families and casual riders, with plenty of places to stop for photos, a coffee, or a quick dip.
As you continue north, the path flows naturally around Ohuka Bay, where the scenery opens up and the pace slows. This section is quieter and less built-up, making it a lovely place to cruise along on an e-bike while enjoying the coastal surroundings.
From Ohuka Bay to Wharekaho Beach, parts of the journey are travelled on the road, as the dedicated cycle path does not continue the entire way. This section is still very manageable on an e-bike, with gentle terrain and a relaxed coastal feel, but riders should be comfortable sharing the road and riding single file where needed.
Once you arrive at Wharekaho Beach, the calm setting makes it well worth the effort. It’s a perfect place to stop, unwind, and enjoy a quieter side of Mercury Bay before heading back the same scenic way.
Eateries: Cooked, Salt, Blue Ginger
Distance to Wharekaho Beach: 14km round trip
Direct round trip ride time: 45-60 minutes
“First time on an e-bike and a fun day was had. We cycled from Ferry landing to Hahei for lunch and return. Beautiful scenery and as the modern e-bikes do all the work, just enjoy 😊”
