Vacation rentals in Cooks Beach

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Popular amenities for Cooks Beach vacation rentals

Stay near Cooks Beach's top sights

The Lost Spring122 locals recommend
Shakespeare Cliff Lookout34 locals recommend
Grace O'Malleys Irish Inn28 locals recommend
The Espy Cafe23 locals recommend
New World Whitianga38 locals recommend
Frankies Sports Bar & Grill16 locals recommend

Quick stats about vacation rentals in Cooks Beach

Total rentals

310 properties

Rentals with a pool

20 properties have a pool

Pet-friendly rentals

30 properties allow pets

Family-friendly rentals

200 properties are a good fit for families

Total number of reviews

13K reviews

Nightly prices starting at

$50 before taxes and fees

Your guide to Cooks Beach

All About Cooks Beach

Located on the shore of the Coromandel Peninsula on the North Island, the town of Cooks Beach curves around two miles of white sand, perfect for swimming, strolling, and sunbathing. It’s one of the oldest spots in New Zealand, famous as the anchor site for Captain James Cook when he came ashore here for the first time in 1769. From the beach, you’ll see Cooks Bay to the north, and just west of that, Shakespeare Cliff, where you can take a short walk to catch a breathtaking view of the horizon over Mercury Bay.

Towering cliffs isolate the stunning Lonely Bay, where you can listen to the waves and admire the imposing limestone karsts jutting high out of the water, but which can only be reached via a short but steep walking track through the bush. Take a ride from Ferry Landing across the bay to the seaside town of Whitianga, home to a number of fantastic hikes through forested trails and restaurants serving fresh, locally caught seafood.


The best time to stay in a vacation rental in Cooks Beach

The weather in Cooks Beach is temperate but humid year-round, with the exception of a few cold weeks during the winter months of June, July, and August. Bear in mind that New Zealand is in the Southern Hemisphere, so the seasons are opposite to what you might be used to. Cooks Beach is warmest between December and early March; the most popular months to visit the beach are December, April, and July. Though Cooks Beach never gets overwhelmingly crowded, if you’re looking to have a more solitary experience, you’ll want to visit between September and November, which are the quietest months of the year. If you do visit during this time, you may be lucky enough to attend the Whitianga Oceans Festival that is held for a week in September and celebrates the region’s freshly caught seafood and marine heritage.


Top things to do in Cooks Beach

Shakespeare Cliff Scenic and Historic Reserve

Across the bay from Cooks Beach, just a ferry ride away in Whitianga, is the massive Shakespeare Cliff. The first leg of the path to the overlook brings you to Whitianga Rock, home to a Maori pa, or defensive fort. You’ll be able to see why this location was used as a lookout as it boasts clear views of Whitianga, the estuary, and Back Bay that go on for miles.

Whitianga

Whitianga is a small town on the other side of Mercury Bay. This once-small timber port has evolved into a hub for the local fishing, agriculture, and tourism industries. Here, you can enjoy water sports, spend a day walking through the forests of North Island, or sample some of the region’s famous scallops.

Lonely Bay

Hidden behind cliffs and accessible only via a loosely defined, difficult-to-traverse path, Lonely Bay is an accurately named hidden oasis. This is one of the most photogenic spots in Cooks Beach, with its northeast-facing shore perfectly located to watch the sunrise.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What are the most popular amenities for Apartment Rentals in Cooks Beach?

    Enhance your stay in our Apartment Rentals with the most popular amenities: over 10 homes with a bbq area, over 40 homes with wireless internet, and more. Indulge in the ultimate retreat, tailored to your preferences.

  • Are there Cooks Beach vacation rentals on Airbnb with pools?

    Yes! Dive into the perfect getaway at one of over 20 vacation homes with pools in Cooks Beach, available on Airbnb. Make a splash and soak up the sun in style!

  • How much does it cost to stay in guesthouse rentals in Cooks Beach?

    Experience the best of Cooks Beach with our guesthouse rentals, starting at about $60 per day, before taxes and fees. Embrace comfort and style while staying within your budget in your home away from home.

  • Do bungalow rentals in Cooks Beach have wireless internet?

    Absolutely! We offer over 10 bungalow rentals with wireless internet in Cooks Beach. Enjoy a tailored experience with all the comforts you desire.

  • Are there pet-friendly vacation rentals in Cooks Beach?

    Four-legged friends are welcome in Cooks Beach. Choose from more than 30 vacation rentals for guests traveling with pets.

  • Are there family-friendly vacation rentals in Cooks Beach?

    Cooks Beach has more than 200 family-friendly stays. Amenities on the property may include high chairs, travel cribs, or strollers.

  • Are there vacation rentals with a dedicated workspace in Cooks Beach?

    Yes! Work meets play with ease at over 40 vacation rentals in Cooks Beach featuring dedicated workspaces. Stay connected and productive in your home away from home.

  • Do house rentals in Cooks Beach have a bbq area?

    Absolutely! We offer over 50 house rentals with a bbq area in Cooks Beach. Enjoy a tailored experience with all the comforts you desire.

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