"Whitianga" Whitianga by al2401

Whitianga, on Mercury Bay, has been settled by Mâori people for almost 1000 years. The bay was discovered in 1769 by Captain James Cook on a journey to document the transit of Mercury. With a natural harbour and inlet Whitianga became a centre for boat building, flax milling and gold mining. There was also a huge Kauri mill and the associated gum digging.

Whitianga is one the centres on the eastern coast of the Coromandel Peninsula and its main industries are fishing, farming and tourism. There are a number of cruises around the bay and to Cathedral Cove made famous in the movie The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian.

There is a ferry across the harbour which connects with the road to Hahei and Hotwater Beach saving a drive of about 30kms.


http://www.whitianga.co.nz/