Shakespeare Cliff Scenic and Historic Reserve
Shakespeare Cliff Scenic and Historic Reserve
Shakespeare Cliff Scenic and Historic Reserve
4.5
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24 within 10 kms
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
206 reviews
Excellent
144
Very good
53
Average
7
Poor
2
Terrible
0
Bridget M
Melbourne, Australia13 contributions
Feb 2024 • Family
We left early to do this as it was a hot sunny day. We caught the ferry from Whitianga and then you have a choice of following the road to Flaxmill Bay, or taking the track over the hills. We did the track on the way there and the road on the way back. The hike is stunning - beautiful bush, but lots of up and down and steps. The track isn’t well signposted. If in doubt, chose the path that goes up! The path is not a smooth even track, so be prepared! We loved it - wonderful views along the way. At Flaxmill Bay we had a coffee at the cafe and then did the loop track around Shakespeare Cliff. This was well signposted. We didn’t go down to Lonely Bay (too hot, too many steps) but it would be beautiful to visit.
We headed back to the Ferry Landing via the lovely old cemetery to get the ferry back to Whitianga.
All up we took about 3 hrs with many photo stops, and didn’t rush. You can also visit Cooks Beach if you have enough time. We even saw a of of dolphins out to see from the cliff lookout point!
This was a wonderful morning hike but it’s worth taking a map.
We headed back to the Ferry Landing via the lovely old cemetery to get the ferry back to Whitianga.
All up we took about 3 hrs with many photo stops, and didn’t rush. You can also visit Cooks Beach if you have enough time. We even saw a of of dolphins out to see from the cliff lookout point!
This was a wonderful morning hike but it’s worth taking a map.
Written February 1, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Patricia
7 contributions
Mar 2022
Lots of places to stay at reasonable cost. A lot going on in this beautiful area, we particularly enjoyed a glass bottomed boat ride around the bay. My sister and her husband were with us and have subsequently had a wonderful house built overlooking the bay. A motorcycle rally was in the town of Coromandel at the time of our visit in February, I am not particularly a motorcycle person but was amazed at the variety of fantastic unusual bikes . The atmosphere was really festival and lots going on. The scenery on the Peninsula is fantastic and well worth a visit. We travelled February 2019
Written February 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Phil_Coo
Newcastle, Australia16 contributions
Dec 2022
A nice morning walk to check out sunrise and views over Mercury Bay. Well maintained tracks and good information boards on Maori and European history.
Written December 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AllanJGJ
Wellington, New Zealand3,848 contributions
Nov 2022
Pleasant, very typical New Zealand coastal view. You can have a good stroll around the headland or drive near the top by car. Worth doing if you're in Cook's Beach or Whitianga. Look out for the plaque commemorating the visit of James Cook!
Written December 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GrantandTracey
Bondi, Australia334 contributions
Nov 2022
Lovely ferry and walk. Caught the ferry from Whitianga, then walked to the lookout and back. Took about 1hr 15 mins. A good few steps but definitely worth the effort.
Written November 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lucinda J
Wellington, New Zealand1,010 contributions
Jan 2022 • Couples
Beautiful and hot walk to the cliff top and lonely bay, beautiful vistas abs such a magic place. Definitely do this in your trip
Written January 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Leif P
5 contributions
Oct 2021
wear comfortable shoes/hiking boots, the track is steep in places but well maintained and beautiful views
Written October 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kennedy R
Thames, New Zealand17 contributions
Feb 2021
A good walk, such an amazing view, Water looks so blue and you can see for miles. I would definately do it again.
Written September 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andrew & Marie
Christchurch, New Zealand46 contributions
Apr 2021 • Family
The bay is best visited at low tide to enable you to expose the rock pools.
Water is calm for swimming.
Lovely walk around the head from flaxmill up around and down to cook’s beach with drop down into lonely bay on the way.
Not too hard at all...not suitable for those who can not do stairs.
Water is calm for swimming.
Lovely walk around the head from flaxmill up around and down to cook’s beach with drop down into lonely bay on the way.
Not too hard at all...not suitable for those who can not do stairs.
Written April 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Woop313
Christchurch, New Zealand61 contributions
Mar 2021 • Couples
An easy walk with well maintained tracks and superb views of Whitianga and Cooks beach. You can drive up to the top but the walk is well worth it. A must do while in the area.
Written March 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Magda G
3 contributions
Hi, can you walk there from Whitianga CBD? How long it would take?
Darrin
Wellington, New Zealand23 contributions
The ferry trip is very quick - 5 minutes or so. It took us less than 30 minutes to walk to Shakespeare Cliff, then another 20 minutes to climb to the top. 2-3 hours is a reasonable time to allow for a round trip.
yank
74 contributions
Is there a way to get to the beach?
bonita633
Whitianga, New Zealand8 contributions
There is a beach to the left of Shakespear Reserve called Flaxmill Bay, and when you walk up to the lookout at Shakespear Reserve, there is also a walk way to Lonely Bay, a beautiful small Bay, you can also take a track which will lead you to Cooks Beach to the right of Shakespear Reserve.
There are many tracks over the Shakespear Reserve, and fantastic views of the Mercury Bay and Islands.
Would this be a good day out for children under 5?
4 and 2?
Julie M
Wellington, New Zealand850 contributions
Very strenuous for little ones. Smallest would need piggybacks! I am guessing ti would take the whole day with many stops on the way. It would be easier to drive. Lovely beache s nearby with children's play areas.
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Claim your listingSHAKESPEARE CLIFF SCENIC AND HISTORIC RESERVE: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Shakespeare Cliff Scenic and Historic Reserve
- Hotels near Shakespeare Cliff Scenic and Historic Reserve:
- (0.70 km) 970 Lonely Bay
- (0.86 km) Flaxmill Accommodation
- (0.32 km) Over the Dunes - Cooks Beach Holiday Home
- (1.28 km) Mussel Bed Boutique Holiday Accommodation
- (2.97 km) Andrea's Bed & Breakfast
- Restaurants near Shakespeare Cliff Scenic and Historic Reserve:
- (1.03 km) Eggsentric Cafe
- (1.62 km) Kaizen At Go Vino
- (2.37 km) Blue Ginger
- (2.49 km) That Curry Place
- (2.19 km) The Espy Cafe