Tiny and secluded, this pristine beach offers an atmosphere of remoteness but is just a short walk from Whitianga’s ferry landing. Bring a picnic lunch and umbrella as once you sit down on this heavenly beach you won’t want to leave. Towering cliffs and native plants surround Lonely Bay Beach, including a collection of beautiful old pohutukawa trees, providing some shade as the sun moves behind them.
Reach Lonely Bay Beach by a challenging dirt trail that traverses the cliff from the Shakespeare Cliff Reserve above. Gaze down at the beach from the cliff before embarking on the journey down. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes for the journey to the beach, as the path is reasonably steep. Throw off your walking shoes when you reach the soft sand below and set up your camp for the day. While Lonely Bay is popular with locals it remains somewhat of a secret spot and is rarely filled with tourists.
Swim in the clear blue water to cool off after your descent. This area of Mercury Bay is known for its shallow water and great snorkelling. Keep watch for pods of dolphins as you swim in the water.
Climb back to the reserve at the top of the hill for one of the best vantage points around Whitianga. Shakespeare’s Lookout offers views across the ocean and is a great place for an evening picnic as the sun goes down.
Reach Lonely Bay Beach by foot from the Whitianga ferry landing in just half an hour following a network of trails that traverse the Shakespeare Cliff Reserve. If arriving by car, find parking within the reserve, which also has toilets. There are limited amenities around the beach so bring water and food if you plan to stay for the day.
