Discover Kuaotunu – Mercury Bay NZ

About Kuaotunu

Kuaotunu is a popular holiday destination with a healthy base of permanent residents, many running their own businesses. It is also a convenient 18 km’s from the business hub of Whitianga.

In the 1890’s Kuaotunu was a well established town with approximately 2000 inhabitants, it’s economy was based on mining and kauri. Kuaotunu, meaning ‘to inspire fear in young animals’, probably relating to the good hunting and fishing grounds at the time. 

Fishing and Boating

Travel north alongside Kuaotunu beach to find the boat ramp. A metal track leads down to the ramp with a breakwater. Remember to check crossing the bar conditions. Kuaotunu beach also has great rocky out crops for land based fishing.

Things To Do In Kuaotunu

The reserve on the Kuaotunu estuary is a popular meeting place for families and the community. The beach is great for running, surfing and kayaking.

To explore more of this Coromandel coastline, take a ride up Black Jack Rd where you will find 180 degree views of Mercury Bay and the pristine beaches of Otama and Opito Bay – where walking, kayaking and fishing are the order of the day.

Book a tour with the local astronomer to see the Coromandel night sky or pop in to see the local knife maker creating his bespoke knives.

Where to eat in Kuaotunu

Kuaotunu is well known for its rustic, laid back eatery, coffee shop, boutique beer and blues. Not to forget the local dairy – famous for the Killer Kuaotunu Icecream.

The retail/eateries are found across te Kuaotunu Stream on Black Jack Rd opposite the fire station.

Retail therapy in Kuaotunu

Retail therapy in Kuaotunu is seasonal with surf shop or vintage shop popups. However there are many permanent home based businesses which are well sign posted on the drive through towards Kuaotunu West where Bluff Rd (from Matarangi) meets the SH25.

Accommodation in Kuaotunu

Kuaotunu has many B&B’s and online accommodation options. The closest camping/holiday park is in Kuaotunu West at the end of Bluff Rd.

Live & work in Kuaotunu

Kuaotunu is a vibrant community with a strong local industry. Well supported by professional tradespeople, including, artists, photographers, potters, and a beer brewer, it has a strong community base with local yoga, a naturopath and a Rudolf Steiner school. Kuaotunu is also well known for its conservation efforts, predator control and bird rescue in the area