# Cooks Beach

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Place in Waikato, New Zealand

Cooks Beach (Pukaki) Cooks Bay Interactive map of Cooks Beach (Pukaki) Coordinates: 36°50′17″S 175°44′20″E / 36.838°S 175.739°E / -36.838; 175.739 Country New Zealand Region Waikato District Thames-Coromandel District Ward Mercury Bay ward Community Board Mercury Bay Community Electorates Coromandel Hauraki-Waikato (Māori) Government • Council Thames-Coromandel District Council • Regional council Waikato Regional Council • Mayor of Thames-Coromandel Peter Revell[1] • Coromandel MP Scott Simpson[2] • Hauraki-Waikato MP Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke[3] Area [4] • Total 2.69 km2 (1.04 sq mi) Population (June 2025)[5] • Total 580 • Density 220/km2 (560/sq mi)

**Cooks Beach (Pukaki)** is a town on a three-kilometre white-sand beach on the [Coromandel Peninsula](/source/Coromandel_Peninsula) of New Zealand. To its north is Cooks Bay, and beyond that is [Mercury Bay](/source/Mercury_Bay). To the east is the locality of [Hahei](/source/Hahei) and the tourist attraction of [Cathedral Cove](/source/Cathedral_Cove). Roads to the south connect to [SH 25](/source/State_Highway_25_(New_Zealand)). On the northwest, Shakespeare Cliff is a scenic reserve with a lookout point.[6][7]

## History

The harbour is one of the earliest places settled by Māori, with [Kupe](/source/Kupe) landing on the shore in the fourteenth century. [Te Arawa](/source/Arawa_(canoe)) arrived later bringing a leader called Hei, resulting in the local iwi of [Ngāti Hei](/source/Ng%C4%81ti_Hei). The bay was called Whanganui-o-hei, the great bay of Hei.[8]

[James Cook](/source/James_Cook) visited the area in November 1769, and chose the eastern end of Cooks Beach to set up his instruments to observe the [transit of Mercury](/source/Transit_of_Mercury). He named the bay [Mercury Bay](/source/Mercury_Bay).[9] A granite monument later set up to honour him was washed into the sea by a storm and erosion in 2018, but replaced in time for the 250th anniversary the following year.[10]

In 1837, [Ranulph Dacre](/source/Ranulph_Dacre) and Gordon Browne purchased almost all the land of Cooks Beach, which became known as Dacre's Grant. A timber mill and a flax mill were established, and up to 30 families settled to farm, collect [kauri gum](/source/Kauri_gum), and fish. Plans to subdivide the land in the 1920s were postponed due to the [Great Depression](/source/Great_Depression) until after [World War II](/source/World_War_II). Farming moved into the hills, which had previously been unsuitable due to low phosphate levels, but [aerial topdressing](/source/Aerial_topdressing) made the land economic.[11]

## Ferry Landing

About 2.5 km northwest of the centre of Cooks Beach is Ferry Landing, a smaller settlement on Whakapenui Point between Maramaratotara Bay and Whitianga Harbour. This was the site of a [Ngāti Hei](/source/Ng%C4%81ti_Hei) [pā](/source/P%C4%81), which was sacked by [Ngāi Te Rangi](/source/Ng%C4%81i_Te_Rangi) in the mid 18th century. Cook was impressed by the ruins when visited on 11 November 1769.[12]

A passenger ferry runs on a ten-minute schedule between Ferry Landing and [Whitianga](/source/Whitianga) during the day. The ferry has operated since 1895.[13]

## Demographics

Stats NZ describes Cooks Beach-Ferry Landing as a rural settlement, which covers 2.69 km2 (1.04 sq mi).[4] It had an estimated population of 580 as of June 2025,[5] with a population density of 216 people per km2.

‹ The [template](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Template) *[Historical populations](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Historical_populations)* is being [considered for merging](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Templates_for_discussion/Log/2026_June_24#Template:Infobox_demographics). ›

Historical population Year Pop. ±% p.a. 2006 315 — 2013 348 +1.43% 2018 459 +5.69% 2023 555 +3.87% Source: [14][15]

A cairn on Shakespeare Cliff commemorating Cook's observation of the transit of Mercury

A Whitianga ferry

Cooks Beach-Ferry Landing had a population of 555 in the [2023 New Zealand census](/source/2023_New_Zealand_census), an increase of 96 people (20.9%) since the [2018 census](/source/2018_New_Zealand_census), and an increase of 207 people (59.5%) since the [2013 census](/source/2013_New_Zealand_census). There were 279 males, 276 females and 3 people of [other genders](/source/Non-binary_gender) in 276 dwellings.[16] 1.6% of people identified as [LGBTIQ+](/source/LGBTQ). The median age was 59.0 years (compared with 38.1 years nationally). There were 69 people (12.4%) aged under 15 years, 39 (7.0%) aged 15 to 29, 246 (44.3%) aged 30 to 64, and 204 (36.8%) aged 65 or older.[15]

People could identify as more than one ethnicity. The results were 94.1% [European](/source/European_New_Zealanders) ([Pākehā](/source/P%C4%81keh%C4%81)); 11.4% [Māori](/source/M%C4%81ori_people); 2.2% [Pasifika](/source/Pasifika_New_Zealanders); 2.2% [Asian](/source/Asian_New_Zealanders); 0.5% Middle Eastern, Latin American and African New Zealanders (MELAA); and 3.8% other, which includes people giving their ethnicity as "New Zealander". English was spoken by 98.9%, Māori language by 1.1%, and other languages by 4.3%. No language could be spoken by 0.5% (e.g. too young to talk). The percentage of people born overseas was 17.8, compared with 28.8% nationally.[15]

Religious affiliations were 29.7% [Christian](/source/Christianity_in_New_Zealand), 0.5% [Islam](/source/Islam_in_New_Zealand), 0.5% [Māori religious beliefs](/source/M%C4%81ori_religious_beliefs), 0.5% [New Age](/source/New_Age), and 1.1% other religions. People who answered that they had [no religion](/source/Irreligion_in_New_Zealand) were 59.5%, and 7.6% of people did not answer the census question.[15]

Of those at least 15 years old, 108 (22.2%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, 285 (58.6%) had a post-high school certificate or diploma, and 99 (20.4%) people exclusively held high school qualifications. The median income was $33,300, compared with $41,500 nationally. 36 people (7.4%) earned over $100,000 compared to 12.1% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 174 (35.8%) people were employed full-time, 96 (19.8%) were part-time, and 12 (2.5%) were unemployed.[15]

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** ["Declaration of Results of Election and Poll"](https://www.tcdc.govt.nz/files/assets/public/v/1/our-council/public-notices/governance-pn/thames-coromandel-district-council-declaration-notice-tcdc.pdf) (PDF), *www.tcdc.govt.nz*, Thames-Coromandel District Council, 17 October 2025

1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** ["Coromandel - Official Result"](https://www.electionresults.govt.nz/electionresults_2020/electorate-details-07.html). [Electoral Commission](/source/Electoral_Commission_(New_Zealand)). Retrieved 27 February 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** ["Hauraki-Waikato – Official Result"](https://archive.electionresults.govt.nz/electionresults_2023/electorate-details-66.html). New Zealand Electoral Commission. Retrieved 27 February 2025.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Area_4-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Area_4-1) ["Stats NZ Geographic Data Service"](https://datafinder.stats.govt.nz/data/). Urban Rural 2023 (generalised). Retrieved 24 February 2025.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-NZ_population_data_2023_SA2_5-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-NZ_population_data_2023_SA2_5-1) ["Subnational population estimates - Aotearoa Data Explorer"](https://explore.data.stats.govt.nz/?fs%5b0%5d=Society%2C1%7CPopulation%20estimates%23CAT_POPULATION_ESTIMATES%23%7CSubnational%20population%20estimates%23CAT_SUBNATIONAL_POPULATION_ESTIMATES%23&pg=0&bp=true&snb=10&isAvailabilityDisabled=false). [Statistics New Zealand](/source/Statistics_New_Zealand). Retrieved 29 October 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** ["Shakespeare Cliff Reserve & Headland"](https://www.tcdc.govt.nz/Global/5_Have%20Your%20Say/Proposed%20District%20Plan%20-%20Variation%201/Unit%2069%20-%20Sheet%2078%20-%20Shakespeare%20Cliff%20Reserve.pdf) (PDF). Thames-Coromandel District Council. September 2015.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** ["Cooks Beach"](https://www.hahei.co.nz/cooks-beach.html). Hahei Business Association. Retrieved 1 October 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** Davis, Joe; Johnston, Peter; Minogue, Dal; Piper, Kate (September 2006). ["From Kupe to Cook –Drifts of settlement in the Mercury Bay Area"](https://www.tcdc.govt.nz/Global/1_Your%20Council/Community%20Plans/CooksBeachFerryLandingFlaxmillBayCommunityPlanpart_30588.pdf) (PDF). Thames-Coromandel District Council. p. 4.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** ["Cook observes transit of Mercury"](https://nzhistory.govt.nz/captain-cook-observes-transit-of-mercury). Ministry for Culture and Heritage. 14 September 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** ["Captain James Cook monument to be re-installed in time for 250th commemoration"](https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/111200154/captain-james-cook-monument-to-be-reinstalled-in-time-for-250th-commemoration). Stuff. 12 March 2019.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** Morcom, Toby (September 2006). ["A short history of Dacre's Grant from the early 1800s to today"](https://www.tcdc.govt.nz/Global/1_Your%20Council/Community%20Plans/CooksBeachFerryLandingFlaxmillBayCommunityPlanpart_30588.pdf) (PDF). Thames-Coromandel District Council. pp. 5–6.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** ["Whitianga Rock"](https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/coromandel/places/whitianga-area/whitianga-rock/). Department of Conservation. Retrieved 1 October 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** ["History"](https://www.whitiangaferry.co.nz/history/). Whitianga Ferry. Retrieved 1 October 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Census_2018_14-0)** ["Statistical area 1 dataset for 2018 Census"](https://www.stats.govt.nz/information-releases/statistical-area-1-dataset-for-2018-census-updated-march-2020). Statistics New Zealand. March 2020. Cooks Beach-Ferry Landing (167300). [2018 Census place summary: Cooks Beach-Ferry Landing](https://www.stats.govt.nz/tools/2018-census-place-summaries/cooks-beach-ferry-landing)

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Census_2023_15-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Census_2023_15-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Census_2023_15-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-Census_2023_15-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-Census_2023_15-4) ["Totals by topic for individuals, (RC, TALB, UR, SA3, SA2, Ward, Health), 2013, 2018, and 2023 Censuses"](https://explore.data.stats.govt.nz/vis?fs%5b0%5d=2023%20Census%2C0%7CTotals%20by%20topic%23CAT_TOTALS_BY_TOPIC%23&pg=0&fc=Variable%20codes&bp=true&snb=9&df%5bds%5d=ds-nsiws-disseminate&df%5bid%5d=CEN23_TBT_008&df%5bag%5d=STATSNZ&df%5bvs%5d=1.0&dq=hq011%2Bhq010%2Bhq009%2Bhq008%2Bhq007%2Bhq006%2Bhq005%2Bhq004%2Bhq003%2Bhq002%2Bhq001%2Bhq000%2Bws1%2Bsp99%2Bra80%2Bra08%2Bra07%2Bra06%2Bra05%2Bra01%2Bra04%2Bra03%2Bra02%2Bra00%2Brb1%2Bls66%2Bls03%2Bls02%2Bls05%2Bls04%2Bls01%2Beg6%2Beg5%2Beg4%2Beg3%2Beg2%2Beg1%2BbiTotal%2Bbi0%2Bbi1%2BasTotalLG%2Bas4%2Bas3%2Bas2%2Bas1%2Bws4%2Bws3%2Bws2%2Bge3%2Bge2%2Bge1%2Brc%2BasMed%2BegTotal%2BlsTotal%2BgeTotal%2BrbTotal%2BraTotal%2BhqTotal%2BibTotal%2Bib7%2Bibmed%2BwsTotal.1136.2013%2B2018%2B2023&to%5bTIME%5d=false&ly%5brw%5d=CEN23_TBT_IND_003&ly%5bcl%5d=CEN23_YEAR_001). Stats NZ – Tatauranga Aotearoa – Aotearoa Data Explorer. Cooks Beach-Ferry Landing (1136). Retrieved 3 October 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-16)** ["Totals by topic for dwellings, (RC, TALB, UR, SA3, SA2, Ward, Health), 2013, 2018, and 2023 Censuses"](https://explore.data.stats.govt.nz/vis?fs%5b0%5d=2023%20Census%2C0%7CTotals%20by%20topic%23CAT_TOTALS_BY_TOPIC%23&pg=0&fc=Variable%20codes&bp=true&snb=9&df%5bds%5d=ds-nsiws-disseminate&df%5bid%5d=CEN23_TBT_005&df%5bag%5d=STATSNZ&df%5bvs%5d=1.0&dq=doTotal%2Bdo1.1136.2023&ly%5brw%5d=CEN23_TBT_DWD_003). Stats NZ – Tatauranga Aotearoa – Aotearoa Data Explorer. Retrieved 3 October 2024.

v t e Thames-Coromandel District, New Zealand Seat: Thames Populated places Coromandel-Colville Ward Cape Colville Colville Coromandel Kennedy Bay Manaia Motutakapu Mercury Bay Ward Cooks Beach Coroglen Hahei Hot Water Beach Kūaotunu Matarangi New Chums Beach Otama Beach Rings Beach Te Rerenga Whangapoua Whenuakite Whitianga Thames Ward Hikutaia Kauaeranga Valley Kopu Matatoki Ngarimu Bay Puriri Tapu Te Mata Te Puru Thames Thornton Bay Waiomu South West Ward Whangamatā C.B. Onemana Opoutere Whangamata Tairua-Pauanui C.B. Hikuai Pauanui Tairua Islands Aldermen Islands Castle Island Mahurangi Island / Goat Island Mercury Islands Motueka Island / Pigeon Island Motukawao Islands Poikeke Island Slipper Island Whanganui Island Geographic features Cape Colville Castle Rock Cathedral Cove / Te Whanganui-A-Hei Colville Channel Firth of Thames Hauraki Gulf Kauaeranga Valley Mercury Bay Moehau Range Thames Valley Whangapoua Harbour Facilities and attractions Coromandel Forest Park Driving Creek Railway Hauraki Rail Trail Kopu Bridge Pauanui Aerodrome Siamese Kauri Square Kauri Thames Aerodrome Thames railway station Thames School of Mines Whangamata Beach Hop Whitianga Aerodrome Whitianga Festival of Speed Government District Council Mayor Regional Council Organisations The Mercury Bay Informer Ngāti Rongoū Thames High School

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Cooks Beach](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cooks_Beach) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cooks_Beach?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.