Flaxmill Bay is a picturesque, sheltered bay with stunning rock formations fringed with Pohutukawa trees.
Introduction
If you’re on foot we love to do a day trip, catch the Ferry at Whitianga Wharf with a short 5-10 minute walk from the landing.
Flaxmill Bay is one of my favourite beaches for a day trip. If you are catching the Ferry from Whitianga going on the boat makes it extra fun for the kids.
There are plenty of big Pohutukawa trees for shade and rocks to explore.
The rock formations are so beautiful, with a huge limestone overhang at one end of the beach which we often use as a backdrop for photoshoots.
Flaxmill Bay feels like two separate beaches, both quite different, but together they form Flaxmill Bay.
Pack a picnic and plan a dry trip, and if you love a good walk Lonely Bay is just around the corner (and up a hill!).
If you’re lucky you might even spot stingrays sunbathing on the rocks.
Access
Drive - The bay is easily accessible by car. Take the Hot Water Beach turn off from State Highway 25.
You will also drive past Lonely Bay, Cooks Beach and be not far from Cathedral Cove, Hahei, and Hot Water Beach should you want to visit there too.
See our other Guides for more information on surrounding beaches.
Ferry - If you’re staying in Whitinga you can catch the Ferry at Whitianga Wharf. From there it’s just a short 5-10 minute walk from the landing.
You can purchase tokens on the Ferry, and they have EFTPOS. For a return trip, the ferry costs $8 for an Adult and $6 for kids under 16. If you want to bring your bike it’s an extra $1.50. Dogs are free!
The ferry runs 365 days of the year on a continuous loop. We’ve never had to wait longer than 10 minutes.
The ferry operates from 7.30am – 7.25pm and 8.30pm – 10.25pm. Make sure you’re back in time to catch the last boat of the day. You don’t get stuck on the other side for the night!
Private Boat - As far as I’m aware there are no Ferrys direct to the Bay itself. You could book a private charter to drop you off at Flaxmill Bay. However if you are doing one of the boat trips to Cathedral Cove you will go past it.
If you have a boat you will find there are often other boats anchored in this sheltered bay.
Swim
Main Beach - Flaxmill Bay feels a little like it’s split into two distinct beaches. The main beach has quite a decent drop off, so keep a close eye on your kids swimming here.
At low tide you can walk all the way along the beach, past giant limestone cliffs and rock formations to the sheltered part of the bay.
There are huge rocks and boulders for the kids to explore when walking along the beach.
If the tide is high, or you would like to view the beach from above, you can also walk along the footpath next to the road.
The Bay - The sheltered end of the beach contains the giant limestone overhang I often use for photoshoots.
My kids love to explore the rocks at low tide and swimming at this end of the beach is much safer for the littler kids. It doesnt get big waves like the main beach, the incline is much more gentle. There is also a raft the older kids can swim out to.
Where to Eat
The only place to eat at Flaxmill Bay is Eggcentric Cafe, which is delicious and I highly recommend! My food always comes out decorated with edible flowers, so pretty!
More than just a cafe, over Summer they have bands come and play, there is a little store inside and the kids will love exploring their sculptural garden.
They also have a good outdoor area and playground for the kids.
Nearby - If you’re in a car, Cooks Beach is just around the corner, about 5 minutes drive away. Here you will find a selection of Cafes, Restaurants and the Mercury Bay Estate Winery located on the hill overlooking the area.
If you’re looking for a kid friendly option we love The Hive in Purangi which has great pizzas and big outside area for the kids to run around under the fruit trees.
Cooks Beach Guide coming soon!
Where to Stay
There are a handful of places to stay in Flaxmill Bay itself with more options in nearby Cooks Beach. I personally haven’t stayed at any because we always do day trips. You could check out:
Nearby - If you’re in the car, your next closest township would be Cooks Beach (Guide coming soon).
If you’re visiting via Ferry, the next closest township would be Whitianga (Guide coming soon)
Download your Free Flaxmill Bay Guide Here.
