Mercury Bay is the area of water that encompasses a spectacular coast flanked by islands. Buffalo Beach in Whitianga is perhaps the most well known beach in Mercury Bay with safe swimming and a long sweep of sand. The beach was named after the ship Buffalo which was wrecked here in a storm in 1840. The Mercury Bay area of The Coromandel is one of quite stunning beaches and bays. Azure blue waters roll onto clean white sands, while protective arms of bush clad hills shelter the bays and further enhance the scenic spendour of the area. Mercury Bay is a very popular holiday destination and during the summer months the population swells considerably. For the rest of the year, a relaxed, away from it all atmosphere prevails. Whitianga is the main settlement of Mercury Bay, an attractive township with a deepwater harbour. Its harbours has made Whitianga the home of the Mercury Bay Boating club and the departure point for big game fishing enthusiasts. Many charter boats ply the waters of Mercury Bay for fishing or scenic cruising.