About Us
Discover the Coastal Charm and Everyday Convenience of Whitianga.
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Whitianga, a picturesque coastal township on the Coromandel Peninsula, offers a unique blend of natural beauty, community vibrancy, and modern convenience. Surrounded by pristine beaches and renowned landmarks like the iconic Cathedral Cove and the geothermal haven of The Lost Spring Spa, it’s easy to see why Whitianga has become a destination of choice for both holidaymakers and those seeking a permanent coastal lifestyle.
Easily accessible from Auckland—just a 2.5-hour drive or a quick 25-minute flight with Barrier Air—Whitianga is closer than you think, yet feels a world away. In recent years, this charming township has experienced thoughtful growth, with new infrastructure and expanded amenities enriching daily life while preserving its laid-back coastal character.
At the heart of this transformation is Whitianga Waterways, the largest coastal development by Hopper Developments. Purpose-built to support a thriving, self-sufficient community, Whitianga Waterways offers a seamless connection between land and sea. The development is thoughtfully integrated into the town, providing residents with access to an exceptional suite of lifestyle and recreational offerings—all just moments from their doorstep.
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Whitianga represents the finest in coastal living. We pride ourselves on delivering an environment that offers its residents a totally unique lifestyle, where you can do as much or as little as you please — the choice is yours. The new elements currently in design will only enhance that offering, and the years ahead will see the area's reputation grow. Come and see what’s on offer — it is literally first to the fishing, seconds to the beach!”
Peter Abrahamson
Whitianga Waterways Director
Key Locations
Everyday Convenience, Right Here
Whether you're stocking the pantry, taking care of your health, or heading out on the water, everything you need is close at hand.
Retail & Commercial Services
Two supermarkets
The Warehouse
Multiple banks (Westpac, BNZ, Kiwibank)
Building merchants (Hammer Hardware, Placemakers)
Expanding retail and café precincts
Health & Medical Services
Two pharmacies
Local dentist and x-ray facilities
Medical centre and supporting services
Westpac Helicopter Base
Transport & Accessibility
Whitianga Airfield with daily flights to Auckland
Modern marina and multiple public boat ramps
Easy road access to regional destinations
A Lifestyle Built Around the Outdoors
Whitianga offers an unparalleled environment for active, outdoor living. From land to sea, the recreation opportunities are endless
Boating, fishing, and yachting (Whitianga Marina, Game Fishing Club, and Yacht Club)
Golf, bowls, and tennis at local clubs
Scenic biking and hiking trails in the surrounding hills and coastline
Relaxation at The Lost Spring Spa
Year-round events and community activities
Library, cinemas, and family-friendly spaces
Whitianga Boardwalk
Want to know more about Whitianga?
All About Whitianga is your go-to website to stay connected - keep up to date with the latest news, events, jobs, and community updates in the area.
Whitianga Waterways Masterplan
Click the image to download the PDF.
Timelapse of Canal Bund Opening
Watch the moment the canal opens to the sea.
How it all started
Click on an image to view the history of Whitianga Waterways.
Leigh Hopper, Owner/Director of Hopper Developments, first dreamt of what Whitianga could become after flying over Whitianga countless times over the process of constructing Pauanui Waterways. Pauanui Waterways being first comprehensive coastal project of its kind in New Zealand - and the basic model to base Whitianga Waterways. “With business interests in Auckland, and Pauanui Waterways in progression I would regularly fly between the office in Orewa and Pauanui, sighting Whitianga below as I went along my route. The opportunity of replicating a waterways-style development at Whitianga was clearly evident from aloft. And in 1997 we purchased a strategic 73ha landholding in the flat lands of Whitianga and put a joint venture proposition to four adjoining land owners (Abrahamson, Maclardy, Humphries). Deal done, a new company 'Whitianga Waterways Ltd' was formed.”
Forging ahead with the Waterways required intricate planning for the expansive 220+ ha area, including environmental evaluations. "Creating Whitianga Waterways posed its unique challenges. It demanded the rerouting of the state highway to carve canals into the landscape while ensuring seamless access to the town. Extending the airfield for anticipated aerial services, enhancing crucial sewage and water systems for the 1500-lot project, and securing plans with major retailers were all pivotal," Leigh recalls.
Hoppers Developments.
Creating communities and enriching lifestyles.
Whitianga Waterways is the second, and largest comprehensive canal development by Hopper Developments. With a legacy spanning over 70 years, Hoppers is a distinguished family-owned entity, flourishing under the watchful eye and of its seasoned team, including third generation family members. Unwavering in their commitment to deliver property options that foster vibrant communities and present unparalleled lifestyle choices.
While primarily a land development company, Hoppers has diversified into housing construction, retirement village development, civil construction and infrastructure financing and management. All projects undertaken by Hoppers follow a set of common principles which entail detailed planning and innovation resulting in excellent products and services.
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A coastal development like Whitianga Waterways is every developer’s dream. The design elements incorporated into the masterplan are extensive and unique in New Zealand. Our company is determined to roll out Whitianga Waterways as a world-class coastal development delivering unprecedented social amenity and lifestyle values.”
Leigh Hopper
Hopper Developments Director
Whitianga Waterways Sales Office
3 Reweti Drive
Whitianga 3510
Katrina Ford
Sales Manager
Mobile: 021 636 070
Liz Watson
Sales Consultant
Phone: (07) 866 0164
Copyright © 2025 Whitianga Waterways Ltd. All rights reserved.