About Mercury ridge

The best boutique accommodation in Cooks Beach

Mercury Ridge is a large, private 5-room Italian villa, perched on sun-drenched north-facing slopes with extensive views across Cooks Beach village and Mercury Bay. Located just two and a half hours from Auckland Airport, the villa is set upon large grounds among friendly farm animals and local wildlife, a fruitful orchard and a small native reserve.

Mercury Ridge’s location assures guests peace and privacy while remaining in reach of the many local activities and attractions. While children of all ages are welcome when booking exclusive use of the property, accommodation is otherwise limited to children over the age of twelve years.

Mercury Ridge has its own private helipad, perfect for those flying in from Auckland, Hamilton or Tauranga, or those planning a scenic flight over the region.

Guests return time and time again for the beautiful natural surrounds, the magnificent rooms and the views that never disappoint.

Friendly and knowledgeable hosts

“We love everything about Cooks Beach and the surrounds; from the first morning walk to Lonely Bay to the sunset fishing off the beach, the lack of traffic and the community that we’re priveleged to be part of.” – Jo Jenkins, Mercury Ridge

Mercury Ridge is managed by Jo and Tom Jenkins, a young family who dreamed of relocating from Auckland to Cooks Beach for many years. The slower pace of life, beautiful beaches and walking tracks were the key drawcards and their dream was realised when the Jenkins family purchased the property in July 2019.

Licensed builder Tom renovated the property (formerly known as Cooks Gate Lodge) to make it more modern, functional and better suited to weddings and private events. Jo has used her travel industry background to look after the rebrand, management and administration of the property and to work on better highlighting its uniqueness to visitors of the Coromandel.

The Jenkins’ share a love of travel and food and have a welcoming, and relaxed approach to hosting guests. They’re easily found if you need them but appreciate the importance of giving guests peace and privacy to relax, unwind and enjoy.

The Jenkins family has enjoyed memorable holidays at Cooks Beach for many generations. Their knowledge of the region is unparalleled—from beaches to eateries, walking tracks to picnic spots. They love to meet new people and are eager to share their little slice of paradise with the world.

The ideal Coromandel accommodation location

Mercury Ridge is located in one of the most scenic, convenient and quiet parts of the Coromandel Peninsula. It is walking distance from the charming township of Cooks Beach, one of the less-populated Coromandel towns with no more than 500 permanent residents.

A short drive takes you to Flaxmill Bay and Ferry Landing, where the passenger ferry departs regularly for Whitianga with its ample dining, bars, water activities, and shopping. A short drive in the other direction leads you to the famous Hot Water Beach, Cathedral Cove and many scenic walks that weave through the bush and along the bays.

There are boutique breweries with relaxed dining at Hahei and Whenuakite, and the beautiful Mercury Bay Estate winery is just a stones’ throw from the villa.