Hicks Bay

Wharekahika / Hicks Bay
Town
Interactive map of Wharekahika / Hicks Bay
Coordinates: 37°36′S 178°18′E / 37.600°S 178.300°E / -37.600; 178.300
CountryNew Zealand
RegionGisborne District
WardTairāwhiti General Ward
Electorates
Government
 • Territorial authorityGisborne District Council
 • Mayor of GisborneRehette Stoltz
 • East Coast MPDana Kirkpatrick
 • Ikaroa-Rāwhiti MPCushla Tangaere-Manuel
Area
 • Total
1.28 km2 (0.49 sq mi)
Population
 (June 2025)
 • Total
190
 • Density150/km2 (380/sq mi)
Postcode(s)
4087

Hicks Bay or Wharekahika (officially Wharekahika / Hicks Bay) is a bay and coastal area in the Gisborne District of the North Island of New Zealand. It is situated 150 km east of Ōpōtiki and 186 km north of Gisborne city, along State Highway 35 between Potaka and Te Araroa.

The area is named after Zachary Hickes, second-in-command of James Cook's Endeavour, which sailed along the East Cape on 31 October 1769. On 10 June 2019, the name of the bay was officially changed to Wharekahika / Hicks Bay.