There are two ways to get to Lonely Bay.

1. Take the ferry from Whitianga and follow Purangi Road up the hill and around to Flaxmill Bay. At the end of Flaxmill Bay there is a walking track that will take you up the hill and over to the Shakespeare Cliffs. Great views from the track and a lookout over the cliffs. From the carpark at the Shakespeare Cliffs there is a walkway down to Lonely Bay.

2. From SH25 at Whenuakite turn right into Hot Water Beach Road. After 1.8 km turn left into Purangi Road. Follow the road past the golf course, the winery and Cooks Beach. Turn right into a driveway at 1769 Purangi Road. Drive carefully because the road is narrow. Follow the road up the hill. After 500 m turn right into the carpark. There is an interesting walkway down to Lonely Bay.