Description:
Cairn sited on the observation point of Shakespeare Cliff.
The site gives a panoramic view of Mercury Bay.

History:
Unveiled March 1954.

Inscription:
On the monument:

IN THIS BAY WAS ANCHORED
5-15 NOVEMBER 1769
H.M.S. ENDEAVOUR.  LIEUTENANT
JAMES COOK R.N. COMMANDER
HE OBSERVED THE TRANSIT OF 
MERCURY & NAMED THE BAY

Another plaque below this one:

THE OBSERVATION SITE OF THE TRANSIT OF MERCURY
ACROSS THE FACE OF THE SUN IS LOCATED BY A CAIRN
ON THE EASTERN (PURANGI) END OF COOKS BEACH
 

GPS Coordinates: -36.808186,  175.741026

References:
Cook’s Log, page 208, vol. 6, no. 3 (1983)
Cook’s Log, page 311, vol. 7, no. 4 (1984)
Cook’s Log, page 13, vol. 40, no. 4 (2017)
Endeavour Lines, page 4, no. 20 (May 1993)
Endeavour Lines, page 5, no. 65 (Oct 2015)
Website: https://www.flaxmillbay.co.nz/cooks-beach/
Porter, Frances, 1978.  A Sense of History.  Wellington, New Zealand Historic Places Trust