Waihi & Waihi Beach

One of the most famous gold mining towns in New Zealand, gold mining history is apparent everywhere in Waihi. And unlike other parts of the region, this is still very much a gold mining town - with production hidden behind the leafy slopes close to the main street.

For those who enjoy the simple life, Waihi is your kind of town, with old wooden buildings, a white sand beach where you can enjoy shellfish collecting and sea fishing - and not a shopping mall in sight!

To the west is Ohinemuri River, which runs through the Karangahake Gorge, where trout fishing, mining relics and independent arts and crafts people can be found along the way. The vintage train puffs from Waihi to Waikino and people of all ages can enjoy the easy walking tracks along the river. Waihi is an ideal stopover between Auckland and Tauranga or from the Coromandel Peninsula to Rotorua.

Waihi Beach

...offers nine kilometres of sweeping white sand, and one of the safest surf beaches in New Zealand.  Relax on the beach and enjoy the sunshine or partake in more adventurous activities such as boogie boarding, kayaking or kite boarding.  

It's not just the 9kms of beautiful ocean beach, with white sand and generally safe surf, that draws people back each summer. There's the added attraction of Tauranga Harbour, linked to the ocean at the southern end of the beach by the Bowentown entrance. There's surfing, fishing, mini-golf, walks with amazing views, art and crafts, history, and plenty of summer entertainment.

For boaties, fishermen, skiers, swimmers, kayakers and picnickers, the combination of beach and harbour in close proximity provides a fantastic playground. The Beach' as locals call it, also has a modern shopping centre, excellent restaurants and a whole range of accommodation from four camping grounds to motels, B&Bs and luxury lodges within easy distance.
For more information about Waihi Beach click here

	Attractions: MARTHA MINE: A modern operating mine producing gold and silver. The old Pump house, a ruin of the old mine – sits beside the towns Information Centre. Tours available. Click here for more information. THE WAIHI ARTS CENTRE AND MUSEUM: Is a nationally acknowledged treasure house of the mining, metallurgy and sociology of the region, as well as a gallery for the exhibiting of arts and crafts from the area. THE GOLDFIELDS RAILWAY: Starts from the historic station on Wrigley Street, running daily to the historic Waikino Station. WAIHI BEACH: 11 kilometres from Waihi, is a safe beach running south to Athenree. The north headland has a coastal walking track to Orokawa Bay, while the other, Bowentown – is the site of a fortified Maori pa. OROKAWA WALKWAY This relatively short walk takes you from the northern end of Waihi Beach to beautiful, secluded Orokawa Bay past spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and Waihi Beach. For more information about the Orakawa Walkway or other outdoor activities check out the WAIHI website ATHENREE: Visit the hot natural mineral pools open daily 9am-7.30pm. (See Accommodation Section – Athenree Hot Springs & Holiday Park). WAIKINO: A historic gold mining community – now known for its arts and crafts community, museum and access to Karangahake Gorge. The D.O.C Waikino Station is located here as a visitor centre for the community. VICTORIA BATTERY: Site of the largest quartz-crushing plant in Australasia. See the underground ore kilns and tunnels. GOLF COURSE One of the best provincial 18-hole courses in the country attracts golfers from throughout the region.

Waihi Town Map I Waihi Beach Town Map I General Map

Colourful streets of Waihi

Ohinemuri River/Karangahake

The vintage train - Waihi to Waikino

Waihi’s Martha Mine

Explore the Orokawa Walkway

Beach, Bush & Heritage

Waihi Beach

Waihi Information Centre

Phone: (07) 863 6715
Fax: (07) 863 6718
Address: Seddon St.,
P.O. Box 197, Waihi
Open Hours:
Daily 9.00am - 5.00pm,
Winter 9.00am - 4.30pm