A 9km stretch of inviting sand, Waihi Beach is on one of New Zealand's safest surf beaches and home to a bustling beachside community. Numerous walking and cycle tracks showcase some of the very best country in the Bay of Plenty.
Waihi Beach is a place where you can get away from it all but still enjoy a morning latte and freshly-baked pastries. This small beachside town sits at the northwestern tip of our coastal region and exudes a laid-back holiday atmosphere while still offering all your modern-day comforts, including boutique shopping and delicious food.
To experience pure paradise, follow the well-marked track over the headland to Orokawa Bay. Soak up spectacular ocean views along the 45 minute walkway and enjoy a picnic on the sand under pohutukawa trees. Homunga Bay is another 2.5 hours along the same coastal walkway and well worth the effort if you wish to explore further afield. 10 minute drive south takes you to Anzac Bay at Bowentown where the water is shallow and calm at low tide. This family-friendly destination has plenty of parks, playgrounds and cafes for you all to enjoy.
Waihi, Waikino & Karangahake are New Zealand's 'Heart of Gold', with a gold mining history spanning three centuries with a local open-pit mine that is still fully operational. In Waihi The Ohinemuri River flows through from Waihi on its way to the ‘must-do’ Karangahake Gorge. In the gorge you can fish for trout, take walks through old mining tunnels and relics, or cycle the Hauraki Rail Trail. Waihi Beach, just 10km from Waihi, offers 9km of sweeping white sand and is one of the safest surf beaches in New Zealand.
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The Waihi Gold Discovery Centre tells the tales of yesteryear, and allows hands on experience with modern mining techniques. You can also take a trip deep into the bowels of the mine pit or walk the pit rim. The Goldfields vintage railway runs between Waihi and Waikino, where you can find relics from the early gold rush days.
The cycle trail is very popular connecting Paeroa to Waihi through the gorge or Paeroa to Thames or Te Aroha.