Waihi Beach

...is a friendly seaside resort with 9 kilometres of golden sand, surrounded by natural beauty and a whole range of leisure opportunities.

From Waihi Beach there are many choices of what to see & do -click here

Click here to see more photos of Waihi Beach

On one side you have one of the safest surf beaches in New Zealand (patrolled by lifeguards during summer) and the other the sheltered northern reaches of Tauranga Harbour.

Laze on the beach, swim in the surf or try something more adventurous like boogie boarding, kayaking or kite boarding.

You can launch your boat at one of the safe harbour-side ramps or we can organise charter for you.

There are plenty of delicious cafes and restaurants to choose from at Waihi Beach and the Village shopping centre with its retail shops and businessess will cater for most of your other requirements.

From the northern end of the beach there are stunning walks to secluded pristine bays suitable for both fishing and picnicking. Visit some of our numerous artists and craftspeople at their studios.

A short drive west you will find the historic goldmining town of Waihi, where gold mining is still flourishing at the hard rock, open pit Martha Mine. Guided mine tours run regularly on weekdays. Waihi was the winner of the Best Town Improvement Award 2001 and it is well worth making the time to visit.

Click here to read an article on Waihi Beach from the NZ Herald - The Weekender

Waihi Beach Fresh Produce Market

This recent addition to Waihi Beach happens every Sunday in summer from Labour weekend until Easter opposite the Waihi Beach Hotel between 9am and 12 noon. The produce market adds to the flavour  and character of Waihi Beach and provides both locals and holiday makers the opportunity to both buy and sell locally.Any one with locally grown produce or home made food can have a stall for $5.00 for the day - proceeds go to the Waihi Beach Community Events & Promotions to help promote activities at Waihi Beach

There is a wide variety of fresh produce from avocados to watermelon, freshly baked breads, herbs and lettuces, tomatoes, free range eggs, organic blueberries, strawberries & asparagus in season, free range pork, bacon & sausages, salamis, local cheeses,smoked fish,locally made olive oils, plants of most vegetable types, fresh flowers, samosas, wood fired pizzas and much more.

Winter dates - Every 2nd & 4th Sunday of the month until Labour weekend

Click here to see an article on Waihi Beach from the Sunday Star Times part 1 & part 2

Gold fever history

abounds in Waihi, be sure to visit the Gold Mining Museum and take a ride on both the Historic Goldfields Railway and Victoria Battery Tramway. For a slice of recent history you can explore the recently closed Golden Cross Mine at Waitekauri.

The Martha Mine has been operating in Waihi since 1987 and produces an average of around 100,000 ounces of gold and 700,000 ounces of silver annually and is located right in the main street of Waihi. Waihi's story is a rich tapestry woven through with golden thread. The allure of this precious metal has defined the Waihi community, and that of the nation, from the founding of the town through to the present.Checkout the Waihi Gold story down stairs at the Waihi Information centre in Seddon St.

For more info on Martha Mine Tours click here or phone 07 863 9015 for bookings

The Art Market and Art Gallery are both packed with a wonderful array of local arts and crafts.

A short drive south on State Highway 2 you will find the town of Katikati, well known for its murals depicting local history and other art works. The murals are located within an easy stroll of each other.

Golf

For those who enjoy a round of golf there are 4  choices within a 30 minute drive from Waihi Beach.

The region is bountiful with fruit and vegetable produce which can be purchased fresh from many roadside stalls. A visit to the local wineries is also a lovely way to pass the day.

Waihi Beach is the gateway to both the Coromandel and Bay of Plenty - an ideal central location for day trips around the region. There is the Coromandel Peninsula, where you can take in Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach as an easy day trip, Tauranga for shopping and Rotorua for geothermal sites and cultural heritage. All close by and ready for you to explore. We are happy to help you with day trip suggestions and we can organise a picnic lunch to take with you.

Click here to see an article on Waihi Beach from Lets Travel Magazine

Tuhua (Mayor Island)-with Aerius Helicopters
 
New Zealands most unusual Volcano, “TUHUA’ (Mayor Island) The ½ day guided tramping tour is through one of New Zealand’s largest Pohutukawa forests.
Reon, the guide will take you to the Devils Staircase, The stronghold where tribe would defend the island in battle.
Then visit the “Big Tree” this massive pohutukawa specimen has a girth exceeding 11 meters and is regarded as one of New Zealand’s biggest and oldest Pohutukawa trees.

You will see and hear many of our native birds including nectar-feeding bellbirds and tui, wood pigeons, morepork, fantail, kaka (brown parrot), grey warbler, waxeye, kingfisher and, soaring on the thermals, the harrier hawk. The island is also home to the Kiwi bird. A Bird watchers paradise. www.aerius.co.nz

Walks & Walkways

Just out of Waihi you will find breathtaking walks around the Karangahake and Waitawheta Gorges and up Waihi's Black Hill.

Guided walks in the Karangahake gorge are a great option as you learn of the gold mining and natural history during your walk. Half and full day options are available.

Another lovely walk close to the town centre is the Haiku Pathway beside the Uretara Stream where you will find Andesite boulders etched with Haiku verses.

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.

Homunga Walkway Another beautiful bay, reached by a track from the northern end of Orokawa Bay, the Homunga track is notable for dense pohutukawa forest. The track is reasonably tough, but rewarding for those who enjoy a bit more of a challenge.

Black Hill Walkway A short walk along the banks of the Ohinemuri River to Black Hill. Extensive views of Waihi, from the sea to the Karangahake Gorge. There are many other walks available - ask us for details.

Mayor Island (Tuhua)- for more info on walks on the island click here

                                   - for more info on the birdlife on the island click here

                                    -for info on the orange fronted Parakeet click here

For some great weekend-getaways click here : the top 10 Kiwi weekends

Cafe's & Fine Dining

Hot Pipi Cafe - 40 Beach Road Waihi Beach, Ph: (07) 863 5004

The Porch Kitchen and Bar - 23 Wilson Road. Waihi Beach , Ph: 07 863 1330

www.theporch.co.nz.

Ohinemuri Estate Winery & Café -Moresby Street, SH2. Karangahake Gorge,
Ph:07 862 8774 www.ohinemuri.co.nz

Surf Club Bar @ the Waihi Beach Surf Club - Beach Rd Waihi Beach 07 863 5108

Flat White Café – 21 Shaw Road ph 07 863 1346 www.flatwhitecafe.co.nz

Bowentown Café - Cnr Seaforth and Pio Roads ph 07 863 4707

Gunners View Restaurant at Waihi Beach RSA - 99 Beach Road ph 07 863 5689,

www.wbrsa.co.nz

Sparkling Waters Restaurant at the Bowentown Fishing Club - Pio Road

ph 07 863 5689 www.bbsfc.co.nz

Waitete Orchard Restaurant – 31 Orchard Rd Waihi Ph 07 863 8980

www.waitete.co.nz

Fishing

Fishing and diving is good at the beach all year round. Open sea or inner harbour fishing available.

Torpedo Fishing off the beach at dusk is a true kiwi experience and lots of fun. Ask Greg & Ali about the opportunity to have dinner & refreshments on the beach and enjoy this uniquely kiwi type of fishing(please note this is weather permitting).

Click here to see more on Torpedo fishing

Mayor Island (Tuhua) provides stunning fishing with outstanding scenery as a backdrop.

Trips to Mayor Island can be full day or overnight with marlin, kingfish, hapuka, skipjack tuna and snapper being the main target species.

For divers there are many great spots to dive including a marine reserve at Mayor Island.

Kayaking in and around Mayor Island, using Sea Bear kayaks, is available on weekends - bookings essential in advance.

Trout fishing can also be arranged in the Karangahake gorge on the Waitawheta river.

Surfcasting can be done from Waihi Beach or Bowentown heads, Bowentown bar, Matakana bank, Shelley Bay or Matakana Islands

Charter boats are available or launch your own boat from one of the many safe boat ramps.

Kayaking in Gloworm caves at night - Lake McLaren Gloworm Tour

Image courtesy of Waimarino

Relax on the edge of Lake McLaren, watching the swans and ducks go about their evening’s preparations. Let our guides lead you onto calm Lake McLaren at dusk. Gently paddle into the night and discover the magic of the enchanting glowworm canyon. A life altering experience. Bookings essential min 24 hours in advance. www.waimarino.co.nz

Swim with the dolphins in Tauranga

Dolphin day trip

Dolphin Blue,  will give you the chance to swim with a pod of wild dolphins in the beautiful Bay of Plenty. Our aim each day is to locate, interact and swim with dolphins.  We also offer other activities en-route - snorkelling, swimming or simply relaxing onboard.

Passenger numbers are limited to 15 - this ensures your interaction with dolphins and other marine life is greatly enhanced.

You will be served a traditional Kiwi lunch and provided with refreshments throughout the day. If you choose to get into the water to swim with dolphins you will be supplied with wetsuits, snorkelling equipment and will have the full support of our experienced crew

The Bay of Plenty is not only home to dolphins but has an abundance of marine and bird life such as whales, seals, sunfish, seabirds and New Zealand's own blue penguins, so there is never a shortage of things to see on a trip out of the Tauranga harbour

www.dolphinblue.co.nz

Hauraki Rail Trail

The Hauraki Rail Trail is a 2 day ride making it an ideal weekend experience. The trail can be accessed from Thames, Paeroa, Waihi, or Te Aroha, and the trail also offers a range of shorter riding options, including day rides.The trail showcases some of the best scenery New Zealand has to offer, rich in pioneering history.  A major highlight includes riding through the stunning Karangahake Gorge, one of the “14 Wonders of New Zealand”.

Best time to ride

The trail’s easy gradient and great local climate make it a good ride all-year-round. If you prefer to stay clean and dry, the best months to ride the Hauraki Rail Trail are September to May. Whatever the weather you’ll be able to cool off at nearby Waihi Beach, or warm up at the famous Te Aroha Mineral Spas. The trail is a grade 1 ride, which will cater for all levels of riding ability including families and cyclists of all ages

www.nzcycletrail.com/hauraki-rail-trail

Harley Davidson Rentals, independent tours or chauffeured passenger tours

Image courtesy of Bularangi - Harley Tours of New Zealand

Chauffeured passenger tours

• No bike licence required
• See New Zealand from the back of a Harley Davidson
• If you are not ready for a 2 wheel ride, try a 3 wheel ride on our Harley Davidson Roadking Trike
• From 2 hour, 4 hour, day or multi day tours
• Day tours available to many popular destinations, Rotorua, Coromandel, Waitomo, or Hobbiton

• If you have a motorbike licence you can rent a Harley Davidson from us and find your own way www.motorbikesnz.co.nz

                                                     Day trips

Waihi Beach up the Coromandel Peninsula

• Visit  the beautiful beaches and seaside towns of Whangamata, Opoutere, Onemana, Tairua, Cathedral Cove, Hot Water Beach, Cooks Beach and Whitianga
• Remember with Hot Water Beach you need to be there 2 hours either side of low tide to get the hotwater experience- check with Greg & Ali for tide times & map
• Drive time Waihi Beach to Whitianga direct is 2 1/2 hours

Waihi Beach to Rotorua

        Image courtesy of Waimangu                     Image courtesy of Waiotapu

•  Geothermal and Maori history are in abundance as well as other natural  wonders.
•  Check out Waimangu volcanic valley and Waiotapu geothermal wonderland - Greg & Ali have brochures on both. www.waimangu.co.nz, www.waiotapu.co.nz
• Drive time Waihi Beach to Rotorua 1 1/2 hours - Ask Greg & Ali for directions

Waihi Beach to Waitomo

Image courtesy of Spellbound

• Visit the Kiwi House in Otorohanga and see the Kiwis being fed and other native New Zealand birds in their natural habitat. www.kiwihouse.org.nz
• Take a Glow worm cave tour with Spellbound - 2 caves in 3 1/4 hours www.glowworm.co.nz
• Drive timeWaihi Beach to Waitomo 2 hours - Ask Greg & Ali for directions

click here to zoom into a map of the Coromandel

If you would like help planning your trip to New Zealand please contact Guest New Zealand