Things to do in Waihi

Why Visit Waihi?

Waihi is a historic town at the southern gateway to the Coromandel, where forested mountain landscapes and the nearby Pacific coast come together. The town is closely connected to the region’s gold-mining history, while the surrounding landscape extends towards the Kaimāī Range and Waihi Beach. This combination gives Waihi a character that differs from the more traditionally beach-focused destinations further along the Coromandel Peninsula.
Travellers visit Waihi to combine history and outdoor exploration. The town provides access to a landscape shaped by mining and natural forces, while nearby coastal areas offer opportunities to enjoy Beaches, Coastal Tours and other Adventures. The surrounding Mountains also create a strong setting for scenic exploration and active travel.
Waihi is well suited to travellers who want to add variety to a Coromandel itinerary. It can serve as a gateway between the Waikato, Bay of Plenty and the eastern Coromandel, with easy connections to Whangamatā, Pauanui and other regional destinations. For travellers interested in New Zealand history, landscapes and road trips, Waihi provides a useful starting point for exploring a broader part of the North Island.

2. The Gold Rush Tour Cycle

Do you want to learn more about gold? Ride from Paeroa's ancient town across the Hauraki Rail Trail's most popular part, the awe-inspiring Karangahake Gorge, to Waihi's gold mining village. Don't worry about being rushed; you have all day to see and do some of the greatest things the Hauraki Rail Trail has to offer!

3. "Cheesy" Cycling Adventure

Take a leisurely bike through our gorgeous countryside and stop for lunch at the Matatoki Cheese Barn, which has won several awards. This is a great tour for the whole family because there are many animals to feed and pet all throughout the site. The pathway is quite easy to follow and is completely off the beaten path. Take a leisurely bike through our gorgeous countryside and stop by the Matatoki Cheese Barn Cafe for lunch. There are also farm animals nearby that enjoy being fed and handled, making this a fun activity for the entire family.

4. Hauraki Cycling Adventure

Beginning in Thames, you will bike through our gorgeous countryside, passing through tiny rural settlements and experiencing the back-country Kiwi experience. Begin your adventure with lush farmland and breathtaking vistas of the Hauraki Plains and the wooded Kaimai Ranges. As you ride to your first destination of Paeroa, the award-winning Matatoki Cheese Barn is your first stop.

5. Mining History

The Coromandel was the first spot in New Zealand where gold was discovered, sparking a rush of prospectors looking for their fortune in the deep veins of the Coromandel Ranges. The Coromandel experienced two big gold output booms between the 1860s and the 1920s.

Check out this fantastic ‘Gold Rush’ biking trail, where you can experience this firsthand! The Golden Cross Mine was closed in 1920, but it was reopened from 1991 to 1998. The Martha Mine was closed in 1952, but it was reopened in 1987 and is still in use today!

By the time it closed in 1952, the Martha Hill Mine (named after prospector William Nicholl's sister) near Waihi had produced more gold than any other in New Zealand history, with 224,000 g of gold and 1,680,000 g of silver. Why not go visit it in Waihi?

What Are the Best Things to Do in Waihi?

Waihi’s gold-mining heritage is central to understanding the destination. The town and surrounding area reflect the importance of gold mining in the development of the region. This historical context adds depth to a visit and helps explain the distinctive landscape around the town.
Outdoor travellers can use Waihi as a base for exploring the surrounding countryside and nearby coast. You can go on a Cycling Tours riding from the historic town of Paeroa through the most popular section of the Hauraki Rail Trail, through Karangahake Gorge and the Goldmine town of Waihi. 
For a more relaxed experience you can try a food tour where you can explore the countryside and have lunch at the award winning Matatoki Cheese Barn. The nearby Mountains and Beaches create opportunities to combine inland and coastal experiences in one itinerary. 
Travellers can also connect Waihi with Whangamatā and Pauanui, creating a route that moves from historic inland landscapes towards the beaches and waterways of the eastern Coromandel.

7. Waikino Victoria Battery

The Waikino Victoria Battery, which crushed over 800 tonnes of gold-bearing stone each day in 1896, could be heard for miles. It was Australasia's largest quartz-crushing factory at the time! Today, you may stroll about the foundations or take a guided tour of the Goldfields Railway, which departs from Waihi and Waikino Station.

8. Waihi Beach

This renowned Kiwi tourist spot has a 9-kilometer golden-sand beach. It's one of New Zealand's safest surf beaches, with surf instruction and rentals available. Waihi Beach, on the other hand, is a terrific site to enjoy all of your favorite beach activities. Furthermore, the dawn from the beach is a memory that will last a lifetime!

9. Orokawa and Homunga Walkway

Orokawa Bay and Homunga Bay offer some of the nicest treks on the Waihi coast. Take a 30-minute one-way stroll from Waihi Beach's northern end to isolated Orokawa Bay, which offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and Waihi Beach. There are marks indicating a trek through the wilderness from Orokawa Bay to a stunning 28m high waterfall, which takes about 40 minutes one-way. Alternatively, travel the track through deep pohutukawa forest from the northern end of Orokawa Bay to Homunga Bay.

10. Visit Bowentown

The little community of Bowentown and the towering Bowentown Heads are located at the southern end of Waihi Beach. Anzac Bay is a great place to go swimming and rock fishing near here, if you're up for it. Explore the Bowentown Domain's walking trails, which lead to old Maori pa sites with spectacular vistas. Between Anzac Bay and Shelly Bay, there's also a wonderful wooded stroll.