Waihi and Waihi Beach

Waihi is the home of the richest gold mine in New Zealand - still in operation today. The history of the pioneering period is still apparent everywhere. Old wooden buildings guard the street corners, with no high rise buildings or shopping malls in sight. 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.

A whole day can be spent in the Karangahake Gorge which offers many treats. Pack your togs as you may want to take a dip at one of the swimming spots along the way. There’s an historic hotel, and old railway station where you can catch the vintage train to Waihi. Dip your toes in the pool beneath the Owharoa Falls, where Waka (canoes) used to gather.

Take a short drive east of Waihi and discover Waihi Beach. It’s a beautiful and safe white sandy beach with many shells and sea fishing opportunities. Once at Waihi Beach, a Department of Conservation walkway into the Orokawa Bay Scenic Reserve offers a dream walk amid native bush and cliff hugging pohutukawa trees. A hidden gem with white sandy beaches and overhanging pohutukawa trees.