Waihi

Travel Guide
Waihi featuring tranquil scenes, landscape views and a small town or village
Take a scenic train ride, hike through a rugged gorge, learn about gold mining or go for a surf in this little-known place on New Zealand’s Coromandel Peninsula.

Known as New Zealand's “Heart Of Gold,” Waihi has had continuous gold mining for over 100 years. The best way to get to know this town is by walking in the footsteps of New Zealand’s early gold miners.

Try out the interactive displays at the Gold Discovery Centre and learn about mining from the early years through to today. Walk across the road and stare down into the vast pit of the still functioning Waihi Martha Mine. Go for a walk along the Rim Walkway if you are feeling energetic.

Sit back and relax with a scenic ride on the historic Goldfields Railway and then take the short walk to visit the Victoria Battery Museum at the other end. The train ride takes you through rolling countryside and the volunteer staff are always happy to chat with you about the trains. Enjoy the in-depth experience of walking through a kiln tunnel.

Put on your hiking boots and head out into the natural splendor of the Karangahake Gorge. The gorge has a variety of walkways twisting through the towering walls of the gorge. The Ohinemuri River flows through the gorge, providing waterfalls and turbulent rapids. Bring a flashlight to peer into some of the old mine tunnels dotted around the area.

Take a short drive to the coast and visit Waihi Beach. With a long stretch of white sand it is ideal for a stroll, swim, surf or just to just sit back and enjoy the seaside. Bring your lunch with you or order fish and chips at a café for a beach picnic.

Browse the Artmarket for local artwork and crafts to take home as a souvenir. More than 150 artists from around the country display their works here.

Find the many treasures of Waihi at the southeastern end of the North Island’s picturesque Coromandel region. Waihi is 2 hours from Auckland and 1 hour from Tauranga by car.

Before you leave, have a meal at one of the many cafés or restaurants. It is a chance to not only savor the fresh local produce, but also to enjoy the spirit of this little town with a heart of gold.

Where to stay in Waihi

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Waikino

If you're spending some time in Waikino, Coromandel Peninsula and Owharoa Falls are top sights worth seeing.

Waikino
Palm Motel Waihi
Palm Motel Waihi
3 out of 5
123 Parry Palm Avenue, Formerly 2 Parry Palm Avenue, Waihi
The price is RM353 per night from 6 Nov to 7 Nov
RM353
RM406 total
includes taxes & fees
6 Nov - 7 Nov
Stay at this 3-star motel in Waihi. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Gold-mining Museum and Art Gallery and Waihi Arts ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (239 reviews)
"A very comfortable hotel with sea views, close to restaurants and shopping. Directly opposite the spa pools which was great."

Reviewed on 7 Sep 2024

Palm Motel Waihi
Goldmine Motel
Goldmine Motel
3 out of 5
6 Victoria St, Waihi, Waikato
The price is RM435 per night from 6 Nov to 7 Nov
RM435
RM504 total
includes taxes & fees
6 Nov - 7 Nov
Stay at this 3-star motel in Waihi. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Gold-mining Museum and Art Gallery and Waihi Arts ...
9/10 Wonderful! (96 reviews)
"It was a nice stay thank you."

Reviewed on 15 Mar 2024

Goldmine Motel
Oceanside Resort & Twin Towers
Oceanside Resort & Twin Towers
4 out of 5
1 Maunganui Road, Tauranga
The price is RM494 per night from 8 Nov to 9 Nov
RM494
RM571 total
includes taxes & fees
8 Nov - 9 Nov
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Tauranga. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,157 reviews)
"Good location and friendly staff"

Reviewed on 28 Oct 2024

Oceanside Resort & Twin Towers
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Oceanside Resort & Twin Towers
Oceanside Resort & Twin Towers
4 out of 5
1 Maunganui Road, Tauranga
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Tauranga. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,157 reviews)
"Good location and friendly staff"

Reviewed on 28 Oct 2024

Oceanside Resort & Twin Towers
Grafton Cottage & Chalets
Grafton Cottage & Chalets
4 out of 5
304 Grafton Road, Thames
Stay at this 4-star cottage in Thames. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (341 reviews)
"Das Cottage liegt wunderbar am Hand mit toller Aussicht auf den Ort und das Meer. Leider ist es sehr hellhörig. Wir hatten sehr laut Nachbarn."

Reviewed on 1 Nov 2024

Grafton Cottage & Chalets
Atlas Suites And Apartments
Atlas Suites And Apartments
3.5 out of 5
49 Maunganui Road, Tauranga
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Tauranga. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8/10 Very Good! (459 reviews)
"Great stay. Good price and location. There were a few bits of damage to the place such as curtain, cupboard door, deck fence etc. We took photos of everything just in case but would be nice to not have to worry about that sort of thing"

Reviewed on 13 Sep 2024

Atlas Suites And Apartments
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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