Waihi

Travel Guide
Waihi showing heritage elements and signage
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
Palm Motel Waihi
Palm Motel Waihi
3 out of 5
123 Parry Palm Avenue, Formerly 2 Parry Palm Avenue, Waihi
The price is CA $111 per night from May 13 to May 14
CA $111
CA $128 total
includes taxes & fees
May 13 - May 14
Stay at this motel in Waihi. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Gold-mining Museum and Art Gallery and Waihi Arts Centre ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (228 reviews)
"The room i stayed at was clean and presented well. When i booked the room it mentioned it can sleep 3 people, however it only had a standard queen size bed."

Reviewed on Apr. 5, 2024

Palm Motel Waihi
Goldmine Motel
Goldmine Motel
3 out of 5
6 Victoria St, Waihi, Waikato
The price is CA $134 per night from May 17 to May 18
CA $134
CA $156 total
includes taxes & fees
May 17 - May 18
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! (95 reviews)
"It was a nice stay thank you."

Reviewed on Mar. 15, 2024

Goldmine Motel
Waihi Cottage Entertainment
Waihi Cottage Entertainment
Waihi
The price is CA $132 per night from May 21 to May 22
CA $132
CA $178 total
includes taxes & fees
May 21 - May 22
Stay at this cottage in Waihi. Enjoy a water park and patios. Popular attractions Gold-mining Museum and Art Gallery and Waihi Arts Centre & Museum are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (28 reviews)
Waihi stay
"Very nice"

Reviewed on Apr. 25, 2024

Waihi Cottage Entertainment
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.
Waihi Cottage Entertainment
Waihi Cottage Entertainment
Waihi
Stay at this cottage in Waihi. Enjoy a water park and patios. Popular attractions Gold-mining Museum and Art Gallery and Waihi Arts Centre & Museum are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (28 reviews)
Waihi stay
"Very nice"

Reviewed on Apr. 25, 2024

Waihi Cottage Entertainment
Comfy home opp Gilmour Lake.
Comfy home opp Gilmour Lake.
Waihi Township
Book a stay at this golf vacation home in Waihi. Enjoy free WiFi, patios, and air conditioning. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (73 reviews)
A lovely home.
"This place is immaculate. It is easy to feel ‘at home’ straight away. Everything we needed was there and the hosts were very helpful. Close to town and also to the lake. Waihi beach less than 10 minutes away and others not much further. The Hauraki Rail Trail so close. It was quiet and all in all, ..."

Reviewed on May 3, 2024

Comfy home opp Gilmour Lake.
Oceanside Resort & Twin Towers
Oceanside Resort & Twin Towers
4 out of 5
1 Maunganui Road, Tauranga
Stay at this 4-star beach aparthotel in Tauranga. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,039 reviews)
"Overall experience was nice. The location is convenient and the property has parking in a secured basement. The property is definitely outdated and will need some upgrades."

Reviewed on May 8, 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.

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