Waihi

Welcome to Waihī, the south eastern gateway to Hauraki Coromandel, a town where rich gold-mining heritage meets modern adventure, creativity, and easy access to nature.

Whether you’re arriving by road, rail trail, or motor caravan, Waihī invites you to slow down and discover the many layers of its story.

Waihī’s identity is deeply shaped by gold. Follow the town’s 140-plus-year mining history at the Waihī Gold Discovery Centre, where immersive exhibits bring the past to life. Walk the Pit Rim Track around the vast Martha Mine in the heart of town, taking in views that reveal the scale of one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most significant mining sites. Visit the Waihī Art Centre and Museum, admire working models and historic displays, and journey back in time on the Goldfields Railway to Waikino, where the Victoria Battery and Museum tell the story of early gold processing.

Waihī is also a key start, or finish, point of the Hauraki Rail Trail, making it a favourite base for cyclists and walkers exploring the region at a relaxed pace. Beyond the trail, a network of walking and biking routes leads you into bush, along rivers, and out to the coast. Head to Homunga Bay for scenic coastal walks and sea views, or venture into the nearby Karangahake Gorge, where historic tunnels, riverside tracks, and lush native forest create one of the Coromandel’s most memorable outdoor experiences.

For those seeking a slower, more indulgent escape, Falls Retreat offers a tranquil bush setting just outside town, with nature walks, seasonal food experiences, and a chance to reconnect with the land in a peaceful environment.

Back in Waihī, enjoy a vibrant café and dining scene, browse boutique shops for unique local finds, and soak up the friendly small-town atmosphere. Throughout the year, Waihī hosts a calendar of events that draw visitors from near and far, from the Beach Hop Warm Up Party and its gleaming classic cars, to art exhibitions, the Echo Walking Festival, and the Trail Trilogy.

With its blend of history, trails, coast, and community spirit, Waihī is far more than a gateway, it’s a destination in its own right, and the perfect base for exploring the wider Coromandel.

Hauraki District Council | Telephone: 07 862 8609 | 1 William Street, Paeroa - www.hauraki-dc.govt.nz