Waihi Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Waihi featuring landscape views, a small town or village and tranquil scenes
Waihi featuring signage and heritage elements
Waihi featuring a park and a river or creek
Waihi showing a park and a river or creek
Waihi

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 looking for some top things to see and do in Waikino and surrounding area, you can visit Karangahake Gorge and Owharoa Falls.

Waikino
Palm Motel Waihi

Palm Motel Waihi

3 out of 5
123 Parry Palm Avenue, Formerly 2 Parry Palm Avenue, Waihi
Stay at this 3-star motel in Waihi. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Gold-mining Museum and Art Gallery and Waihi Arts ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (259 reviews)
"It was central to the places we were going to close to town good welcome to the property apon checking in apart form the weather most enjoyable stay"

Reviewed on 2 Jun 2025

Palm Motel Waihi
Goldmine Motel

Goldmine Motel

3 out of 5
6 Victoria St, Waihi, Waikato
The price is Rp1.601.236 per night from 4 Sept to 5 Sept
Rp1.601.236
Rp1.841.421 total
4 Sept - 5 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star motel in Waihi. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Gold-mining Museum and Art Gallery and Waihi Arts ...
9/10 Wonderful! (105 reviews)
"Second time I have stayed there. If I am in Waihi again I will go back there."

Reviewed on 22 Apr 2025

Goldmine Motel
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 Wi-Fi, free parking and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,270 reviews)
"It was ok"

Reviewed on 3 Aug 2025

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 Wi-Fi, free parking and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,270 reviews)
"It was ok"

Reviewed on 3 Aug 2025

Oceanside Resort & Twin Towers
6 on Adams

6 on Adams

3 out of 5
6 Adams Avenue, Mount Maunganui, Tauranga, Tauranga
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Tauranga. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and room service. Popular attractions Mount Maunganui and Mount Hot Pools are located ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (97 reviews)
"Great staff"

Reviewed on 24 Jul 2025

6 on Adams
Grafton Cottage & Chalets

Grafton Cottage & Chalets

4 out of 5
304 Grafton Road, Thames
Stay at this 4-star cottage in Thames. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (395 reviews)
"Alby was very welcoming, our room had the most beautiful view. Everything was clean and tidy. The welcome night cap from the local distillery was a lovely surprise and delicious. The room had everything we needed and we loved it. This place has so much character and we are so glad we found it, we ..."

Reviewed on 3 Aug 2025

Grafton Cottage & Chalets
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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