Whether you want to hit the surf or hit the shops, Waihi Beach is a fabulous holiday destination. There are all sorts of wonderful things to do there. Here are some great Waihi experiences you need to ensure you have an awesome holiday!
Before We Start…
Check out these Waihi Accommodation Options at Bachcare
Surf and Sun Bach – Waihi Beach Holiday Home
This modern holiday home comes furnished with the comforts of home but still has the air of a great getaway. Bright, open and fresh throughout, Surf and Sun Bach is a treat in summer. Offering seamless indoor/outdoor flow out onto a sundeck for BBQs and alfresco dining.
Come winter, light a fire in the wood-burning fireplace, take your pick from the many board games available or pop on some music through the Bluetooth speaker. You’ll even be able to start each day off with a delicious Nespresso, so be sure to pack your favourite pods!
Hillview Delights – Waihi Beach Holiday Home
With the sands of Waihi Beach just a six-minute walk away, sunrise swims in the ocean followed up by brunch and a coffee at The Flat White will be the perfect start to every day at this gorgeous holiday home. Then, stroll back to Hillview Delights, relax in the freestanding hammock and put your feet up. You’re on holiday now!
The Barn – Waihi Holiday Home
If you are looking for somewhere a little closer to Waihi Town, You must check out The Barn!
Two minutes drive from Wahi, this 1.2-hectare home sits on a private and beautiful section offering peace and tranquility minutes outside of Waihi. Home to free-range hens and geese, an extensive flora and Japanese Garden as well as vegetable gardens, orchards, ponds and a stream, The Barn welcomes you to find your bliss!
The Barn strives to provide you with the utmost combination of serenity and rest, while going above and beyond to cater to your self-catering needs. Your accommodation offers a full breakfast basket upon arrival, fitted with two kinds of milk, home-made bread and muesli, local honey and condiments, bacon, eggs (from The Barn’s hens!), weetbix, home made pastries and seasonal fruits from the expansive garden.
Two bedrooms and one bathroom with a washing machine will comfortably accommodate up to four guests’ needs here at The Barn, making this an ideal setup for a small family or couple’s retreat. Spread across two levels, the bedrooms here at The Barn are private and tucked away so everyone has space to unwind.
Waihi Wonder – Waihi Holiday Home
Enjoying a spacious and peaceful section, this Waihi holiday home includes comfortably appointed open plan living that extends to the deck. Chill out and take in the relaxed holiday atmosphere, with the BBQ on hand for ideal kiwi summers.
Bedrooms 1 and 2 each open onto the deck at this Waihi accommodation – bedroom 1 has a queen bed, while bedroom 2 has a double bed. The third bedroom includes a single bunk set plus 1 single bed.
This is a great set up for couples and families, with plenty of space to enjoy games on the lawn, or simply kick back and relax on the deck!
You are within walking distance to the beach, with the outdoor shower on hand after days in the sand and surf. Or head to the local cafe and bar when you feel like dining out.
See our top things to do in Waihi Beach:
Waihi Restaurants & Cafes: Taste Some Local Eats
A beach trip is never complete without a visit to a local spot for a cold beer, handcrafted sandwich, or chill dinner after a long day in the sun.
Waihi boasts so many dining hotspots, you really cannot go wrong. Here are some local favorites to get you started:
Flat White:
An iconic fixture of Waihi Beach dining, Flat White offers views, tasty food, and excellent beverages that will serve all.
Their brunch and lunch are ideal beach day eats and their dinner menu offers elegant and delicious options complete with stunning views of the beach.
The Deck at the Lifeguard Club:
Open only on weekends, you can support the local lifeguard and search and rescue teams by visiting the Deck at the Lifeguard Club. They offer light meals, beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), and lunch to-go.
Down Thyme in Waihi:
Celebrate all that Mediterranean cuisine has to offer at Down Thyme in Waihi. There’s nothing better than a light and tasty meal after a day at the beach.
If you’re into wine, they also host a Wine Club with guest speakers in the wine industry and curated meals with wine pairings.
The Surf Shack:
With freshly roasted coffee, burgers that will make your tastebuds sing, and the best selection of New Zealand craft beers and wines, the Surf Shack is the go-to place for locals looking for an authentic beach town eatery.
Make sure to book a table because it gets busy during the day. Or order with contactless delivery to enjoy your food in your own space.
The Rising Tide:
For a casual and social affair, head to The Rising Tide for local brews. It’s the tasting room for Mount Brewing Company’s award-winning beer.
If beer is not your thing, they have an amazing selection of New Zealand wines and craft cocktails made by their talented bartenders.
To round out a visit, grab some tasty grub from Johney’s Dumpling House, the street vendor installed in the middle of the brewery.
Waihi Beach Walks
If you like long walks by the beach, you are in luck at Waihi Beach! You can plod along the sand or pick from one of the following more established routes for views and exercise.
Waihi Beach Walks: Orokawa Bay Walk
Starting at the Northern tip of Waihi Beach, you will follow the coast in the lush jungle-like headlands until reaching the beautiful Orokawa Bay.
All in all, plan for a 45-minute walk to a picturesque picnic spot. It’s an easy walk, so it’s perfect for those looking to enjoy the outdoors without getting their sweat on too much.
Waihi Beach Walks: Bowentown Nature Walk
If you are looking for a relaxing jaunt with views, access to swimming, and some exercise, look no further than Bowentown!
Start the loop at the top of the harbor for stunning views and then hike down to a secluded cove and swimming spot. It is a little less than 2 miles total, so it’s a great way to stretch your legs and get a swim in.
Waihi Beach Walks: Homunga Bay Hike
For a classically New Zealand hike, check out Homunga bay. You’ll walk through the secluded pōhutukawa forest with viewpoints dotted along the trail. Although it’s a maintained trail, stay prepared with correct footwear, water, and some snacks.
Waihi Beach Walks: The Trig Walk
To really get your heart rate pumping, the Trig Walk will leave you breathless from its views and its stairs! It’s 3 km out and back, so plan about one and a half hours to complete this strenuous trek. You’ll climb up through the bush to be rewarded with panoramic views of Waihi Beach, the Coromandel coast, and the Bay of Plenty.
Waihi Golf: Golf Your Heart Out With Mini-Golf or the Golf Club
If golf is your game, Waihi Beach is the place for you.
Waihi Beach Mini Putt:
For the young (and the young at heart), Waihi Beach’s Mini-Putt course is a fun way to spend the day with family and friends. Compete amongst yourselves or just try your best!
Waihi Golf Club:
For those a little more serious about working on perfecting their swing, the Waihi Golf Club offers 18 holes all with amazing views of its beautiful surroundings.
It’s over 100 years old and expertly maintained, so there are not many better places to have a tee time.
Waihi Cycle Trail: Cycle Around Waihi
If you’re more into getting around with two wheels rather than your two feet, Waihi Beach boasts one of the best cycling trails in the entire country. The Hauraki Rail Trail was built using retired parts of the old railways, so the grading is always easy.
It stretches all the way from Kaiaua in the North to Hobbiton in the south. However, these are the best places to enjoy the trail near Waihi Beach.
Waihi Cycling – Karangahake Gorge:
Peddle through this gorgeous gorge for river views, gold mining adventures, and waterfalls galore! For a unique experience, cycle through a 1100-meter long tunnel with only your headlamp guiding you through.
Waihi Cycling – Goldfields Heritage Railway:
When your legs need a break from cycling, take a train to the past on the Goldfields Heritage Railways.
Visit Waihi Beach Shops For Some Seaside themed shopping
Shop till you drop at The Village in Waihi Beach. Full of vibrant beach themed cafes, eateries and homeware stores, you’ll have your entire afternoon sorted roaming the shops.
And for the perfect seaside souvenirs head to Beach Treats, we promise these knick knacks won’t disappoint!
Waihi Bays: Wend your way to some beautiful bays
Waihi Beach is home base to some incredible bays, so make the most of them while you’re there! For a gentle amble to a super chill spot and safe swimming, head from Anzac Bay to Shelley Bay.
For those wanting a long coastal stroll, the Orokaway Bay walk is a 45 minute gem full of giant New Zealand Christmas trees – known as Pohutukawa’s.
There’s also the Waihi Beach Kayak Hires, so you can get a different angle on things and explore the bays from the water.
Waihi Waterfall – Swim at a 28 meter waterfall
No awesome holiday is complete without at least chasing down one waterfall. The William Wright Falls track starts at Orokawa beach and leads to a stunning 28 metre waterfall.
Make sure to bring your togs, as you’ll definitely want to jump in the natural rock pool for a swim once you see this beauty of a waterfall.
Visit Waihi Beach
Waihi Beach is known as one of New Zealand’s safest surf beaches, so what better place to learn how to hang ten, or simply hang loose!?
For the curious non-surfer – the expression Hang Ten describes a surfing manoeuvre in which a surfer stands and hangs all their toes over the nose of the board.
Also for the non-surfer – there are waters that are calm enough to paddleboard most days, and places that are great for swimming, so you can easily have as much time as you’d like on or in the water. Sweet.
Search for gold at the Waihi Gold Mine
If you’re wanting to get away from the beach for a bit (hey, sandy toes aren’t for everyone) then heading to the Waihi gold mines for a behind the scene tour is the next best choice.
The guided tour will let you get up close and personal with modern-day gold mining, and teaches you about each stage of the process.
Those interested in the history of Waihi gold mining should check out Karangahake Gorge found just a 20 minute drive from the beach, where you can walk though historic gold mining tunnels as well as enjoy the natural beauty of the gorge from the Karanghake bridge.
You never know, by the end of the day you might get lucky and strike out with some golden nuggets of your own!
Relax and Unwind – Hot Springs in Waihi
If you go to the beach to relax and lay in the sand, here are some ways to double down on your relaxation.
There’s no better way to unwind than by soaking in naturally heated mineral springs. At Athenree Hot Springs, you can relax in their clean and bubbling springs for as long as you want.
Or pack a blanket and picnic basket to relax in the surrounding tranquil park for some much-deserved downtime.
Stretch and let loose at The Nest Waihi Beach! They offer adults yoga and kids yoga, so there is something for everyone. There’s even Yoga in the Park on Fridays and Saturdays to really help you get back into touch with yourself.
Treat yourself to a massage from the gifted hands at Revive Massage Studio. They also offer wellness retreats that include lots of massages, mindfulness activities, hot springs, and local healthy meals.
Looking for a golden holiday in the sun? Check out our pet friendly accommodation in Waihi now and start planning your next holiday!
