Fun things to do in Waihi

Things to do in Waihi

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 just five great Waihi experiences you need to ensure you have an awesome holiday!

See our top things to do in Waihi Beach or…

Relax and Unwind

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.

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.

Walk It Out

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

Golf Your Heart Out

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.

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.

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.

Goldfields Heritage Railway:

When your legs need a break from cycling, take a train to the past on the Goldfields Heritage Railways. 

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!

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.

Swim at a 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

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! 

Looking for a golden holiday in the sun? Check out our pet friendly accommodation in Waihi now and start planning your next holiday!