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 splendour 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 savour 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 Martha Mine.

Waikino
Goldmine Motel

Goldmine Motel

3 out of 5
6 Victoria St, Waihi, Waikato
The price is ₹8,582 per night from 24 Jul to 25 Jul
₹8,582
₹9,870 total
24 Jul - 25 Jul
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
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
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! (1,266 reviews)
"We had a great check in by Jass who has a lovely caring and welcoming personality. She really made our stay worthwhile with her friendly nature. Thank you so much"

Reviewed on 19 Jul 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! (1,266 reviews)
"We had a great check in by Jass who has a lovely caring and welcoming personality. She really made our stay worthwhile with her friendly nature. Thank you so much"

Reviewed on 19 Jul 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! (95 reviews)
"Travelling for business and this is a great option. Nice clean quiet rooms with plenty of amenities"

Reviewed on 19 Jul 2025

6 on Adams
The Pavilions Beachfront Apartments

The Pavilions Beachfront Apartments

4 out of 5
4 Marine Parade, Tauranga
Stay at this 4-star beach aparthotel in Tauranga. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (206 reviews)
"Thank you for our stay. No complaints from us. It was easy and quiet. Lots of eateries around"

Reviewed on 13 Jul 2025

The Pavilions Beachfront Apartments
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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