Amongst the most famous gold mining towns in New Zealand, Waihi is still very much a gold mining town - with production hidden behind the leafy slopes close to the main street. If you enjoy the simple life, Waihi is your kind of town, with old wooden buildings, a white sand beach where you can enjoy shellfish collecting and sea fishing - and not a shopping mall in sight.
There is Ohinemuri River to the west; it runs through the Karangahake Gorge, where trout fishing, mining relics and independent arts and crafts people can be found along the way.
Waihi Beach boasts of 9 kilometres of sweeping white sand, and one of the safest surf beaches in New Zealand. Rest on the beach and enjoy the sunshine or partake in more adventurous activities such as boogie boarding, kayaking or kite boarding.
It is not only the 9kms of stunning ocean beach, with white sand and generally safe surf, that draws people back each summer. It has the added attraction of Tauranga Harbor, linked to the ocean at the southern end of the beach by the Bowentown entrance. You may enjoy surfing, fishing, mini-golf, walks with amazing views, art and crafts, history, and plenty of summer entertainment.
Boaters, fishermen, skiers, swimmers, kayakers and picnickers can enjoy the combination of beach and harbor in close proximity that provides a fantastic playground. There is also a modern shopping centre, excellent restaurants and a whole range of accommodation from four camping grounds to motels, B&Bs and luxury lodges within easy distance.
Among interesting attractions there is a modern operating mine producing gold and silver.
The Waihi Arts Centre and Museum is a nationally acknowledged treasure house of the mining, metallurgy and sociology of the region, as well as a gallery for the exhibiting of arts and crafts from the area.
Another option to have good time at Waihi Beach is to take a short walk from the northern end of Waihi Beach to beautiful, secluded Orokawa Bay past spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and Waihi Beach.
| 
