Waihi
Waihi lies on the junction of SH25, which goes north to the Coromandel, and SH2, that takes you south to Tauranga. The town’s main feature is the very large open cast gold mine that sits immediately next to the downtown area. It’s easy to find – just move toward the old historic tower, visible at the west end of the town.
Waihi also shows off its history, with most buildings in the town dating to the early days of gold mining. There are a number of information panels and statues that suggest what life was like there over a hundred years ago. If gold history isn’t your thing, don’t worry – the town has several cool shops and cafes and is the western end of the Waikino tourist train.
Waihi Beach
Waihi Beach is a very long, pretty surf beach, with Waihi town at its north end. At the south end is Bowentown, where the beach’s official name becomes Ocean Beach.
Even at peak times, there’s plenty of space on Waihi Beach. The main swimming areas are at either end, but as you drive down Seaforth Road behind the beach there are several parking areas with access pathways through the dunes to the beach.
Bowentown Heads
At the south end of Waihi Beach is the Bowentown Heads. You can drive to the top for views to the south over Anzac Bay, Matakana Island, and Tauranga Harbour and then hike to a high point for the view north over Waihi Beach. It is also a nice place to just hang out or take a picnic.
The best thing to do is to walk down the steep steps to Papatu Point, a small beach at the base of the cliff. The stairs can be found at the eastern end of the car park.
Papatu Point
The small beach at the base of Bowentown Heads is a local gem. Papatu Point is popular for locals as a fishing spot, but as the tide goes out a near perfect beach is revealed, with giant pohutukawas hanging from the cliff above. As a bonus, there are several small caves in the cliffs.
Do take extra care if you want to swim. It looks safe but you’re in a harbour entrance channel with strong tidal tows, so don’t go too far.
Anzac Bay
Anzac Bay is on the western side of the Bowentown Heads. As a harbour beach it’s very safe for families, so does attract quite large gatherings for its small size. The surrounding Pohutukawa trees are a real bonus, especially when flowering around Christmas and New Year.
Orokawa Bay
From the north end of Waihi Beach you can access the Orokawa Bay Track. It’s about a 40 minute walk around the cliffs of Rapaptiotio Point and leads to one of the prettiest bays in New Zealand, with a beautiful beach overhung by big mature pohutukawa trees.
But you can also walk for another 40 minutes or so to the modest but pretty William Wright Falls, or for about 90 minutes to Homunga Bay.
William Wright Falls
The rough track to William Wright Falls starts just past the north end of Orokawa Bay, and heads inland up the Orokawa Stream. The path can be overgrown and indistinct, but it follows the stream and there are orange markers at key points. After about 30 minutes, the path deviates above a side stream to the south and the falls are just a couple of minutes away.
Homunga Bay
You can reach Homunga Bay by continuing on from Orokawa, but it’s around a four hour round trip. Another option is to drive from Waihi down Golden Valley Road, then left onto Ngatitangata Road until you reach a parking area next to the access track sign. From this point the walk is quite steeply downhill for about 45 minutes though farmland then bush, ending at the beautiful and remote Homunga Bay beach.
Want more North Island trip ideas?
Check out our recent posts about the Kaimai Range, Taranaki, and Blue Duck Station!