Whangamata Beach is a long, often wide and oddly shaped surf beach. It is by the substantial town of Whangamata in the Coromandel, between Waihi to the south and Pauanui to the north.
There are two separate crescents, with a flat sand point in the middle. You can wade quite a long way when the surf is relatively calm at low tide. Several islands are opposite the sandy point. One is locally known as Donut Island, with a hole in the centre where you can take a boat if you are careful.
Although Whangamata is crowded during holidays, the beach's size somewhat dissipates this. But if you can, visit outside the local holidays. The beach is relatively safe for swimming, but the flagged area also has a surf patrol.
The easiest access to the beach is on Hunt Road and Esplanade Drive.
