Located on the Bay of Plenty two hours southeast of Auckland, the vibrant town of Waihī Beach is a gateway to New Zealand’s Coromandel Peninsula.

The town’s main attraction is the beach, a six-mile-long sandy shoreline that is fringed with pohutukawa trees and dotted with sun bleached driftwood. The gentle waves are perfect for playing in the surf or swimming in the patrolled areas, and there is plenty of space to spread out, even on the busiest summer days.

Just a 10-minute drive away, you will find the historic gold mining town of Waihī, which is home to the Waihī Gold Discovery Centre, a museum that showcases the region's gold mining industry. Additionally, you’ll find hiking and biking trails in the nearby Karangahake Gorge, including the Hauraki Rail Trail, a coastal track that leads through historic towns and past relics of the old mining industry.

With relatively mild weather all year round, Waihī is a great four-season destination. The summer months feature long, sunny days that are perfect for being on and in the water. This is a popular time to secure Waihī Beach holiday rentals. In the spring and fall, the temperatures drop a bit, which is just fine if your aim is to explore the many nearby hiking trails. During the winter, the weather is often cold and damp, so pack a few extra layers of clothing and an umbrella.

Waihī Arts Centre & Museum

Situated in the town of Waihī, the Waihī Arts Centre & Museum is where you can learn about the area’s gold mining past or view the newest art additions created by local artists. Geology samples, mining models, antique tools, and historical photographs are all on display here.

Karangahake Gorge

Located just a 20-minute drive west of Waihī, the Karangahake Gorge was once a bustling gold mining site. Today, you can wander along a historic 4.5-mile walkway as it curves alongside the Ohinemuri River. Or take a stroll on the hour-long Windows Walk, which traverses old gold mining tunnels and across cliffs of the Waitawheta Gorge. Both trails offer a glimpse into the area's mining heritage, along with spectacular scenery of the gorge.

Hauraki Rail Trail

This 100-mile-long bike trail starts at Kaiaua and goes all the way to Matamata. The trail passes right by the town of Waihī, and this is one of the only places where you can still spot the century-old railway that once served as the lifeline of the North Island. A small section of the trail passes through the Karangahake Gorge.