We have 3 e-bikes and 2 mountain bikes for guests to hire so you can enjoy the amazing cycle ways around town and through the beautiful Karangahake Gorge.
Martha Mine Pit
Waihi was built on gold and silver and is still very much a working mine. Walk the pit rim and see just how big the mining operation is, take a journey on the Gold Mine Discovery Tour, leaving the information centre several times a day, check the info site for times and costs.
Gold Discovery Centre
Discover treasure in Waihi, New Zealand's Heart of Gold. You can experience the story, which spans three centuries, at the award-winning Gold Discovery Centre. Although mining operations are ordinarily off-limits to the public, Waihi Gold Mine Tours can take you inside. Take a Waihi gold story tour to get the inside story and then get inside the fence. The 'hands-on' experience guides you through Waihi's fascinating gold story that started in 1878 and continues today.
Goldfields Railway
Travel back in time and enjoy a ride on a heritage train with Goldfields Railway. Journey between Waihi and Waikino at the eastern end of the spectacular Karangahake Gorge. Great for the kids. Have a break at Waikino Station with a hot or cold drink and a Devonshire scone. You can even take your bike on the train, take time to visit the gorge and historic sites, then return to Waihi on a later train.
Waihi Beach
Waihi Beach is only a short 10-minute drive where you can enjoy the surf beach for swimming, surfing and fishing then another 8km south is Bowentown's Anzac Bay which is a sheltered bay, perfect for swimming and fishing. The boat ramp is a pay-as-you-go pontoon ramp located at the boating and fishing club at the end of Pio Road (ramp is tidal).
Karangahake Gorge Walkway
This makes a lovely day or two on bike or on foot. Don't forget we offer bike hire to our guests, either e-bikes or mountain bikes are available but are subject to availability. The plenty of off-road parking allows you to pull off the Gorge Road (State Highway 2), cross the river on foot by one of two swing-bridges and explore the remnants of the long-abandoned gold-workings. The remains of stamper batteries, the foundations of huge buildings, tiny miners' cottages plus long-abandoned equipment dot the walking trails with plenty of well-explained information panels along the way.
Along the way you will find the old Waikino Pub with its rich history, good food and cold refreshments, the Talisman café and Ohinemuri winery and the train station with trains which do a return trip to and from the old Waihi train station. The train winds its way through farmland, a fun trip, especially for the kids.
Whangamata
Whangamata is only 30km away. Enjoy the picturesque beach, wander around the town's main street and the interesting and unique shops, take a stroll around the marina and don't forget the annual Beach Hop at the end of March every year, a week of nostalgia featuring bands, American classic cars, rock 'n' roll festival. The festival starts with a day of fun right here in Waihi.
Hauraki Rail Trail
The Hauraki Rail Trail is the easiest riding trail in New Zealand, with various stages allowing for comfortable 3-day Rail Trail cycle rides.
Waihi Arts Centre & Museum
Whether you just want to find out a bit more about the history of a New Zealand gold-mining town, or want to check out the latest exhibition in the art gallery, the Waihi Arts Centre & Museum has something that will be of interest to everyone.
Eating Out
There are many different dining options in Waihi from a variety of restaurants, cafés, takeaway and fast food.