Guidebook to Whiritoa Beach & the Coromandel Area
Sightseeing
Waihi is the home of the richest gold mine in New Zealand - still in operation today. The Waihi Gold Discovery Centre tells the tales of yesteryear, and allows hands on experience with modern mining techniques. You can also take a trip deep into the bowels of the mine pit or walk the pit rim. The Goldfields vintage railway runs between Waihi and Waikino, where you can find relics from the early gold rush days.
Waihi also offers easy access to the iconic Hauraki Rail Trail and the dramatic Karangahake Gorge Historic Walkway
Around the town you’ll notice some wonderful old buildings. Waihi is proud of its history and has a heritage trail that points out places of interest. There is an ever-increasing number of cafés and restaurants in the recently revived town centre
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Waihi
Waihi is the home of the richest gold mine in New Zealand - still in operation today. The Waihi Gold Discovery Centre tells the tales of yesteryear, and allows hands on experience with modern mining techniques. You can also take a trip deep into the bowels of the mine pit or walk the pit rim. The Goldfields vintage railway runs between Waihi and Waikino, where you can find relics from the early gold rush days.
Waihi also offers easy access to the iconic Hauraki Rail Trail and the dramatic Karangahake Gorge Historic Walkway
Around the town you’ll notice some wonderful old buildings. Waihi is proud of its history and has a heritage trail that points out places of interest. There is an ever-increasing number of cafés and restaurants in the recently revived town centre
Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy at the swimming hole and waterfall at Owharoa, is a series of three waterfalls located in a couple of kilometres drive from Karangahake Gorge.
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Owharoa Falls
30 Waitawheta RdPack a picnic lunch to enjoy at the swimming hole and waterfall at Owharoa, is a series of three waterfalls located in a couple of kilometres drive from Karangahake Gorge.
Whiritoa is a surf beach and can have very strong rips or undercurrents and we strongly suggest swimming only when the surf patrol is operating over the summer months and always swimming between the flags.
There is a playground for the children and public toilets near the surf club which are always clean and in good working order.
We have walking tracks (1-3 hours) at either end of Whiritoa beach. At the Northern end over to Waimama Bay but you need to cross the lagoon at the North end of Whiritoa Beach to get to the track. There are no facilities at this hidden bay, so make sure you take plenty of food & drinking water with you.
At the northern end of the beach is a lagoon which is safe for younger children to swim in.
The track at the southern end is a little harder to find but has a spectacular blow hole and a walks along the cliff edge.
Whiritoa Beach
32 Kon Tiki RdWhiritoa is a surf beach and can have very strong rips or undercurrents and we strongly suggest swimming only when the surf patrol is operating over the summer months and always swimming between the flags.
There is a playground for the children and public toilets near the surf club which are always clean and in good working order.
We have walking tracks (1-3 hours) at either end of Whiritoa beach. At the Northern end over to Waimama Bay but you need to cross the lagoon at the North end of Whiritoa Beach to get to the track. There are no facilities at this hidden bay, so make sure you take plenty of food & drinking water with you.
At the northern end of the beach is a lagoon which is safe for younger children to swim in.
The track at the southern end is a little harder to find but has a spectacular blow hole and a walks along the cliff edge.
Within two hours either side of low tide visitors flock to the usually deserted Hot Water Beach to find hot water bubbling through the golden sand. Families, kids and couples can be seen digging their own spa pool in the sand and relaxing in the natural springs. Often rated as one of the world's most renowned beaches - this is one experience that should be on your bucket list. A truly unique Kiwi experience that every New Zealander should experience at least once in their lifetime!
The beach also boasts some great surf, cafés and art galleries and is only a 5 minute drive to another Coromandel ‘must do’ – Cathedral Cove.
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Hot Water Beach
Within two hours either side of low tide visitors flock to the usually deserted Hot Water Beach to find hot water bubbling through the golden sand. Families, kids and couples can be seen digging their own spa pool in the sand and relaxing in the natural springs. Often rated as one of the world's most renowned beaches - this is one experience that should be on your bucket list. A truly unique Kiwi experience that every New Zealander should experience at least once in their lifetime!
The beach also boasts some great surf, cafés and art galleries and is only a 5 minute drive to another Coromandel ‘must do’ – Cathedral Cove.
Cathedral Cove is arguably one of the most picturesque spots (and there are many) in The Coromandel.
From beautiful Hahei Beach on The Coromandel you can walk to Cathedral Cove, where a naturally formed archway deserves photographic attention.
From the north end of the beach, a one hour walking track leads along the cliff top and then descends to the Cove. Here a gigantic arched cavern passes through a white rock headland to join two secluded coves. The cathedral-like arch gives the whole area an air of grandeur. The beach is sandy with shady pohutukawa trees along the foreshore - a perfect place for a picnic and a swim.
Just off the beach at Cathedral Cove is a large pinnacle of pumice breccia rock known as 'Te Hoho'. Over centuries this has been sculpted by wind and water - it now looks like the prow of a large ship steaming into the beach.
If you prefer a slightly shorter walk (about 1.5 hours return), start from the car park at the end of Grange Road in Hahei - turn left just after the Hahei shops. The top car park at Grange Road is a pick up and drop off zone for the shuttle. Parking is prohibited at Grange Rd from 1 October - 30 April. Limited parking is available on Grange Rd from 1 May - 30 September.
During the summer months, a shuttle service runs from the visitor car park on Pa Road to the start of the Cathedral Cove track. It costs $5 return per person, $3 for a child and $10 for a family (2 adults 2 children). It is recommended that all visitors to Hahei Beach and Cathedral Cove use this car park. A third carpark is open during the summer months on Lees Road.
For snorkellers and scuba divers, Cathedral Cove Marine Reserve provides a visual feast of sponge gardens, reef systems and marine life to observe.
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Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve
Cathedral Cove is arguably one of the most picturesque spots (and there are many) in The Coromandel.
From beautiful Hahei Beach on The Coromandel you can walk to Cathedral Cove, where a naturally formed archway deserves photographic attention.
From the north end of the beach, a one hour walking track leads along the cliff top and then descends to the Cove. Here a gigantic arched cavern passes through a white rock headland to join two secluded coves. The cathedral-like arch gives the whole area an air of grandeur. The beach is sandy with shady pohutukawa trees along the foreshore - a perfect place for a picnic and a swim.
Just off the beach at Cathedral Cove is a large pinnacle of pumice breccia rock known as 'Te Hoho'. Over centuries this has been sculpted by wind and water - it now looks like the prow of a large ship steaming into the beach.
If you prefer a slightly shorter walk (about 1.5 hours return), start from the car park at the end of Grange Road in Hahei - turn left just after the Hahei shops. The top car park at Grange Road is a pick up and drop off zone for the shuttle. Parking is prohibited at Grange Rd from 1 October - 30 April. Limited parking is available on Grange Rd from 1 May - 30 September.
During the summer months, a shuttle service runs from the visitor car park on Pa Road to the start of the Cathedral Cove track. It costs $5 return per person, $3 for a child and $10 for a family (2 adults 2 children). It is recommended that all visitors to Hahei Beach and Cathedral Cove use this car park. A third carpark is open during the summer months on Lees Road.
For snorkellers and scuba divers, Cathedral Cove Marine Reserve provides a visual feast of sponge gardens, reef systems and marine life to observe.
A bustling beachside village of boutique shops and eateries, set alongside a 9km stretch of white sand, Waihi Beach is one of New Zealand’s safest surf beaches.
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Waihi Beach
Ocean View RoadA bustling beachside village of boutique shops and eateries, set alongside a 9km stretch of white sand, Waihi Beach is one of New Zealand’s safest surf beaches.
This town is the official birthplace of Lemon & Paeroa, New Zealand's home-grown soft drink.
Paeroa is also famous for its range of antiques and collectables. Just north of the town is the Paeroa Historical Maritime Park, where you’ll find restored historic vessels and interesting displays. Checkout their Xmas lights in December.
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Paeroa
This town is the official birthplace of Lemon & Paeroa, New Zealand's home-grown soft drink.
Paeroa is also famous for its range of antiques and collectables. Just north of the town is the Paeroa Historical Maritime Park, where you’ll find restored historic vessels and interesting displays. Checkout their Xmas lights in December.
Food scene
Whangamata has one of the best shopping centres in the region to browse through and great cafes for lunch/dinner.
Famous for its unique combination of beach and rainforest, Whangamata's amazing ocean beach provides some of the best surfing breaks, yet safest swimming in the country.
The Coromandel Forest Park bordering the town provides many outdoor experiences, including short walks, mountain bike trails and old gold mining sites.
Whangamata is also home of the Beach Hop, a five day celebration of '50s and '60s culture held every year in March.
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Whangamata
Whangamata has one of the best shopping centres in the region to browse through and great cafes for lunch/dinner.
Famous for its unique combination of beach and rainforest, Whangamata's amazing ocean beach provides some of the best surfing breaks, yet safest swimming in the country.
The Coromandel Forest Park bordering the town provides many outdoor experiences, including short walks, mountain bike trails and old gold mining sites.
Whangamata is also home of the Beach Hop, a five day celebration of '50s and '60s culture held every year in March.
True “Kiwi As” Dairy, General Store, Cafe and Takeaway, which serves up many a “mean as feed” right by the beach with a bit of Good old kiwi banter to boot.
Family favourites are the burgers, loaded wedges and of course the fresh fish and chips. This will definitely become the new family tradition when coming to stay.
Highly recommended!!!
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Whiritoa General Store and Cafe
4 Fishermans BendTrue “Kiwi As” Dairy, General Store, Cafe and Takeaway, which serves up many a “mean as feed” right by the beach with a bit of Good old kiwi banter to boot.
Family favourites are the burgers, loaded wedges and of course the fresh fish and chips. This will definitely become the new family tradition when coming to stay.
Highly recommended!!!
Outdoors Adventure
A must do adventure if you’re into walking/hiking. Bring a snack, it says 3.5hrs return but if you want to check the caves/take photos/absorb nature/rest at the top, it’s probably more like 5hrs. Definitely need waterproof hiking boots if it has recently rained as the track can be muddy and the caves can hold water. Super beautiful trail which comes highly recommended.
Wharekirauponga Track, Waikato 3674, Nueva Zelanda
A must do adventure if you’re into walking/hiking. Bring a snack, it says 3.5hrs return but if you want to check the caves/take photos/absorb nature/rest at the top, it’s probably more like 5hrs. Definitely need waterproof hiking boots if it has recently rained as the track can be muddy and the caves can hold water. Super beautiful trail which comes highly recommended.
Stroll around the Waihi Martha Mine Pit Rim Walkway and then check out the Gold Discovery Centre across the road.
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Martha Mine
Martha StreetStroll around the Waihi Martha Mine Pit Rim Walkway and then check out the Gold Discovery Centre across the road.
Many Kiwi’s will have driven through the breathtaking Karangahake Gorge but few will have ventured into the walkways, old tunnels, discovered the rich history hidden in the gorge and cycle the Hauraki Rail Trail.
Not only is this one of the most stunning stretches of river in the country it was home to one of the busiest and most lucrative gold strikes in the country.
The Windows Walkway would have to rate as one of the most stunning in the area with windows blasted through the gold mining tunnels providing stunning views into the Waitewheta river.
The Karangahake Gorge is a major highlight for the Hauraki Rail Trail, which can be accessed from Thames, Paeroa, Waihi, or Te Aroha. The trail offers a range of short riding options or for those wishing to make a weekend of it the entire trail can be done over three days. Bicycles can be hired from either Waihi, Waikino or Paeroa.
Karangahake Gorge Historic Walkway, Karangahake, Nueva Zelanda
Many Kiwi’s will have driven through the breathtaking Karangahake Gorge but few will have ventured into the walkways, old tunnels, discovered the rich history hidden in the gorge and cycle the Hauraki Rail Trail.
Not only is this one of the most stunning stretches of river in the country it was home to one of the busiest and most lucrative gold strikes in the country.
The Windows Walkway would have to rate as one of the most stunning in the area with windows blasted through the gold mining tunnels providing stunning views into the Waitewheta river.
The Karangahake Gorge is a major highlight for the Hauraki Rail Trail, which can be accessed from Thames, Paeroa, Waihi, or Te Aroha. The trail offers a range of short riding options or for those wishing to make a weekend of it the entire trail can be done over three days. Bicycles can be hired from either Waihi, Waikino or Paeroa.
Ride or walk the Hauraki Rail Trail, it is suitable for all ages and abilities. Winding from Waihi to Waikino, through the spectacular Karangahake Gorge and on to Paeroa, explore the rich mining history and beauty of the area. You can also catch the train back to Waihi from the Waikino Station.
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Hauraki Rail Trail
State Highway 2Ride or walk the Hauraki Rail Trail, it is suitable for all ages and abilities. Winding from Waihi to Waikino, through the spectacular Karangahake Gorge and on to Paeroa, explore the rich mining history and beauty of the area. You can also catch the train back to Waihi from the Waikino Station.
If you need some peace and solitude, then McLaren Falls Park in the lower Kaimai Ranges is a wonderful place for a picnic, bush walk or swim.
The park is open all year round, but Autumn is a spectacular time to visit this 190ha recreational park which features a beautiful lake, waterfalls, gentle walking tracks and even a frisbee golf course.
One of the highlights of the park is the waterfall track where you can see glow worms after dusk. Enjoy a short, easy stroll to the picturesque waterfall and spot the glow worms on either side of the track. Part of the waterfall track is also wheelchair and mobility scooter friendly. Due to sheep throughout the park, dogs are not permitted.
Slow vehicle access is available throughout the park for easy access to picnic areas. Gates open for outgoing vehicles after closing time, so you don’t need to be in a hurry to leave: stay and enjoy the glowworms!
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Parque McLaren Falls
190 McLaren Falls RdIf you need some peace and solitude, then McLaren Falls Park in the lower Kaimai Ranges is a wonderful place for a picnic, bush walk or swim.
The park is open all year round, but Autumn is a spectacular time to visit this 190ha recreational park which features a beautiful lake, waterfalls, gentle walking tracks and even a frisbee golf course.
One of the highlights of the park is the waterfall track where you can see glow worms after dusk. Enjoy a short, easy stroll to the picturesque waterfall and spot the glow worms on either side of the track. Part of the waterfall track is also wheelchair and mobility scooter friendly. Due to sheep throughout the park, dogs are not permitted.
Slow vehicle access is available throughout the park for easy access to picnic areas. Gates open for outgoing vehicles after closing time, so you don’t need to be in a hurry to leave: stay and enjoy the glowworms!