Contemporary gold pit mining tour complete with high visibility brightly coloured vest and hard hat. Authentic operating gold mines invite visitors to inspect their operations. This is a perfect complement to the historic Waihi and Thames stories of the 19th century.
TIP
Pick a Golden Combo includes a Waihi Gold Mine Tour plus tickets to the Waihi Gold Experience. This is a comprehensive overview of our historic and modern gold mining eras. The scale of modern mining, the investment required and massive machinery is impressive. Inside, you’ll find the Waihi Gold Experience which will immerse you in interactive activities. You’ll be pushing hard against an air-leg drill that will shake your bones, just like a real drill. You’ll lean on a plunger to trigger a simulated explosion down the gold mine, then for a change of pace you might try to beat the shady dealer at a game of Two-up.
Everyone is invited to push, pull and touch gold mining equipment models. Get the kids to crank hard on a handle to find out how difficult it was to operate machinery. Kids will enjoy the ghost theatre set in colonial Waihi. Interactive video recreations narrate the story of 19th century characters, gossip, social interactions and disputes in Waihi.
Opening hours
Seven days a week, check beforehand for details to avoid disappointment. Admission fees apply. Covered shoes are mandatory for pit tours.
This museum is part of the heritage trail in the Coromandel Peninsula. Check the Coromandel Guide for more information.
LOCATION
Across the road from the much photographed Cornish Pumphouse
