Best bits, a kiwi town
Waihi Beach there are plenty of things to do. Waihi Beach is a coastal settlement lying 10km east of Waihi, gateway to the Coromandel Peninsula. The stunning 10km beach is a popular summer holiday destination. Over 145 hectares Orokawa Scenic Reserve lies at the northern end of the beach. The Reserve is a repository of pohutukawa, puriri, and nikau palms. Waihi Beach is linked at the southern end to Bowentown and Athenree and Katikati entrance to Tauranga Harbour.

WHAT TO DO, HIGHLIGHTS
- Orokawa Reserve and beach with hidden walks and quiet places
- Waihi Beach has several boat ramps in addition to a dedicated fishing store. It is a great base for a fishing trip
- Soak up the atmosphere of a classic summer holiday enjoying nearby Waihi, Athenree and Katikati attractions
- Athenree Estuary shared walk / cycle track. A 3km trail from Waihi Beach to Bowentown. Look for the well known Surf Shack cafe for entrance. It ends in Bowentown park.
- Nearby Kauri Point wharf (Katikati) is a popular location for fishing and water bombing. This wharf extends 200 metres out from shore. Catches from the wharf include: Kingfish, Snapper and John Dory.


CAVE BAY walks
- It is several minutes short climb to the Te Ho pa site for commanding views over Waihi Beach. The perfect location for a defensive pa site.
- The same path leads further up to a Trig station at the highest point of the headland. The gravel track is approximately 3km.
- A steep descent to Cave Bay is a popular fishing spot
- There are no toilets along these walks


OROKAWA walks
- From the northern end of Waihi Beach to secluded, sheltered Orokawa Bay embraces beautiful coastal scenery.
- WILLIAM WRIGHT FALLS – continue the walk at the end of Orokawa Beach following marker posts. The 1.5km track is medium- advance grade with steeper sections. The William Wright waterfall is 28 metres. The falls cascadel over a sheer rock face in two stages and are framed by vertical bush hills. Early spring the waterfalls are spectacular. In a dry summer there is very little water flow. The track is overgrown in parts due to landslides which destroyed parts of the track.
- Water and toilets at Waihi Beach car park only
INTERESTING FACT
Local government became concerned about the health of the miners (Waihi and district) and invested in a health resort. The borough constructed baches in Waihi Beach for the seaside air.
BOWENTOWN DOMAIN
- Walks and several pa sites within 128 hectare reserve. There are picnic tables, toilets and water taps available.
ANZAC BAY
- Anzac Bay and Shelly Bay are safe, sheltered swimming spots. ANZAC bay has a public boat ramp and picnic tables under pohutukawa trees. At the northern end of Anzac Bay, a wide grassy track leads westward up to an area where several tracks meet. Straight ahead leads to Shelly Bay – a stunning, sheltered and safe swimming spot. A left turn takes you to a popular fishing area and a right turn leads to the summit of Te Ho Pā site.


WHERE TO TAKE THE BEST SELFIE
- Pick one of the stunning views with native mature pohutukawa trees in the background
- Yourself learning to surf
- Treats from the local cafe
WHAT TO DO WITH THE KIDS
- Brighton Rd Playground with a castle, tunnels and plenty of swings. Set alongside a basketball court, toilet block and public barbecue is the Waihi Beach
- Cycle NORTH END TO BOWENTOWN CYCLE PATH on a dedicated cycle walk linking Waihi Beach to Bowentown. Pass playgrounds, picnic areas, cafes and enjoy the coastal scenery
- Join Waihi Beach Surf School and
TOWN MOTTO
- IT’S ABOUT TIME
FESTIVALS
- Check Your go-to information hub for everything Waihi Beach. Events and upcoming market days. New Year is packed with entertainment, often focused around the well known surf club.
- Look out for Bowentown Fishing Competition and Bathtub Race.
SOCIAL MEDIA

WHO TURNED UP AND NAMED THE PLACE?
- The name Waihi means rising water and is likely identified with a stream which flows into the beach.
KEEPS THE PLACE TICKING?
- The western Bay of Plenty is a popular retirement area due to its access to Tauranga (major city) and tourism has encouraged the growth of holiday parks, cafes, restaurants and spas all enjoying the seaside air.
POPULATION
- 2,720
WEATHER
JUDGMENT
- Classic beach holiday vibe
Every town adds to the richness of things to do and see. For more details about the region check Tauranga & Bay of Plenty Region nearby attractions and events.
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