What’s so great about Waihi Beach

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

• Your go-to information hub for everything Waihi Beach

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

• Waihi Beach Surf Forecast