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.
Pathway to the beach protects sand dunes and wild life at Waihi Beach, a popular swimming and surfing beach for both locals and tourists
WHAT TO DO IN WAIHI BEACH, 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. Check DOC resource for up to date information.
- 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
Orokawa Reserve @DOC / Rodney Farrant / Creative Commons
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.
Anzac Bay, Bowentown, Waihi
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 IN WAIHI BEACH
- 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 KIDS IN WAIHI BEACH
- 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
@Waihi Beach Surf School
@BowentownBoatingAndSportFishingClub
WAIHI BEACH MOTTO
- IT’S ABOUT TIME
WAIHI BEACH 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 WAIHI BEACH?
- The name Waihi means rising water and is likely identified with a stream which flows into the beach.
WHAT KEEPS WAIHI BEACH 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.
WAIHI BEACH POPULATION
- 2,720
WAIHI BEACH WEATHER
JUDGMENT ON WAIHI BEACH
- 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.
BEST BITS TRAVEL GUIDE
