Waihi Beach is on one of New Zealand's safest surf beaches and home to a bustling and friendly beachside community. Numerous walking and cycle tracks showcase some of the very best country in the Bay of Plenty.
It’s an easy two hour drive south of Auckland, or just 40 minutes north of Tauranga along the Pacific Coast Highway (SH2).
This 9km-long white sand beach is popular all year-round and many people own baches (holiday homes) here which you can rent online for the duration of your stay.
You will find plenty of other accommodation to choose from also – pitch a tent or hire a cabin at a number of quality camp grounds and holiday resorts; stay in a luxury apartment; or book a boutique bed & breakfast and feel spoilt while you relax and unwind.
This authentic Kiwi beach is renowned for its surf. Book a lesson at the Waihi Beach Surf School or learn to stand up paddle board in these warm ocean waters. This is a great place to fish, dive, kayak and enjoy all kinds of watersports with family and friends.
Your children will love exploring Waihi Beach and jumping amongst the waves as they crash into shore. Or take a 10 minute drive south to Anzac Bay at Bowentown where the water is shallow and calm at low tide. This family-friendly destination has plenty of parks, playgrounds and cafes for you all to enjoy.
To experience pure paradise, follow the well-marked track over the headland to Orokawa Bay. Soak up spectacular ocean views along the 45 minute walkway and enjoy a picnic on the sand under pohutukawa trees when you arrive. Orokawa Bay is also a fantastic place to swim, surf and fish, making it an ideal day-trip for all ages.
Homunga Bay is another 2.5 hours along the same coastal walkway and well worth the effort if you wish to explore further afield.
Waihi Beach is great location if you want the flexibility to travel to the Coromandel, ‘Hobbiton’, Rotorua, Tauranga and the Waitomo Caves all from one base. Delve into the fascinating goldmining history of nearby Waihi (11km away) and the Karangahake Gorge, where you can also cycle the Hauraki Rail Trail.
Enjoy a blissful massage, reflexology or reiki treatment from local wellness practitioners, or join a local yoga class during your stay.
If you love to wine and dine, you will be impressed with the wide range of upmarket cafes and restaurants at Waihi Beach. Enjoy a gourmet meal and cocktails in a stylish dining room or relax on a beanbag in the sun with a fresh fruit smoothie or snack.
In summer you can visit the Waihi Beach Produce Market on Sunday mornings. You can also buy a range of delicatessen and health foods from local stores at any time of year. The shopping village on Wilson Rd has a diverse range of boutique shops, supplying everything you might need while on holiday.
Waihi Beach has long been a favourite holiday spot for many New Zealanders. We look forward to sharing a little bit of its magic with you.
For more information visit the Waihi Beach regional website.
