Located on the western end of the Bay of Plenty in North Island, Waihi Beach is one of the best beach areas for a holiday. You’ll find pristine sand, clear, blue waters and endless opportunities for fun and excitement. The surrounding town of Waihi offers no shortage of attractions and activities, from abandoned mine walks to scenic railway tours to charming arts and culture attractions. Families with kids will love all the fun you can have in the outdoors, even with young children. Find out all about the things to see and do in Waihi Beach and explore the options for Waihi Beach accommodation to prepare for your holiday.
Holiday homes in Waihi Beach
If you’re going to visit Waihi Beach, the best places to stay are near the water. You’ll find a range of holiday homes, baches and apartments that put you right on the sand or within walking distance of the beach, so you can get an early start to your beach day and enjoy fun in the sun. Take a look at the options for holiday homes in Waihi Beach.
Beachfront holiday homes
Holiday homes are one of the most versatile options for your trip to Waihi Beach. You’ll have a wide array of holiday homes on the beachfront to choose from that offer exciting amenities like verandahs, pools, backyards and more. Plenty of holiday homes are designed with families in mind and offer multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, enclosed yards for the kids and dog to play and private decks for the adults. Holiday homes come in a range of options, whether you’re looking for cheap or luxury.
Family baches
Waihi Beach is a popular destination for families and offers many family-friendly baches right on the beachfront and close to town. You’ll find cosy baches that are large enough for your whole family and offer extra bedrooms with bunk beds and an en-suite master bedroom for privacy. Baches are available with kid-friendly features, such as backyard space, toys and games, beach access and more.
Things to do near Waihi Beach
Whether you’re looking for fun with the kids or adventures in the outdoors, Waihi Beach offers a wide range of activities for all types of travellers. From historic mine walks to coastal hikes to man-made attractions, check out the best things to see and do near Waihi Beach for families, couples and adventurers.
Outdoor fun
You’ll find many unique outdoor spaces to explore near Waihi Beach to discover nature and get some exercise. One of the best places to go is the Martha Mine Pit, a massive mine pit with a gravel trail and interpretive panels to learn about the local history. Another popular trail is the Hauraki Rail Trail, a trail along the heritage railway that stretches from Kaiaua to Matamata. You can bike along the trail to see some of the railway remnants and check out the scenery along the river, or you can hire a shuttle to enjoy a relaxing scenic ride. If you prefer more challenging hikes, you can head to the Karangahake Gorge to explore mining tunnels, bridges and gorge lookout points.
Family activities
Waihi Beach is a popular destination in Waihi, especially for families. You can visit the beach and try out water sports or just stay on the sand and sunbathe while the kids swim. You’ll find plenty of places for picnics and beach activities like volleyball and building sandcastles. You could also take the kids to Bowentown, a quaint settlement with scenic bushwalks, rock-fishing spots, swimming areas and historic Maori pa sites.
Romantic experiences
Along with sunsets on the beach and scenic wilderness hikes, Waihi Beach is close to many romantic attractions for a memorable couple’s trip. You can visit the Mosaic Garden in Waihi to see masterpieces of sculpture, mosaic and other types of artwork. If you prefer more outdoor experiences, some of the best walks on the coast are found on Orokawa Bay. You can hike the coast and see sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and beach, or you can venture into the Pohutukawa forest to find scenic waterfalls and wildlife.