Things To Do

Whether you prefer a more relaxed holiday environment or one full of adventure, Waihi Beach truly does have something for everyone. Bordering the breathtaking Coromandel peninsula, it boasts nine kilometres of white sandy coastline, including one of the safest surf beaches in New Zealand. The surrounding area provides ideal conditions for a range of activities from stunning bush walks to water sports for hobby enthusiasts.

The Beachaven TOP 10 Holiday Resort is a Classic Park situated in the coastal township of Waihi Beach at the northern end of the Bay of Plenty region. Waihi Beach has so much to offer and it has for a long time attracted holiday makers from all around New Zealand and a wide range of overseas travellers. Visitors to the Waihi area mustn’t miss the picturesque Karangahake Gorge, just 20 minutes from Waihi Beach, with its beautiful river walks and swimming spots set among bush clad hills.

You can talk to us here at Beachaven TOP 10 Holiday Park if you would like some more information on activities and day trips. 

 

Chez Moi

"chez moi" is in french and means "at my place".

Chez Moi is a place where you will find quality handmade chocolate, made freshly in front of you.

Working with the fines Belgium couverture from Callebaut and Belcolade. Truffles are created using the single cream from lewis road  (certified organic and palm oil free) 

and because we are living in a country where the most delicious ingredients grow in our backyard we working seasonal !

(adding that way the NEW ZEALAND flavour ) 

 

Visit Website
Waihi Beach Hotel

Waihi Beach Hotel has recently been refurbished.

Mazzola's offers stunning Italian cuisine is a relaxed dining atmosphere, also introducing a new lounge bar if a cocktail tickles your fancy instead.

Also located a liquor store, and a bar offering TAB facilities, a billiards table and regular live music. There are also gardens with chairs and a kids' play area.

TOP 10 club card members will receive 10% off by presenting their card (min spend $20 on food).

Visit Website
Flatwhite

Our local the Flat White Cafe offers everything from a quick coffee to sipping a martini on their deck – just metres from the sandy shore.  The Flatwhite has been an iconic part of the Waihi Beach community for over 10 years. In 2015 the cafe underwent a massive reconstruction resulting in a stunning beachfront restaurant with gorgeous facilities – bar areas, decks, amazing views, great food and delicious coffee. The venue is also perfect for weddings and functions. They have it all and they are open 7 days from 8am till late with they lunch menu being available from 8am till 2:45pm and dinner menu from 5pm. 

Phone: (+64) 7 863 1364

 

Visit Website
The Porch

Casual-chic venue offering a varied menu of locavore fare, including steaks & pasta, plus breakfast.

Located on 23 Wilson Road, Waihi Beach 3611

Open 7 days a week from 8am to 3pm, trading till 10pm on Friday and Saturday nights.

Visit Website
Owharoa Fall/ Falls Retreat

Owharoa falls is a stunning staircase waterfall just a quick 21mins drive from Waihi Beach. Located at 30 Waitawheta Road, Waikino 3682. Pack your bathers for a refreshing dip then to Falls Retreat for award winning tasty delights, warm hospitality and rustic, delicious food. Open 11am to 8.30pm Wednesday to Sundays. Phone: 07-863 8770

TOP10 members receive free garlic bread with purchase of 2 meals.

Visit Website
Sunday Homestore

Pretty contemporary homewares, curated design and lifestyle collection.

You will find a little something for  everyone from artwork, ceramics, jewelry, books, babywear, cushions, candles and creams.

This is a delightful little retailer located on Wilson Road, Waihi Beach.Open 7 days a week from 10.00am to 4.00pm.

 

Visit Website
Salty Collective

The Salty Collective is home of local and ethical brand Saltysea who offer a range of swimwear and activewear to keep you moving.

It is a retail space as well as a collective studio for events, workshops and yoga.

Located on 10 Wilson Road, open Tuesday to Sunday 9.30am to 4.00pm

Visit Website
Beach Sushi

Beach Sushi is not your average sushi spot. Sushi is delicious and freshly made, offering a large selection of everyones favourites.

Also on the menu are other tasty Asian favourites like bibimbab, ramen, udon and dumplings.

Located on 1/57 Wilson Road. Open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 6pm. 

Available at Sunday Markets from Labour day weekend till 1st April.

 

Visit Website
The Rail Tunnel Loop

A 1.5-hour loop walk takes you through the kilometre-long rail tunnel (lighting is provided, but a torch is recommended), along the gorgeous river’s edge and through the remains of 19th century mine buildings. This is a great loop, suitable for the family or for anyone wanting to do something a little different.

 

There are numerous places where you can enter the loop - Waikino Station (you will need to cross the road so please do so with care), Karangahake Hall or Karangahake Reserve Carpark. 

 

Please note that sections of this track are also used by cyclists so please share with care. Map + Info

Visit Website
Homunga Bay

After you've had your fill of Orokawa, head further north to Homunga Bay along the coastal walkway. Food, drink, and good shoes essential, as this will take about a further 90 minutes. Words like unspoilt and paradise spring to mind. Passes through private land, so please be courteous to the generous owners who allow visitors to walk through.

Walkers should allow 3 hours from Waihi Beach to Homunga Bay (one way).

Visit Website
The Windows Walk

The Windows Walk is easily one of the most spectacular walks in the North Island. Windows blasted through the gold mining tunnels providing stunning bird’s eye views into the Waitewheta River. While it could be walked in 30 minutes, visitors should allow a couple of hours to fully explore and experience everything the extended loop walk has to offer.

You can take a recommended side-trip to the remains of the underground Woodstock Pumphouse. Remains of the beam engine and other machinery can be seen inside, as well as the rafters supporting the ceiling. Glow-worms are also visible.A good torch is essential for viewing this unique piece of mining heritage. Map + Info

Visit Website
Orokawa Bay

With spectacular panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and Waihi Beach, a walk to Orokawa Bay is an experience all visitors remember.

 

Beautiful pohutukawa trees shelter a beach of sparkling white sand offering great fishing, a perfect picnic location, bush walking and surfing opportunities. Swimming in the surf is not advised due to the steep grade of the seafloor.

 

Access to Orokawa Bay is by an easy track at the northern end of Waihi Beach, past Oukori Bay then down to Orokawa Bay.

Walkers should allow 45 minutes (one way) to reach this secluded beach. Map

Visit Website
Trig Walk

The trail is 3km return - about a 90-minute walk return, with some steps and steep bits. The majority of the walk is in the bush so this walk is suitable to do at any time of day.

At the top you will enjoy a spectacular view of Waihi Beach, up the Coromandle coast and east across the Bay of Plenty.

To get there:
Drive up Pacific Rd, go left at the top, park the car in the water reservoir car park. The Water Reservoir Loop start is on the right of the reservoir. The Trig Walk branches off the Loop track near the bridge.

Visit Website
Waihi Beach Bakery

Waihi Beach Bakery has a full range of freshly baked artisan bread products, cakes, slices and fresh coffee to go!

P.S.They have the biggest takeaway coffees in town :) 

 

 

 

Visit Website
Surf Shack

On the outskirts of Waihi Beach, the Surf Shack is definitely worth a detour for its quite possibly the best burgers in New Zealand and plate-filling salads. Dairy free, gluten free, veggie, vegan and nightshade catered for.

Phone: 0273 780 007

TOP 10 members receive a 10% discount off your meal.

Visit Website
Hot Water Beach - Coromandel

Hot Water Beach is an NZ Must Do and one of its most dramatic places!

Popular for a patch of thermal water bubbling just beneath the surface of the sand at low tide, Hot Water Beach has achieved cult-like status as a worldwide wonder right here on The Coromandel.  

It is so much fun digging your own pool and soak in it and just watch the world go by :) 

*BYO spade or you can hire them out for $5 from local businesses. 

Located only 1h40 by car from our park

Visit Website
Cathedral Cove - Coromandel

Accessible only on foot, boat or kayak, famous Cathedral Cove is one of the “must visit” sites on The Coromandel. The area is very popular with tourists, and receives around 150,000 visitors per year.

Located approximately 1h40 by car from our park! 

Visit Website
Shipshape

Shipshape is a gorgeous boutique located at the heart of Waihi Beach. They have a range of stunning clothing labels and gorgeous balinese designer homewares that are carefully sourced. The shop which is one of the original old beach cottages from the area, is positioned at the front of the property and then leads to the “Secret Garden” – a beautiful area, planted with lush tropical plants and palms, complete with authentic balinese seating areas and a gorgeous coffee hut (The Pod) which serves Allpress coffee, superfoodsmoothies, fresh food and other beverages.

Visit Website
The French Shop

The French Shop is well established and unique, and is nestled in a lovely spot at Waihi Beach, stocked with beautiful items of a distinct French character.

The shop stocks La Rochere glassware, Flemish tapestries, Laguiole knives, French door knockers, Antique linens, French Dubout Cats, Art deco posters, and more to adorn any home. Or you could indulge in French Marseille soaps and perfumes, among the finest in the world.

Visit Website
Reel N Wave

Reel n Wave is a locally owned fishing/surf shop in the heart of Waihi Beach.

Surf boards, surfboard repairs, surf/street wear, tackle, quality rod and reels (Shimano, Daiwa, Penn, kilwell etc dealer), dive fills, rod and reel servicing, ocean kayaks and lots more

They also have a lovely range of clothing, swimwear, hats and jandals!

Visit Website
Beach Treats

A gorgeous giftware shop located in the heart of idyllic Waihi Beach Village.

They proudly offer a wonderful range of Coastal & Kiwi inspired giftware carefully selected to reflect and celebrate our beautiful beachside location and pride in all things NZ.

A must visit during your next stay in Waihi Beach!

Visit Website
Ebony Boutique

Nestled in the heart of Waihi Beach, Ebony Boutique is a fashion lovers paradise! Their dedicated team will help you look and feel your best. 

Ebony is offering our TOP 10 club card members 10% off their full price merchandise.

Visit Website
Dolphin Seafaris

Ranked #1 on Trip Advisor!
They are the only New Zealand Tourism Qualmark endorsed dolphin eco-tour operator in Tauranga and Mt Maunganui.

Step aboard a purpose-built dolphin-viewing vessel and embark on a wild encounter with the ocean's most fascinating creatures. As the winner of a Trip Advisor Award of Excellence and Qualmark certification, Dolphin Seafaris provides an educational and organic experience that's completely on the dolphin's terms.

Included in the price are your wetsuits, snorkellilng gear, tea, coffee and juice, fruit and muffins.  Free parking is available 24 hours at the Tauranga Bridge Marina where we depart. 

Located only 1h drive from our Park!

Visit Website
Hobbiton

Experience the real Middle-earth with a visit to the Hobbiton Movie Set, the bucolic setting for The Shire that featured in the Peter Jackson directed films, The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit Trilogies. 

Located only 1h25 away from our park.

 

 

Visit Website
Gunner View Restaurant, R.S.A

Gunners Restaurant welcomes members, affiliated members and guests. They also cater for weddings, functions and tour buses. Open for lunch and dinner and offer a courtesy bus. Their food is delicious and very affordable and the view from up there is just fantastic! 

RSA offers a taxi service, please call them directly to arrange pick up and drop off.

Visit Website
Beach House Cafe

A lovely kiwi cafe with freshly baked cakes, slices and muffins. Delicious savoury food and an all day menu. Family friendly with a kids menu too. Open Tuesday to Sunday for breakfast and lunch.

Located 40 Beach Road (5 minute walk away from the park). 

Our TOP 10 club card members will receive 10% OFF their super tasty food and beverages! 

Visit Website
Fishing Waihi Beach

You don’t have to go far from our Holiday Park to find some great places to fish. A lot of people surf-cast from the main beach which is just 150m away from our park, also the rocks at the northern end of the beach. There is also a jetty at Anzac Bay Bowentown which is a 15 minute drive away. The boat ramp at the Bowentown Boat and Fishing Club provides great access to the inner harbour.

 

Visit Website
Goldfields Historic Railway

This scenic heritage railway runs between Waihi and Waikino, carrying its passengers through historic gold mining countryside. Operating on either steam or diesel, it winds through rugged forest areas where original remnants of 19th century gold mining can still be seen today.

The train stops at the delightful Waikino Café and there are extra rides on holidays and weekends. A great day out for all the family at reasonable prices.

Phone: (+64) 7 863 9020 (Station) or (+64) 7 863 8640 (Cafe)
 

Visit Website
Hauraki Rail Trail

The Hauraki Rail Trail is an easy grade one cycling trail, suitable for all ages and abilities. A great day out with the family or an adventure all on your own.

You may wish to enjoy the journey over two or three days or enjoy a day ride. You can access the trail from Thames, Paeroa, Waihi or Te Aroha.

The trail showcases some of the best scenery New Zealand has to offer, rich in pioneering history. A major highlight includes riding through the stunning Karangahake Gorge.

We recommend visiting the official trail website to get planning your ride today.

Distances

Waikino to Paeroa – 14 km
Paeroa to Te Aroha – 20 km
Paeroa to Thames – 33 km

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=5&v=w0HJBEZyiSo

 

 

Visit Website
LEARN TO SURF

Waihi Beach Surf School is based in the Bay of Plenty and is owned and operated by Aidan Comrie who has been teaching surfing since 1996 and has over 30 years surfing experience. Waihi Beach is one of the safest surf beaches to learn to surf in the world.

Waihi Beach Surf School offers first class surfing lessons for all ages and abilities at one of the safest surf beaches in New Zealand. Whatever your surfing ability, your certified instructor will get you up and ripping in no time!

Our location at the North end, Waihi Beach. Within your first lesson, you’ll be riding waves and feeling the joy that is surfing!

At Waihi Beach Surf School we offer the highest standard of coaching and safety. All instructors are experienced surfers with the following qualifications:

  • NZSA Surf Instructor Accreditation – Level 1 course and up
  • Qualified Beach Lifeguards
  • First Aid Certificate
Visit Website
The Secret Garden

The Secret Garden is a gorgeous, Balinese inspired outdoor space. They serve coffee, superfood smoothies & tasty treats! Over summer and long weekends there is often live music playing in the garden.

Located behind Shipshape at 17 Wilson Road, Waihi Beach

Visit Website
Waihi Arts Centre

The museum operates as a place for the collection, display and preservation of items of historical interest to the Waihi District, particularly items relating to the underground mining history of the area.

 

Gold was first discovered in Waihi in 1878 and by 1905 Waihi not only possessed the most productive gold mine in New Zealand, but was the largest gold mining town in the country and the third largest inland town in New Zealand.

The museum has several rooms devoted to underground mining history, and displays relating to the social history of the town.

 

Visit Website
Waihi Gold Mine Tours

Waihi is a gold town, and we have a fascinating and unique gold story to tell. Although mining operations are ordinarily off-limits to the public, Waihi Gold Mine Tours can take you inside the fence to experience modern-day gold mining up close.

You’ll be fitted out with safety gear as you board our 11 seater van, given a safety briefing then taken inside the security fence to view the mine operations from the best available vantage points. You’ll be shown every stage of the process from ore extraction and crushing, through to final processing. There is plenty of massive mining equipment on show too.

TOURS OPERATE
SEVEN DAYS

TOUR TIMES
10:30 & 12:30 + extra tours during summer
ALLOW 1.5 HOURS
BOOKINGS RECOMMENDED

Visit Website
Karangahake Gorge

Voted as one of the 101 Must Do's for Kiwis. Many Kiwi’s will have driven through the breathtaking Karangahake Gorge but few will have ventured into the walkways, old tunnels, discovered the rich history hidden in the gorge and cycle the Hauraki Rail Trail. Not only is this one of the most stunning stretches of river in the country it was home to one of the busiest and most lucrative goldstrikes in the country.

Karangahake Gorge is located on State Highway 2 between Paeroa and Waihi, about 2 hours drive from Auckland, or 1 hour from Hamilton or Tauranga. Parking is available directly off the State Highway at Karangahake and toilets, rubbish bins and basic visitor information can be accessed at the car park.

Visit Website