| |
New Zealand > Waikato
> Coromandel > Waihi and Waihi Beach
By Jessica Lloyd
It’s not the same place!
At the bottom of the Coromandel Ranges sits Waihi, then close by, Waihi
Beach. There does seem to be some confusion as to whether Waihi belongs to
the Coromandel Peninsula, or the Bay
of Plenty, because it joins the two together. It has more affinity with
the Bay of Plenty, but then again, that depends from which angle you look at
it!
Despite their close proximity to one another, Waihi and Waihi Beach are
quite different places. Waihi Beach is about 5km from Waihi Township, and
has its own local flavour. The population of both areas is just over 2,000.
To get to Waihi or Waihi Beach from the Paeroa side, you need to go through
the stunning and wild Karangahake Gorge.
Waihi Beach
Waihi Beach is a 9km long white sandy beach, which connects to an inlet in
Tauranga Harbour at the southern end. It is a great area – about 40km – for
recreational activities because the bays are protected by Matakana Island.
There is another inlet on the Tauranga side of the Harbour, from Mt.
Manganui. There is a swift current between tides at the entrances, and care
should be taken by boaties in these areas. It is advised to wait until high
tide, especially at the Waihi Beach end because it isn’t dredged, and there
is a sand bar. The Tauranga entrance has been deep-dredged for shipping.
Waihi Beach is one of the safest surf beaches in New Zealand, which makes it
a great place to bring kids and have water-orientated holidays. In summer
the beach is patrolled by life guards, and the surf is reasonably good.
Privacy at Bowentown and Hot Pools at Athenree
Bowentown is at the southern end of Waihi Beach. The water is calm, the
beach is private, and there are parks with huge trees surrounding the beach.
It’s a nice place to go for a day trip or just a wander and play. There is
also a boat ramp here. The caves can be explored at low tide, and the rock
fishing is good. Athenree is also a very private beach, with a boat ramp,
safe swimming, mineral hot pools and a well equipped holiday park.
Nearby Karangahake Gorge
This beautiful spot is right in between Waihi and Paeroa, and is worth a
visit if you don’t happen to pass through it on your way somewhere.
Karangahake means “meeting of the hunchbacks” and this refers to the
mountain ranges which have this appearance. There are walks, gold mining
relics, old stamper batteries, beautiful bush, and the rushing crystal clear
waters of the river.
Gold Mining in Waihi
Waihi is famous for its gold mining, and has an active mine, Martha,
presently operating. Martha opened in 1878, and is very different from the
mine that runs today. The Cornish Pumphouse, used back in the days, is now a
landmark. Martha Mine is a hard rock, open pit mine. Over a million dollars
worth of gold and silver is mined every week. You can take a tour, which run
on weekdays. Bookings are essential.
What’s to do in Waihi?
Waihi isn’t the most exciting place in the universe, and apart from checking
out gold mining relics, there is very little to do. Some interesting
activities include learning to fly a microlight at Waihi airport, or heading
off for a scenic flight. Fishing, canoeing/kayaking, swimming, and surfing
are all options. With a good range of outdoor facilities, Waihi can
accommodate your rock climbing or abseiling needs, but if that sounds too
much like hard work, tennis and an 18-hole golf course are available. There
are a lot of nature walks and scenic activities in the Waihi area, so if
getting back to nature is your thing, you won’t be stuck for activities.
There are a number of public and private gardens to peruse. The Heritage
Train has scenic rides, as does the Waitawheta small gauge railway. There
are over 15 arts and crafts shops/displays in and around Waihi and Waihi
Beach.
Waihi’s Steaming Cliffs
The Waihi-Tokaanu geothermal field is found at the south end of Lake Taupo.
This ranges across to the cliffs of Waihi, with a series of fumaroles in the
cliffs above the small village of Hipaua, right before you enter Waihi. This
is responsible for the cliffs steaming, and is quite amazing to watch. The
Waihi Fault runs from Tongariro to Kakaramea, and that is presumed to be the
source of the heat. Definitely worth a look!
Martha Markets
The markets are on every third Saturday of the month, from 9am-1pm. They
have the usual array of quirky and homemade goods – foods, arts and crafts,
and clothes. It is held in the Waihi Memorial Hall and Seddon Street.
Food and Drink
Waihi has a good range up upmarket and downtrodden food and drink options.
Ohinemuri Estate Winery and Restaurant is classy, with good service and of
course a great selection of wines to compliment your food. Chambers Wine Bar
and Restaurant is very chic, with a friendly, loungey atmosphere. If you
want fish and chips or Chinese, there are of course your greaseball takeaway
shops with all the old favourites ready to clog your arteries. There isn’t
really a huge nightlife in Waihi, but the pubs always provide some
entertainment and fun.
Accommodation
There are a range of beds available, and even a backpacker’s hostel.
Numerous B&B’s and home stays are available, but there is no luxury
accommodation in Waihi or Waihi Beach. With around 20 options in Waihi
Beach, and 18 in Waihi, you won’t be short of a bed should you need one.
Accommodation.
History
Gold mining has always been a big part of post-European settlement in Waihi,
but before that there were several Maori tribes who inhabited this area at
different times. There are a couple of pa sites, which can now be accessed
by foot. The Bowentown headland area was used by early Maori for gardening.
Gold was first discovered on Pukewa (also known as Martha Hill) in 1878 by
John McCombie and Robert Lee. The samples of rock which they had sent
weren’t considered good enough, so they left. This was a mistake, because
their claim was then taken over by William Nicholl in 1879. He called it
‘Martha’ after a family member, and took off where the others had given up
and left. Soon he had stamper batteries in operation, and the Martha Mine
became one of the biggest and most important gold and silver mines in the
world.
Coromandel
Links and Accommodation
|
|
|
|
