Walks, Rides & Historic Sites
Waihi and the surrounding area has some of the best bush and coastal walks and historic areas that New Zealand has to offer.
Orokawa Bay
A walk to Orokawa Bay is a treat in store with spectacular views enroute of the Pacific Ocean and Waihi Beach. This bay has to be one of the finest scenic jewels in the Bay of Plenty area, with its beautiful pohutukawa trees leaning right over the beach of sparkling white sand.
Homunga Bay
Homunga Bay is another beautiful bay further north along the coast. Orokawa bay and Homunga Bay are two parts of the scenic reserve that is linked by a coastal walkway.
Karangahake Gorge
The Karangahake Gorge, between Waihi and Paeroa is packed with gold-mining history and many of the old relics of the gold mining days are accessible through a variety of walks.
Waitawheta Tramway
The Waitawheta Tramway was constructed between 1896 and 1910 to transport kauri logs out of the Waitawheta Valley. The valley is another example of early pioneers pillaging the land and reminders of their activities still remain including the tramway.
Talisman Battery
Latest developments by the Department of Conservation in the Karangahake Gorge have seen the upgrade of this track. Along the track visitors can observe relics of the many processes that took place in extracting gold.
Hauraki Rail Trail
Riding through the stunning Karangahake Gorge, one of the “14 Wonders of New Zealand”, showcases some of the best scenery New Zealand has to offer. The are is rich in pioneering history.
