Whangamatā WHANGAMATĀ BEACH Water lovers listen up. Here exists one of the most famous surf breaks in Aotearoa; the estuaries at both ends of the beach are favoured by kayakers and stand-up paddleboarders.
Shorebird
Coast
SUNKEN ROCK At high tide, the northern estuary transforms into a serene, lake-like environment. Ideal for those after placid swims.
The Coromandel
Coromandel
Town Hahei &
Cathedral Cove
Hauraki
WHENUAKURA ISLAND AKA Donut Island. A kilometre offshore, a little cove of tropical splendour hides inside a collapsed blowhole. Hire a kayak and follow your guide to access the exotic lagoon.
Plains
THE LITTLE GALLERY Based in Tairua and featuring work from mostly local artist. Paintings and jewellery are reasonably priced.
Cathedral
WHANGAMATĀ POTTERY STUDIO With such a gorgeous collection of home-made ceramics, it’s near impossible to walk away from here empty handed.
Cove
SURFSUP WHANGAMATĀ SURF SCHOOL Right on the beachfront, lean on the expertise of Surfing NZ qualified instructors to get you up on the board. REPCO BEACH HOP A rock and roll festival celebrating the fabulous 50s and swinging 60s. Held annually over five days in March. Come and see the hot rods, music, fashion and motorbikes.
Waihi Waihi Gold Discovery Centre Fully interactive, this awardwinning centre invites guests to rattle the drills and crank up the machines: the very best way to learn about Waihi’s gold-mining history.
See Map Section - pages 111 to 123
Cathedral Cove Kayak Tours Paddle to Cathedral Cove or explore a coastline rarely seen by travellers on The Remote Coast Tour. Get ready to discover old volcanic islands, sea caves and blowholes. Hot Water Beach Ten minutes by car from Hahei. Dig yourself a jacuzzi two hours either side of low tide, make a hole in the sand and watch the hot water rise up. The Gemstone Bay Snorkel Trail This bay is along the track
to Cathedral Cove and brimming with sea life, making it a great place to snorkel. There are information panels attached to four buoys, so you’ll know what you’re looking at. Whanganui O Hei (Cathedral Cove) Marine Reserve Walk the coast to irresistible coves and bays. The most popular track is an easy 90-minute amble to Cathedral Cove and its famed archway, accessible only by foot or by boat. The nearest town is Hahei, from where you can also depart (allow an extra 20 minutes).
Martha Mine Pit Rim Walkway Peek into the stomach-churning open pit that is the Martha Mine on this easy yet unique 4km walk. Allow one hour to loop the mine’s dramatic rim.
Spikes Bricks and Models Museum One for the kids (and the inner kids), discover a trove of LEGO creations. Each room has a theme and Spike, the owner, will enthral.
Waihi Gold Mine Tours Ordinarily off-limits to the public, your guides will infiltrate the security fence for a close encounter with Martha, the town’s colossal 2ha mining pit.
Goldfields Railway Travel back in time on a vintage train journey between Waihi and Waikino. Flanking the Karangahake Gorge, the heritage carriages and train station are charming and nostalgic. Bring your bike and incorporate a ride along the Hauraki Rail Trail.
Waihi Arts Centre and Museum They’ve been digging up gold in Waihi since 1878. Step inside for the full intel on their underground mining history. There’s also an art gallery and theatre in here.
LEFT: Martha Mine © Adobe Stock TOP: Kayaking in Hahei TOP INSET: Walking in Cathedral Cove BOTH: © Graeme Murray
Hahei Explorer Launch from Hahei Beach for a one-hour exploration of the cove, blowholes, the islands and Orua Sea Cave. With luck, a pod of playful dolphins will join you for the ride. Banana Boats Zip over the azure water from Hahei to Cathedral Cove on a banana boat. Bring your snorkels for swims en route or book the Sunset Tour for an early evening ride. Boat Tours Scenic cruises come in all shapes and sizes, but Cave Cruzer boasts a small 10-person motorboat which can access smaller areas, and a permit which allows closer proximity to marine life. Glass Bottom Boat Explore reef systems, crayfish, stingrays and even octopus from a window in the boat’s floor. Should the water prove too enticing, snorkelling gear is also supplied.
WAIHI BEACH The Secret Garden Offering a shaded oasis beside Waihi Beach, this Balinese-inspired garden is flush with tropical palms, tranquil pavilion and ‘The Pod’, which serves hot drinks and smoothies. Flat White Café Right on the beach, enormous windows drink up the ocean with distant views of Tuhua (Mayor) Island. Open for breakfast to dinner, it’s popular so book ahead. The Avocado Place Eat fresh and buy local. This fresh fruit and veg store is just 10 minutes south of Waihi Beach.
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