9 minute read
ROAD TRIP: A journey through Waihi
Whitianga to Waihi via SH 25 - 1hr 42min, 106km
SIDE TRIP: Waihi to Te Aroha Drive inland via Paeroa - 35min, 41.5km
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Waihi Beach to Mt Maunganui via SH 2 and Tauranga - 55min, 62km
Mt Maunganui to Tauranga via Totara St & SH 2 - 56min, 62km
Waihi Beach
Tourism Bay of Plenty
The eastern seaside township of Whitianga in the middle of the Coromandel Peninsula is the ideal point for starting your exploration of the stunning Mercury Islands – the seven islands east of Ōpito Bay – a divers’ delight they are also heavenly for keen boaties.
After time spent enjoying this part of the peninsula, make your way south to the historic gold-mining town of Waihi,where you’ll still find an operating gold mine today. If you’ve a touch of gold fever, head to the Waihi Gold Discovery Centre to learn more about the town’s history and visit the mine’s gargantuan pit and rim which has to be seen to be believed.
There’s more gold, of the metaphorical variety, to discover further south in the beautiful Bay of Plenty community of Mt Maunganui. Here you’ll find a busy harbour, bustling shops, excellent eateries and a generous stretch of pristine white sand.
Your final stop, just 15 minutes away, is Tauranga. Head down to the waterfront where you’ll find bars, restaurants and family fun, plus impressive exhibits of colourful street art.
HIGHLIGHTS
HOT WATER BEACH
Just 30 minutes from Whitianga, this stretch of golden sand is fed by mineral springs and at low tide visitors can dig their own private spa pool. Take a shovel or hire one from the nearby cafés to dig a warm well. Parking is available in three locations: the Main Store car park incurs a charge.
WAIHI BEACH
A coastal walkway from Waihi Beach to Orokawa Bay skirts the headlands at low tide and sweeps under shady pōhutukawa trees. If less excursion is required, The Secret Garden is a Bali inspired oasis just steps from Waihi Beach. With pagodas, shop, café and traditional Balinese massage, it’s a hotspot for relaxation. Open summer only.
WHANGAMATĀ
Some of the best surfing and swimming can be had at Whangamatā’s very beautiful ocean beach. Learn to surf here, or hire a stand-up paddle board, join a kayak tour or trek in the nearby Coromandel Forest Park.
CLIMB MT MAUNGANUI
No trip to Mt Maunganui is complete without a walk to the summit of the sacred maunga. The walk can be challenging, but the views across the entire western Bay of Plenty, down to the white-sand beaches of Papamoa and north to Waihi make it worthwhile. Sunrise and sunset are especially magical.There is also an easier track around the Mount’s base.
GOLD DISCOVERY CENTRE, WAIHI
An interactive journey of discovery through Waihi’s rich gold-mining history through to modern times. You’ll even have the chance to go ‘inside the fence’ and view the still-operating gold mine up close.
MCLAREN FALLS PARK, ŌMANAWA, TAURANGA
Experience the great outdoors at this fun family friendly spot located 20 minutes from Tauranga in the Kaimāīs. McLaren Falls Park boasts beautiful waterfalls, stunning lakes, tall trees and wildlife. If it’s dark enough, keep an eye out for glowworms on the waterfall track.
CATHEDRAL COVE
With its rock archway, beautiful beach and marine reserve, travel here on foot, or by banana boat (departing Esplanade Beach), kayak, a glass bottom vessel or zippy 10-person motorboat. To name a few!
Cathedral Cove
Tourism Bay of Plenty
HUNGRY?
THE EPSY CAFÉ - Offers some of the best harbour views in Whitianga.
TAY STREET BEACH CAFÉ - Located opposite Tay Street surf break in Mt Maunganui.
LUKE’S KITCHEN, KUAOTUNU - Live music, pizza and all round seaside grooviness at Kuaotunu.
THE FALLS RETREAT, KARANGAHAKE - Accommodation with an excellent on-site bistro handily located along the Hauraki Rail Trail.
DOMAIN COTTAGE CAFÉ - Dive into this cute cottage in the Te Aroha Domain between trekking to the Mt Te Aroha summit and soaking in the legendary Edwardian hot pools next door.
BOBBY’S FRESH FISH MARKET in Tauranga, located dockside. Fish and chips rarely get fresher than this.
Fish & chips from Bobby’s Fresh Fish Market
Bay of Plenty Tourism
ARTS, CULTURE & HERITAGE
KATIKATI - Mural town Katikati has around 60 pieces of art depicting people and events which have shaped the area. Guided mural tours are available on weekends, or wander around town independently, any time. Also see the Haiku Pathway along Uretara Stream with more than 40 poems carved into river boulders.
© Bay of Plenty Tourism
FERRY LANDING - Visit Ferry Landing to learn more about one of New Zealand’s oldest pā sites, as well as the oldest stone wharf in Australasia, builtin 1837.
MOSAIC - Part art gallery, part shop, be tempted by Whitianga artists’ works.
BREAD AND BUTTER - Fine arts and gorgeous gifts made by Whitianga artists.
MERCURY BAY MUSEUM - Māori artefacts, pioneer history, maritime marvels, a quirky and well-loved seaside museum.
THE LITTLE GALLERY - Get a snapshot of Aotearoa’s impressive artistic talent in the small coastal town of Tairua. Showcasing affordable, quality artwork from over 50 leading local artists, it’s a visual feast.
TAURANGA
Tauranga is a modern, thriving commercial hub with a passion for food, wine, art and water. Blessed with a sparkling harbour, sunny climate and close proximity to several top beaches makes it a great place to visit and the ideal base for a road trip.
Tauranga Art Gallery
Bay of Plenty Tourism
While you’re there, get out on the water. Diving trips, fishing charters, kayak and yacht hire are all on the menu. Spend time exploring the islands, observing marine life.
Tauranga has an eclectic mix of restaurants and cafés as well as museums, art galleries, heritage sites and outstanding parks and gardens. Take advantage of the city’s playful qualities, too; try blokarting, a guided kayaking tours at night, surf lessons or swimming with dolphins.
Macau Bar Kitchen & Lounge
Bay of Plenty Tourism
HIGHLIGHTS
> Tauranga Farmers’ Market
> Papamoa Beach
> Tauranga Art Gallery
> Mt Maunganui Hot Pools
> Harbour cruise
> National Jazz Festival
BEACHES
• Hot Water Beach
• Tairua
• Buffalo Beach
• Cooks Beach
• Hahei
• Pāuanui
• Ōpoutere
• Whangamatā
• Waihi Beach
• Mt Maunganui
Whitianga
Destination Coromandel
TOP WALKS
1. WHITIANGA TOWN WALK - Walk around the town and stop at historic points of interest. Start at Whitianga Wharf and follow the signs along The Esplanade, along Buffalo Beach, past some excellent historic buildings till you return back to where you started.
2. MT TE AROHA - It’s worth diverting to this township southwest of Waihi for its natural hot springs alone: housed in an Edwardian complex dating from the gold-rush days of the 1880s. Enjoy a 1km/four-hour hike up the mountain which begins at the Mokena Geyser.
3. MT PĀUANUI HIKE - Start at the south end of Pāuanui Beach, but be warned this hike is hearty with rough paths and roots to navigate, but you’ll love the views when you reach the summit. Allow about 90 minutes, unless you head home via Cave Bay, which takes a bit longer.
SIDE TRIP to TE AROHA VIA PAEROA
These two treasure troves of townships are on a section of the Hauraki Rail Trail. It will take you 15 minutes to travel this way by car or two to three hours if you go by bicycle. It doesn’t matter which you choose though, because either way, you’ll pass through lush Waikato countryside and enjoy views of the Hauraki Plains, the Kaimai-Mamaku Ranges and Mt Te Aroha along the way. If you’re on a bike, your main problem is the collateral you’ll inevitably collect at either end – both of these towns are known for their amazing secondhand shops – but on the plus side, if you’re heading south you can rest your weary legs, once you arrive, in Te Aroha’s famous mineral hot pools nestled at the base of its namesake.
Snorkelling near Cathedral Cove
Glass Bottom Boat Whitianga Scenic Cruise
NATURE-MADE FUN
SHAKESPEARE CLIFF - Reached via Maramaratotara Track. The walk starts by heading up to Whitianga Rock where you’ll pass an ancient pā site. Keep following the path until you get to the lookout, where the views are breathtaking.
NATURE WALK HOFFMAN’S POOL - Information panels will introduce you to the native flora while the pool is perfect for a summer swim.
DOLPHIN WATCHING AT MT MAUNGANUI - Get up close to these wonders of the sea in their natural habitat with a tour out of either Mt Maunganui or nearby Tauranga. Keep your eyes peeled for acrobatic dolphins of the common or bottlenose varieties; jump into the water in small groups with an experienced marine biologist/naturalist and swim with them if the dolphins are up for it.
Dolphins off the coast of the Bay of Plenty
Bay of Plenty Tourism
KAIATE FALLS, PAPAMOA - 30 minutes drive from Tauranga takes you to Kaiate or Te Rerekawau Falls and at the bottom you’ll discover a glorious waterhole. This might be just the ticket for cooling off after walking the sometimes steep track through native bush to get to the top of the falls.
FAMILY FUN
WHITIANGA BIKE PARK - There are plenty of well-crafted tracks to ride on Moewai Rd, including a pump and skills tracks, as well as more advanced riding.
KUAOTUNU KIWI SANCTUARY - Found on Waitaia Rd, the Kuaotunu Kiwi Sanctuary is doing exciting things for our native creatures and the Waitaia Track, a 2km loop, is an excellent way to experience the flourishing birdlife.
THE KUAOTUNU KILLER - This ice cream lays down the gauntlet. Sold at the Kuaotunu General Store, five scoops will set you back $9. Top tip: this treat is best shared.
WHITIANGA PLAYGROUND - Right beside the Whitianga Wharf, you'll find a perfect playground with swings, slides, monkey bars, and a big yellow ship known as The Jolly Roger.
MILL CREEK BIRD AND ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS - Home to over 400 birds, as well as mini horses, donkeys and reptiles. Play in the playground, enjoy the café and have your picture taken with a real macaw.
HORSE TREKKING, RANGIHAU RANCH - Trot to Coroglen and enjoy the stunning coastal and mountain scenery from the perspective of a saddle.
Horse riding along the beach in the Bay of Plenty
Bay of Plenty Tourism
GIANT L&P BOTTLE L&P stands for Lemon & Paeroa, and is a uniquely Kiwi soft drink, a sort of lemonade, and this big brown statue of the iconic bottle must be one of the most photographed icons in New Zealand so why not post your snap and add to the millions.
HOT POOLS IN TE AROHA - After all that driving you’ll need to relax those tense shoulders. Head to Te Aroha Mineral Spas at the foot of Mt Te Aroha. There for the past 140 years, they famously soothe aches and pains with their natural healing properties.
Looking for a place to stay? Find a huge range of sccommodation options, including discounts for AA Members, at travel.aa.co.nz
MAIN IMAGE ABOVE: Walking up Mt Maunganui © Tourism Bay of Plenty
