Waihi information

Few places in New Zealand are as around the perimeter of the giant Martha unique as the town of Waihi, which Mine open pit, which believe it or not, was has the giant mining open pit a once a hill. short walk from a vibrant main Gold is at the heart of any Waihi tale, and street with cafes and retail stores. the town has adopted the title ‘heart of gold’ as its slogan. Waihi was last year voted New Zealand’s most beautiful small town and the community makes an effort with big and small events all year round. The precious metal was first discovered in Waihi in 1878. Bronze sculptures through the town pay homage to the everyday folk who lived here. Your arrival via the Hauraki Rail Trail will place you at the historic train station on the south west of town, from where you’ll want to head to the buzzing Seddon St. The remains of a Gothic-style Cornish Pumphouse that was based on the design used in the tin mines of Cornwall, England, housed the steam engines that kept the Martha “Waihi was last year voted New Zealand’s most beautiful small town …” The Pit Rim Walkway up the hill from mine from flooding back in the early days. Seddon St takes walkers and cyclists The pumphouse has been moved and may

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be on the move again if OceanaGold’s plans to expand its open pit are allowed. Beyond gold heritage, there’s friendly museum volunteers and retailers who’ll welcome you with things to see, do and purchase. The Laughing Potter Andrew Killick creates bespoke pottery items at his workshop in the heart of town and runs workshops for those wanting to learn. For kids and big kids who love lego, there’s Spike’s Bricks and Models which is a collection of lego models through the decades.

Gilmour Reserve is another highlight in Waihi; a serene spot with a lake and picnic areas, playground and cherry blossom trees in Spring.

5BEST REASONS TO VISIT WAIHI

1. Ride or walk the Pit Rim Walkway and view the giant Martha Open Pit which has plans for expansion in this gold-rich town. Combo it with a Waihi Gold Discovery Centre tour to get behind the fences.

2. Mooch the shops and cafes on offer in this beautiful small town – from the German baker to a French patisserie and great coffee, buddha bowls, you name it, Waihi café’s are unbeatable.

3. Gilmour Reserve in Waihi is a serene spot with gliding swans, cherry blossoms in spring and events in summer, pick up a copy of the local paper, HC Post, for What’s On.

4. The Laughing Potter Andrew Killick not only sells bespoke pottery using local clay and sands but offers workshops where you can have a go at the potter’s wheel.

5. Visit the Waihi Arts Centre and Museum for ever-changing and travelling art and craft exhibitions and historical artefacts.

WAIHI CAMP & CABINS

We offer a relaxed family atmosphere, located conveniently close to town with a rural outlook and serene park like grounds. We are in close vicinity of both Waihi Beach and the Karangahake Rail Trail We offer a selection log cabins, self-contained family units, new cabins, backpacker rooms, powered sites and tent sites. We have a large Swimming Pool and ample parking available. An enjoyable stay for the whole family, ........................................................................................................... 6 Waitete Road, Waihi • Ph: 07 863 7654 www.waihicampandcabins.nz • Find us on facebook!

2 minutes walk to Rail Trail with Secure Bike Sorage Shed

Quiet off-road setting with Free WIFI/Smart TV’s Easy walk to town centre Pet Friendly by arrangement only 07 8637111 W: www.goldminemotel.co.nz E: info@goldminemotel.co.nz 6 Victoria St, Waihi

Come and relax in our pool and spa, spend the evening unwinding in our garden and enjoy our comfortable rooms. We offer Sky TV, free WIFI, BBQ & lock up bike storage. Only 300m to the Hauraki Rail Trail and playground 07 863 8461 123 Parry Palm Avenue, Waihi info@palmmotelwaihi.co.nz • www.palmmotelwaihi.co.nz

EDITOR’S Bucket List for the Hauraki Rail Trail

Stop at the historic Waikino Hotel for good hospitality, pub grub and refreshments Ride the trail from Te Aroha to Matamata Take a workshop at the Falls Retreat Hike the Wairere Falls Sup and dine at the Dragon’s Inn evening banquet tour, Hobbiton Climb the wall at Manawaru Heritage Centre

Relax in the mineral waters of New Zealand’s oldest bath house, Te Aroha Explore the art of Katikati Visit Adrian Worsley’s Gallery Get behind the potter’s wheel at Laughing Potter Waihi

Waihi, and the Coromandel, is home to several potters who exhibit locally, regionally and internationally. For those who practise the art, those who have an interest in trying their hand at it, or those just wanting to hear more about bespoke items for purchase, a visit to The Laughing Potter in Waihi is a must. Andrew Killick has established a following with this studio and retail space, where you can see him at work behind the wheel.

•Domestic ware •Sculptural Vessels •Gifts •One Off Pieces •11/2 hour daily pottery lessons •Paint a Pot Visit our working pottery, studio and store in the heart of Waihi, @ 18 Rosemont Road.

See our hours @ laughingpottery.com

His studio is gaining popularity with groups of people wanting to learn, and these include rail trailers – particularly women on girl’s weekends away. He says the reason potters end up in an area is because of the availability of the clay, and the Waikato clay is extremely good. It’s what Andrew uses at The Laughing Potter studio all the time.

Sometimes he uses sand from Waihi Beach in his pieces, so those buying a piece of Andrew’s pottery are getting a totally local product. Each piece is handcrafted with all the uniqueness and energy of its maker. He says he personally enjoys creating domestic ware for people, because he knows items like coffee mugs and other kitchenware will be held and enjoyed so often. Take your time to visit this special place that is stocked with items that would make an excellent souvenir of your trail experience.

hether you’re cycling the Hauraki Rail Trail, exploring our gold mining heritage, walking in the magnificent bush-clad hills of the Karangahake Gorge, or just relaxing on the white sand of Waihi Beach, the Waihi region is a great area to experience real New Zealand. Take a well-earned break

What better way to round off your day than to sit and relax with good coffee, good food and good friends in Waihi’s ‘most beautiful’ town centre. Once refreshed and refuelled, wander the quiet streets to unlock windows into our pioneering past and get a taste of our unique and intriguing stories. To discover more you must visit the award-winning Gold Discovery Centre and our innovative Waihi i-SITE.

Gold fever

It was the quest for gold that first brought Europeans to Waihi in numbers. In 1878 gold- bearing quartz was discovered on Pukewa Spur, now Martha Mine, and just a decade later Waihi boasted a population three times that of Hamilton. The mighty Martha Mine had quickly become one of the most important gold mines in the world. Today, Waihi's huge working open pit gold mine is only metres from the centre of town and you can walk right to the edge and look hundreds of meters down into the chasm.

Waihi's local trails

Extend your Hauraki Rail Trail experience by exploring Waihi’s local mountain biking and walking trails. We have something for everyone.

Gold Mine Pit Rim Walkway / Cycleway

If you're after a spectacular, 'must see' walk or ride to compliment your Hauraki Rail Trail experience, then the Pit Rim Walkway is perfect.

Join the trail opposite the Waihi i-SITE, under the shadow of the Cornish Pumphouse where it rises gently to the edge of the gold mine for your first glimpse into the open pit. The gravel path continues clockwise around the western end of the mine before the 4 km loop brings you back to the i-SITE via interesting heritage features, bush and scenic parkland. Interpretative signs along the way will give you interesting insights into Waihi and the gold mine.

Union Hill Heritage Walkway and Mill Stream Walkway

This peaceful walk can be accessed from the Pit Rim Walkway by crossing Kenny Street and following the mine conveyor. The 1.5 km trail leads you through the historic Waihi Battery site where you’ll find yourself surrounded by a fascinating collection of historic mining features. The trail can be done as a short loop, returning via the Mill Stream Walkway, or used as a link between the Pit Rim Walkway and Gilmour Lake or the Black Hill MTB track and walking trails.

Gilmour Lake and Black Hill MTB Trails

After feeding the ducks, walking the loop track or enjoying the playground at Gilmour Lake, take a peaceful walk or cycle upstream along the banks of the Ohinemuri River. The 5 km riverbank loop track leads you around Black Hill through native bush, farmland and hundred year old oaks. But if it’s a more challenging mountain bike experience that you’re looking for, then the grade three Black Hill Track can deliver that too. Ride to the end of Clarke Street, cross the stile to your left, and follow the yellow markers for a 10 km loop of sweet single track action through pine forest and native bush. This track guarantees to get your heart pumping.