Waihi

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Parks and Reserves   |   Things to do

Situated between Paeroa and Whangamata is the town of Waihi. The town itself lies inland from Waihi Beach and the main focus of the town, both in its past and present, is gold mining. The current mining company here produces about one million dollars worth of gold and silver each week!

Beaches, Bush and walks

The main park in Waihi township is Lake Gilmour, situated off Tauranga Road, State Highway 2 to Katikati. Here the children can enjoy feeding the local wildlife.

 

The closest beach is Waihi Beach which features a long beach with views towards the Bay of Plenty. At the northern end of the beach are recreational reserves suitable for families picnic. There are many spots along the beach for you to stop and enjoy the sand between your toes, but it is advised to provide your own shade as shaded areas are limited.

Karangahake Reserve

The Karangahake Reserve gives you the opportunity to explore the New Zealand bush. Around fifteen minutes from Waihi on State Highway two. The Reserve has good toilets and covered picnic areas. With suspended bridges over rivers, old mining tunnels and mountain biking tracks, this is an ideal area to visit. Parents must supervise children, many of the walks have narrow paths that can descend many meters to rocks and rivers below and it is important to stick to tracks. The Reserve is full of old mining tunnels and shafts and the Department of Conservation ask that visitors to the Reserve to keep to tracks and mining tunnels that have been made available to the public to walk through.

The Windows Walk is a round trip walk which takes around thirty minutes. It is an easy walk, but does go along some narrow cliff hugging which require supervision of children. Bring your torches and walk through the old gold mining tunnels.
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Above picture: One of the walk ways in the Karangahake Reserve

Things to do

Athenree Horse Treks and Rides

 

Woodlands Road off State Highway 2 between Waihi and Athenree

Ph: 07 863 7943

Rides for children 4 years old and up. Treks are for 1 1/4 hours long. All equipment available, but please wear suitable shoes.

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Martha Mine Information and Education Centre

Moresby Ave, Waihi. 

Ph: 07 863 9880

Web: http://www.marthamine.co.nz/ 

An operating open pit mine producing over $1 million worth of gold and silver each week. Tours and school programmes available. Bookings essential.

Mosaic Gardens

22 Connell Street East, Waihi. Ph; 021 102 0940

Children can fee the small farm animals or the eels in the Mangatoetoe Street. Bring a picnic and enjoy the gardens.

Goldfields Railway

Waihi Railway Station at the end of Wrigley Street, Waihi and Waikino Station, State Highway 2, Waikino

Ph: 07863 9020

Web: www.waihirail.co.nz

These days train rides a few and far between, however if you visit over the school holidays then you will be able to ride the Goldfields Railway. The train runs between Waihi and Waikino and a half an hour trip. Tickets can be brought for one or two way depending on what you want to do. The train has one open carriage and is a real treat for children.

Above picture: The open carriage on the Goldfields Train

Karangahake Adventures

PH: 07 863 3559

Karangakake Adventures take adults and children to explore the Karangahake Reserve. They can arrange guided bush walks and  mountain biking for those that are more adventurous.

Bullswool Farm Park

 

Open daily 10:30 - 5 pm

2.4 km up Rahu Road, off State Highway 2 between Paeroa and Karangahake Gorge.

Ph: 07 862 8843 www.bullswoolfarm.com

 

A collection of friendly animals that your children can meet and fed.

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