Waihi

Waihi is a town on the Coromandel Peninsula, in the Waikato region, about two hours' drive from Auckland. Its reputation stems from the Martha gold mine, one of the most productive in the southern hemisphere, worked since 1878. Today, the town combines mining heritage, cycling trails and quick access to Waihi Beach. It makes a logical stopover on the route between Auckland and the Coromandel Peninsula.

Practical information at a glance

• Access: car recommended; Waihi is located on State Highway 2, between Thames and Tauranga.
• Suggested duration: half a day to a full day depending on activities chosen.
• Waihi Beach: approximately 11 km east of the town centre.

What to see

The town centre retains several Victorian brick buildings linked to the mining industry. The Martha mine — a large open-pit excavation — remains visible from designated viewing points. The Waihi Arts Centre & Museum traces the history of gold extraction through artefacts and scale models. The town is also the starting point for the Hauraki Rail Trail, a cycling route that follows the Ohinemuri valley to Paeroa and beyond.

History and context

The discovery of gold in 1878 quickly transformed Waihi into one of New Zealand's most active mining centres. The Martha mine produced gold and silver for decades, experienced several closures and reopenings, and remains in intermittent operation today. The 1912 miners' strike — one of the longest and most violent in the country — left a lasting mark on New Zealand's social history and is commemorated locally.

Highlights of your visit

The Martha mine

The open-pit excavation is visible from viewing platforms on the town's edge. The scale of the dig — several hundred metres in diameter — gives a concrete sense of the scale of extraction over more than a century. Explanatory panels describe extraction techniques.

The Hauraki Rail Trail

This national cycling path connects Waihi to Thames over approximately 80 km. The Waihi–Paeroa section follows the Ohinemuri River through forested gorges. The track is accessible to standard and electric bikes; bike hire is available in Waihi.

Waihi Arts Centre & Museum

The local museum presents mining history, the 1912 strike and the daily life of miners' families. The collection of extraction equipment and period photographs is well documented.

Waihi Beach

A short drive away, this sandy beach stretches for several kilometres. It's popular for swimming in summer and offers a stark contrast to the town's industrial atmosphere.

Photography tips

The Martha mine viewing platform is clearest at midday, when light evenly illuminates the pit. Victorian buildings in the town centre photograph well early in the morning, before the crowds arrive. On the Rail Trail, the Ohinemuri gorges offer interesting framing in late afternoon.

Location and access

Waihi sits at the junction of State Highway 2 and the road to the Coromandel Peninsula. Auckland is about two hours' drive to the north. Tauranga is about an hour to the south-east. The town is accessible by car; public transport is limited. The town centre is compact and walkable. The mine viewing platforms are accessible by car or bike from the centre.

Nearby

• Paeroa — neighbouring town on the Hauraki Rail Trail, known for L&P soft drink and its local museum.
• Thames — gateway to the Coromandel Peninsula, with its own mining museum and markets.
• Coromandel Town — craft village in the north of the peninsula, accessible via Thames.
• Hot Water Beach — geothermal beach on the Coromandel Peninsula, about an hour's drive away.