On the northern end of the Bay of plenty lies the vibrant coastal town of Waihi Beach. A nine-kilometre stretch of white sandy beach with plenty to do from shopping, dining out, surfing, fishing, and walking amongst nature. Taking a walk in this beautiful part of the world will help you unwind and relax as you fill your lungs with that beautiful sea air, listen to the sounds of the ocean and feast your eyes on stunning views and beautiful towering trees. Here are a few walking tracks we think are the best in Waihi Beach. So get your walking shoes on and start walking.
Orokawa Bay Track
For an easy to moderate walk with stunning views over the Pacific Ocean, take the Orokawa Bay Track. This track starts at the northern end of Waihi Beach and winds around coastal headlands taking you through beautiful bushland with towering Pōhutukawa trees, Kauri, Puriri and native Nikau Palm trees. The walk takes about 45 minutes and finishes on the white sandy beach of Orokawa Bay, a perfect little spot to stop for a picnic and a dip. Note: time your walk for low tide as the track isn’t accessible during high tide.
Waihi Beach to Homunga Bay
For a longer more challenging walk, continue your walk from Orokawa Bay to Homunga Bay. This will take you another hour and a half to complete. From Orokawa Bay, take the track along a narrow and in some places steep track to Homunga Bay. Make sure you have good shoes on and leave the kids at home as there are a few steep drops. From the top, you will enjoy stunning views over Orokawa Bay. As you continue along the track, you will see the rugged coastline between Orokawa Bay and Homunga Bay. Marvel at the interesting shaped Pōhutukawa trees that line parts of the track and cliff faces with beautiful patterns caused by erosion. Once you reach Homunga Bay, stop for a picnic, or just sit back and enjoy the sound of the ocean.
Waihi Beach to Ngatitangata Road
If you’re not too tired and want to keep on going from Homunga Bay, continue your walk to Ngatitangata Road. This track is a steep climb to Ngatitangata Road and will take you about 45 minutes. From here you can have someone pick you up or if you’re still keen to keep going, turn around and go back the way you came.
The Trig Trail
The Trig Trail is a three-kilometre return trail that takes you up through dense bushland to the top of the coastline. From here, take in stunning views over Waihi Beach, up the Coromandel coast and east across the Bay of Plenty. This trail will take you about an hour and a half to complete and has some steps and steep parts. You start this trail at the water reservoir which branches off the Loop track near the bridge.
The Water Reservoir Loop
If you’re doing the Trig Trail you may as well squeeze the Water Reservoir Loop in as well. It’s an easy 20-minute walk along a flat surface with a few inclines around the old Waihi Beach reservoir.
Waihi Beach Accommodation
When staying in Waihi Beach you can’t go wrong with Tasman Holiday Park – Waihi Beach. This holiday park is on the northern end of Waihi Beach where you can enjoy swimming, surfing, fishing, exploring or just relaxing. You will find everything you need here to make your stay fun and relaxing. The kids will love the 25m heated pool, adventure playground and kids hang out room. Get closer to nature with beachside camping or enjoy the creature comforts with motel units, self-contained units, or cabins. No matter who you are travelling with or what your budget is, there is something for everyone.
Another great little holiday park in Waihi Beach is Tasman Holiday Park – Beachaven. Situated just 100 metres from the beach, you will be front and centre of all this laid-back coastal town has to offer. It’s a safe, friendly holiday park set on four acres of land where relaxation is the name of the game. We have a wide range of accommodation options including cabins, lodges, motel units and campsites to cater for all walks of life from families, couples to single travellers. Even the family dog can come along as this is a New Zealand pet-friendly caravan park.
