Why Visit Waihi Beach?
Waihi Beach is one of the Coromandel’s most loved coastal destinations — and once you’ve been here, it’s easy to see why. With kilometres of golden sand, safe swimming, relaxed coastal energy and space to truly unwind, it’s the kind of place people return to year after year.
The Beach
Waihi Beach stretches for around 9km, offering plenty of room whether you’re swimming, surfing, walking the dog or simply setting up for a classic Kiwi beach day. Even in summer, there’s space to spread out.
At the southern end, you’re spoiled for choice with three beaches all within a few minutes’ walk — perfect for finding a quieter corner or exploring different swimming spots in a single afternoon. Head north and you can enjoy a beautiful coastal walk of around half an hour leading to Orokawa Bay, a stunning, more secluded beach framed by native bush and cliffs. It’s well worth the walk and feels like a hidden escape just beyond the main shoreline.
At the southern end, you’re spoiled for choice with three beaches all within a few minutes’ walk — perfect for finding a quieter corner or exploring different swimming spots in a single afternoon. Head north and you can enjoy a beautiful coastal walk of around half an hour leading to Orokawa Bay, a stunning, more secluded beach framed by native bush and cliffs. It’s well worth the walk and feels like a hidden escape just beyond the main shoreline.
Coastal Walks & Hidden Bays
Beyond the main beach, you’ll find beautiful coastal walks leading to places like Orokawa Bay and secluded swimming spots along the shoreline. Anzac Bay and Shelley Bay offer calmer waters and stunning views, perfect for paddleboarding, picnics or sunset swims.
Perfect for Families, Couples & Pet Owners
Whether you’re planning a family holiday, a romantic coastal escape or a dog-friendly getaway, Waihi Beach offers that rare mix of natural beauty and easy convenience. Everything feels close, simple and welcoming. Many visitors bring their pets to enjoy the coastline — browse our dog-friendly holiday homes in Waihi Beach if you're travelling with your dog.
Shops & Everyday Essentials
Waihi Beach village is just a few minutes’ drive from most properties, centred around Wilson Road. Here you’ll find everything you need for a relaxed beach stay — a well-stocked Four Square, a fantastic local butcher, pharmacy, health shop, cafés, and a mix of fashion, art and gift stores showcasing local makers.
For larger supermarket runs, Waihi township is about 15 minutes away with a full New World, while Katikati (around 20 minutes) offers a Countdown with a wider grocery range. Tauranga is approximately an hour’s drive and provides larger retail centres, dining options and activities if you feel like exploring further.
Most guests find that between the village and nearby towns, everything you need for a comfortable, easy holiday is close at hand.
For larger supermarket runs, Waihi township is about 15 minutes away with a full New World, while Katikati (around 20 minutes) offers a Countdown with a wider grocery range. Tauranga is approximately an hour’s drive and provides larger retail centres, dining options and activities if you feel like exploring further.
Most guests find that between the village and nearby towns, everything you need for a comfortable, easy holiday is close at hand.
Places to Eat & Unwind in Waihi Beach
Waihi Beach has some genuinely fun spots to eat and relax, whether you’re after beachfront brunch, relaxed pizza, or sunset cocktails.
Flat White Café is a local institution, open seven days for breakfast, lunch and dinner right on the beachfront. It’s known for consistently good food, relaxed service and unbeatable ocean views.
Further along the beach near the Athenree turnoff, Surf Shack Café is a favourite for breakfast and lunch (closed Mondays and Tuesdays). It’s laid-back and welcoming — perfect after a morning swim. Close by, a sheltered estuary walkway offers a beautiful spot for a stroll or bike ride if the ocean side is windy.
In the village, The Secret Garden brings a relaxed Mexican beach vibe, often with local bands playing. Think octopus fish tacos, great cocktails and a cool, lively atmosphere that feels like summer.
At the northern end of the beach near the surf club, Beach Deli offers drinks, cocktails and elevated dining with sweeping ocean views. It’s a great spot for a long lunch or sunset dinner by the water.
For something a little more classic Kiwi, the Waihi Beach Hotel serves up great pizzas and Italian-style dishes, and in summertime often hosts big gigs with bands from around New Zealand — sometimes surprisingly high-profile acts for a beach town.
At the bottom end of the beach, the Fishing Club is a relaxed place to grab a beer, play a few rounds of pool and chat with locals. And if you really want to get amongst it, head up the hill to the RSA — play some pool and swap stories with fishermen fresh off the water.
There’s a relaxed, coastal energy to nights out in Waihi Beach — good food, local music, friendly faces and plenty of salt in the air.
Flat White Café is a local institution, open seven days for breakfast, lunch and dinner right on the beachfront. It’s known for consistently good food, relaxed service and unbeatable ocean views.
Further along the beach near the Athenree turnoff, Surf Shack Café is a favourite for breakfast and lunch (closed Mondays and Tuesdays). It’s laid-back and welcoming — perfect after a morning swim. Close by, a sheltered estuary walkway offers a beautiful spot for a stroll or bike ride if the ocean side is windy.
In the village, The Secret Garden brings a relaxed Mexican beach vibe, often with local bands playing. Think octopus fish tacos, great cocktails and a cool, lively atmosphere that feels like summer.
At the northern end of the beach near the surf club, Beach Deli offers drinks, cocktails and elevated dining with sweeping ocean views. It’s a great spot for a long lunch or sunset dinner by the water.
For something a little more classic Kiwi, the Waihi Beach Hotel serves up great pizzas and Italian-style dishes, and in summertime often hosts big gigs with bands from around New Zealand — sometimes surprisingly high-profile acts for a beach town.
At the bottom end of the beach, the Fishing Club is a relaxed place to grab a beer, play a few rounds of pool and chat with locals. And if you really want to get amongst it, head up the hill to the RSA — play some pool and swap stories with fishermen fresh off the water.
There’s a relaxed, coastal energy to nights out in Waihi Beach — good food, local music, friendly faces and plenty of salt in the air.
Fishing & Diving
Waihi Beach is a dream spot for those who love being on the water — or casting a line from the shore.
Many visitors enjoy fishing straight off the beach, especially around the Bowentown entrance and from the rocks at either end. On the right tide and at the right time of day, there’s often great success, making it an easy and rewarding way to spend an afternoon without even launching a boat.
The Bowentown boat ramp provides simple access to Tauranga Harbour, where calmer waters and sheltered channels are teeming with fish. It’s ideal for family fishing trips or those wanting to explore the harbour systems.
For bigger adventures, you can head north or south along the coast, or venture offshore toward Mayor Island (Tūhua) and beyond for excellent game fishing opportunities.
Whether you’re surfcasting at sunrise, drifting through the harbour, or heading wide for a serious catch, Waihi Beach offers something for every level of fisher.
Many visitors enjoy fishing straight off the beach, especially around the Bowentown entrance and from the rocks at either end. On the right tide and at the right time of day, there’s often great success, making it an easy and rewarding way to spend an afternoon without even launching a boat.
The Bowentown boat ramp provides simple access to Tauranga Harbour, where calmer waters and sheltered channels are teeming with fish. It’s ideal for family fishing trips or those wanting to explore the harbour systems.
For bigger adventures, you can head north or south along the coast, or venture offshore toward Mayor Island (Tūhua) and beyond for excellent game fishing opportunities.
Whether you’re surfcasting at sunrise, drifting through the harbour, or heading wide for a serious catch, Waihi Beach offers something for every level of fisher.