The Best Walks & Hiking Tracks in Waihi
12+ amazing Waihi walks from easy beach strolls to epic mining trails. Karangahake Gorge, Martha Mine & Waihi Beach walks with maps & insider tips.
Epic walking trails where golden mining history meets jaw-dropping natural beauty
Tucked away at the foot of the Coromandel Peninsula, Waihi is seriously good for walking. We’re talking over 50km of stunning coastal walks and trails that’ll blow your mind. This historic gold mining town has something for everyone, easy beach strolls, fascinating walks through old mining sites, challenging mountain climbs, and gorgeous bush tracks.
You can wander through the epic Karangahake Gorge (trust us, it’s incredible), walk around New Zealand’s biggest open-pit gold mine, or find hidden waterfalls and pristine beaches. Whatever your fitness level, Waihi’s got the perfect walk waiting for you.
A Message from Sandra
“I’ve walked every single track on this list, some of them dozens of times! As someone who’s been exploring Waihi’s trails for over 25 years, I can honestly say this area never gets old.
My personal favorites? The Windows Walk on a misty morning is pure magic, and the Martha Mine Rim walk at sunset gives you views that’ll blow your mind. For families, you can’t go wrong with Orokawa Bay.
Every walk description here comes from personal experience, not just research. I’ve noted the best photo spots, where to park without getting stuck, and which tracks to avoid after heavy rain. These aren’t just walks to me, they’re my backyard, and I love sharing them with fellow walkers who appreciate what makes this place so special.”
Sandra, Freewalks.nz
Why Walk in Waihi?
What makes Waihi special? It’s the crazy good mix of easy-to-access trails, fascinating mining history, and diverse landscapes all in one spot. Back in the day, this area produced 60% of New Zealand’s gold, and now all those historic sites are part of an awesome network of walking tracks.
The nearby Karangahake Gorge has some of the country’s most scenic walks, while Waihi Beach gives you easy access to coastal trails with fantastic ocean views.
Planning Your Waihi Walking Adventure
Best Time to Visit: Any time of year works, but each season has its perks. Summer (Dec-Feb) is perfect for coastal walks and swimming, while winter (Jun-Aug) gives you crisp days ideal for longer bush walks and way fewer crowds.
Getting Here: Super easy to get to, about 2 hours from Auckland, 1 hour from Hamilton or Tauranga via State Highway 2.
What to Bring: Good walking shoes, water, snacks, layers for changing weather, and definitely bring a torch for the tunnel walks. Don’t forget sun protection, the New Zealand sun is no joke.
Safety Heads Up: Old mine tunnels and shafts can be dangerous and might be hidden in the bush. Stick to the official marked tracks and only go into tunnels that are clearly open to the public.
Complete List of Waihi Walks & Hiking Tracks
Here are our favorite walks in and around Waihi, with all the details, insider tips, and photos you need
Daly’s Clearing Loop Walk
9 kms • 4 Hours • Easy
A peaceful loop walk through native bush with great birdlife and awesome views. This well-maintained track is perfect if you want to get a taste of the region’s natural beauty.
Homunga Bay Walk
2-3 Hours • Easy-Medium
A seriously stunning coastal walk from Waihi Beach to secluded Homunga Bay. This track combines rugged coastline, pristine beaches, and dramatic cliff-top views that’ll take your breath away. Includes maps, access details, and all the local insider knowledge for your visit.
Karangahaka Gorge Walk To Wharawhara Road End
38 kms • 18 Hours • Medium
An epic full-day adventure through the heart of the Karangahake Gorge. You’ll see incredible mining heritage and some seriously spectacular natural scenery.
Karangahake Gorge Historic Walkway Short Rail Tunnel Loop Walk
3.30 kms • 1 Hour 20 Minutes • Very Easy
Walk or bike through the historic 1km rail tunnel, then check out fascinating mining relics along the scenic Ohinemuri River. This follows part of an old railway line between Paeroa and Waihi, taking you past old gold-mining bits and pieces, ore crushing batteries, and mining tunnels in this gorgeous natural gorge. Perfect for families and anyone who loves a bit of history.
Karangahake Gorge Windows Walk
2 kms • 1 Hour • Easy
The shortest Karangahake Gorge walk but it packs a punch. Those “windows” are actually large window-like holes carved out of the cliff face that give you awesome views. You’ll get to explore old mining tunnels and enjoy spectacular gorge views from the famous ‘windows’ carved by early miners.
Martha Goldmine Pit Rim Walkway
3.9 km • 1 Hour • Easy Loop Walk
Walk around the rim of New Zealand’s largest open-pit gold mine and learn about over 140 years of mining history. This fascinating walk starts right from Waihi’s town centre and gives you unique insights into modern mining operations alongside heritage displays. Pretty cool stuff!
Orokawa Bay Walk
1.30 kms • 45 Minutes • Easy
A short, sweet coastal walk to a sheltered bay that’s perfect for swimming and picnicking. Great for families with little kids or when you want a chill end to a bigger walking day.
The William Wright Falls Walk
Short Walk • Easy
A short walk with massive rewards—this coastal track to William Wright Falls in Orokawa Scenic Reserve is perfect for families. Includes insider tips, detailed track map, and all the local knowledge you need to find this beautiful waterfall.
Waihi Beach Trig Walk
7 km • 2 Hours 50 Minutes • Medium
The Trig Walk takes you through native bush and up 235 steps to a lookout with incredible views over the Western Bay of Plenty. It’s a bit of a climb but the panoramic coastal views make it totally worth it.
Waihi Beach Walk
1 km • 1 Hour • Very Easy
An easy, accessible walk along Waihi’s famous golden sand beach. Perfect for everyone and you can swim, surf, or just hunt for cool shells.
Waitawheta Hut via The Tram Line – Tramway
19 km • 6 to 8 Hours • Easy
Follow historic tramway routes through gorgeous native bush to a comfortable DOC hut. This longer walk shows off the region’s logging and mining heritage while giving you great overnight options.
Waitawheta Hut Via The Waitengaue River Walk
18 km • 6 Hours 40 Minutes • Medium
A different route to Waitawheta Hut following pristine river valleys through thick native forest. More challenging than the tramway route but you get a better wilderness experience and some amazing river crossings.
Local Tips for Walking in Waihi
Parking & Facilities: Most walks have parking sorted. The main Karangahake Gorge car park has toilets and info displays. The Martha Mine walk starts from the i-SITE visitor centre.
Weather Watch: The lower part of the Crown Track between the Karangahake Gorge Historic Walkway and the Underground Pumphouse gets closed when heavy rain is coming. Check the DOC website for current track conditions.
Mix & Match: Heaps of walks can be combined for longer adventures. The Karangahake area has multiple connected tracks, while the coastal walks around Waihi Beach can be linked for full-day exploring.
Local Stuff: Waihi town has cafes, restaurants, places to stay, and shops. The Waihi i-SITE has maps, weather updates, and loads of local knowledge.
Cool Transport: The Goldfields Railway runs between Waihi and Waikino and you can bring your bike on board, pretty unique way to get between walking areas!