ACCESSIBLE WAIHI BEACH
Thanks to the generous support of local businesses and residents, Waihī Beach has been on a journey to improve accessibility since 2021. Today, the beach features accessible mats and two beach wheelchairs free to use year round – one donated by LJ Hooker Waihī Beach and the other by a local resident.
With the help of Surf Lifesaving Club, Mayor View Fire Brigade, and Tasman Holiday Park, our community is working together to keep the coastline open to everyone.
In 2026, the community came together once again to create an accessible changing facility, enabling people with higher support needs to prepare for the beach with dignity and independence.
BEACH MATS
EASY BEACH ACCESS
BEACH MATS FOR EASY ACCESS
To make beach access smoother, Waihi Beach has 80 meters of accessibility matting at the northern end of the beach, near the Surf Club. These mats create a firm path that allows wheelchairs and strollers to navigate the sand with ease. They are laid out by volunteers from Labour Weekend to Easter, providing a safe and comfortable route to the water’s edge.
Inclement weather or large surf drives us to bring in the mats for short periods of time, before it’s suitable to relay them.
BEACH WHEELCHAIRS
FREE FOR ALL
BEACH WHEELCHAIRS FREE TO HIRE
Thanks to the generosity of local residents and businesses, we offer two beach wheelchairs available for free hire year-round. These chairs are designed to help individuals with mobility challenges enjoy the beach without barriers. They’re available at:
Pick-up Location: Tasman Holiday Park, 15 Beach Road, Waihi Beach
Booking: Reserve your wheelchair by contacting the park directly.
ACCESSIBLE CHANGING FACILITY
BEACH WHEELCHAIRS FREE TO HIRE
The Waihī Beach community changing facility, housed in the Surf Lifeguard club, allows persons in wheelchairs or with complex needs to get ready for the beach in a safe and comfortable space.
The room consists of:
a height-adjustable adult change table with shower hose
a ceiling hoist for wheelchair transfer
accessible shower and toilet
Click the link below to register and then book a spot to use the room.
NB: If you are booking from your phone, there is the option to set up an app on your phone – see the green box at bottom of screen when you click the link below.
ACCESSIBLE ACCOMMODATION
WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE ACCOMMODATION
Waihī Beach offers a range of accessible places to stay, with features designed to make every guest feel welcome and comfortable.
BOWENTOWN BEACH HOLIDAY PARK: A beachfront holiday park featuring accessible cabins and facilities, perfect for a relaxing stay near the beach.
SEA ESTA CAMP & LODGE: Sea Esta’s lodge accommodates up to 16 guests in 12 rooms and includes a wheelchair-accessible bathroom. Ideal for groups, families, or those seeking a communal setting.
TASMAN HOLIDAY PARK WAIHI BEACH: A family-friendly park with accessible units and facilities, set amidst native gardens and close to the beach.
A BIG THANKS TO SPONSORS
WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE ACCOMMODATION
A big thanks to the sponsors who helped make our accessible beach mats happen!
