TRAILS UNDER ONE HOUR
Short on time but still want to explore? These under-one-hour walks in Waihī Beach are perfect for a quick dose of nature. From peaceful bush tracks to scenic beach strolls, they’re ideal for all ages and fitness levels.
WAIHI BEACH TRIG TRAIL
The Waihi Beach Trig Trail is a rewarding 3 km return walk, typically taking around 45 minutes to an hour return, offering a moderate but invigorating climb through native bush and open ridgelines. You’ll ascend over 200 steps before reaching the lookout, which offers expansive panoramic views across Waihī Beach, the Coromandel coastline, Matakana Island, and Mount Maunganui. The combination of shaded forest and sun-exposed ridges makes it a diverse and scenic walk, ideal for those looking for both a challenge and stunning views.
To reach the trailhead, drive north from central Waihī Beach to the end of Pacific Road, then turn left onto Reservoir Loop Road and continue to the Water Reservoir car park. The car park has public toilets and a drinking water fountain, making it a convenient starting point. From there, cross the bridge beside the reservoir and follow the well-marked signs to the trig trailhead. Be sure to bring water and wear sturdy shoes, especially for the stair sections, and consider sun protection for the exposed parts of the trail.
ANZAC BAY TO TE HO PA
The Anzac Bay to Te Ho Pā Walk is a scenic coastal trail taking about 45 minutes return. Starting at Anzac Bay headland, it leads up to the historic Te Ho Pā site with sweeping views over Waihī Beach, Tauranga Harbour, and the Coromandel coastline. The path winds through native coastal vegetation and offers an elevated perspective of both Anzac and Shelly Bays, making it a rewarding short walk rich in natural beauty and cultural history.
To access the walk, head south from Waihī Beach to Bowentown and park at the Anzac Bay headland car park. The track starts from here and climbs steeply to the Te Ho Pā site. The car park features a public boat ramp, picnic area, grassy reserve shaded by pōhutukawa trees, and public toilets. You can also explore nearby Cave Bay by taking a descent from the track if you wish.
CAVE BAY
The Cave Bay Walk is a short and rewarding coastal trail that takes about 20 to 30 minutes return. The track leads down a staircase through native bush to a sheltered sandy beach with a natural rock cave to explore. It’s a peaceful spot with beautiful ocean views, perfect for picnics, relaxing, and enjoying the sea breeze.
To get to Cave Bay, drive south from Waihī Beach to the Bowentown Reserve car park and take your first left to drive up to the small carpark at the top of the hill. From there, take the staircase down on your left down to the beach. The path is mostly natural terrain and can be steep, so sturdy shoes are recommended. Facilities at the main car park at Bowentown Reserve/Anzac Bay below include public toilets and picnic areas, making it a convenient spot to enjoy a walk.
SHELLY BAY
The Anzac Bay to Shelly Bay Walk is a pleasant coastal stroll that takes about 30 minutes one way. This mostly flat track follows the shoreline through native coastal vegetation, offering lovely ocean views and occasional glimpses of marine life. While the path is generally wide, it can get muddy and a little rugged in places, with a steep descent to the beach near the end, so it may not be suitable for wheelchairs. It’s a peaceful walk, great for families and those wanting to enjoy Waihī Beach’s natural beauty.
To reach the start of the walk, drive south from Waihī Beach to the Anzac Bay headland car park in Bowentown. At the far end of the bay (opposite end to public toilets), you will spot the track heading slightly uphill behind the carpark. The track follows the coast eastwards towards Shelly Bay. The path is mostly gravel and natural terrain, with some uneven sections. Facilities at the car park include public toilets, picnic areas, and a boat ramp, providing a convenient base before you set off.
WAIHI BEACH RESERVIOR LOOP
The Water Reservoir Loop is a short, scenic walk taking about 20 minutes to complete. This easy loop circles the old water reservoir, offering a peaceful setting with views of surrounding bush and farmland. The mostly flat track with gentle inclines is suitable for all ages and fitness levels, making it perfect for a quick nature break or a leisurely stroll.
To access the Water Reservoir Loop, drive north from central Waihī Beach along Pacific Road. At the top of the hill, turn left onto Reservoir Loop Road and continue to the Water Reservoir car park. The loop starts at the car park and is well marked for easy navigation. There are other longer walks available from this car park also. Facilities here include public toilets and a drinking water fountain, providing a convenient and comfortable place to begin your walk.
MARTHA MINE PIT LOOP
The Martha Mine Pit Rim Walkway is a 3.9 km loop trail that takes about 1 to 1.5 hours to complete. It offers a unique opportunity to explore the perimeter of Waihi’s historic open-pit gold mine. This easy walk provides panoramic views into the vast pit, showcasing the scale of the mining operation. Along the trail, you’ll encounter informative panels detailing the area’s mining history, remnants of old machinery, and the iconic Cornish Pumphouse. The path is primarily gravel and dirt, with slight inclines and some uneven sections, making it suitable for walkers of various fitness levels. However, it’s advisable to wear sturdy footwear, especially after rain, as parts of the trail can become muddy.
To access the Martha Mine Pit Rim Walkway from Waihī Beach, drive approximately 15 minutes southwest to Waihi township. The walk begins near the Gold Discovery Centre, located on Seddon Street. From the visitor centre, you can ascend to the walkway via stairs or a wheelchair-accessible ramp. The trail is well-marked and can be walked in either direction. Facilities at the start include public toilets and information boards, providing a comfortable and informative beginning to your walk.
ATHENREE WETLAND
The Athenree Wetland Loop Walk is a short, scenic trail approximately 1 km in length, taking around 20 to 30 minutes to complete. This easy, flat walk meanders through a restored saltmarsh and wetland area, providing a peaceful setting with views of the surrounding bush and farmland. The track is suitable for walkers of all ages and fitness levels, making it perfect for a quick nature escape or a leisurely stroll to enjoy the outdoors.
To access the Athenree Wetland Loop Walk, drive south from Waihī Beach along State Highway 2 towards Athenree. Turn left onto Emmerton-Steele Road, just past the Waiau River Bridge. The entrance to the walk is approximately 100 meters along this road after the sharp bend onto Steele Road. The trail is well-marked and easy to follow, providing a pleasant walk through the area. Please note that the car park at the trailhead may have potholes and surface flooding; exercise caution when parking.
OWHAROA FALLS
Owharoa Falls is a picturesque, multi-tiered waterfall located in the Karangahake Gorge, approximately 8 km east of Waihi and 25 minutes dive from Waihi Beach. The falls cascade over a series of rock ledges, creating a stunning visual display. The track to the base of the falls is a short, 200-meter out-and-back walk, taking about 5 minutes each way. The path is well-maintained but includes some stairs, making it unsuitable for wheelchairs and strollers. However, visitors can enjoy a partial view of the falls directly from the car park
To reach Owharoa Falls from Waihī Beach, drive east along State Highway 2 towards Waihi. Continue through Waihi and follow SH2 east for approximately 8 km. Turn left onto Waitawheta Road, cross the one-lane bridge, and continue for about 170 metres. The car park is located just beyond the bridge on the right-hand side. Please note that the road around the falls can be busy with cars, cyclists, and walkers, so exercise caution when traveling.
TUAHU KAURI
The Tuahu Kauri Walk is a short and rewarding trail located in the Kaimai Mamaku Conservation Park, approximately 20 minutes’ drive from Waihī Beach. This easy 2.5 km return walk takes around 50 minutes to complete and leads you through lush native forest to one of the largest kauri trees in the Bay of Plenty. The track is well-formed and suitable for most fitness levels, offering a peaceful experience among towering rimu and ancient kauri trees. A short loop track branches off the main trail, leading to a viewing platform that surrounds the impressive Tuahu Kauri, which boasts a girth of 2.7 meters and a height of 12.6 meters to the first branch
From Waihī Beach, drive north along State Highway 2 towards Katikati, about 20 minutes. Just past Katikati, turn left onto Hot Springs Road. Continue along this road for approximately 6 km until you reach the car park for the Tuahu Kauri Walk. Facilities are limited, so be sure to bring water and wear sturdy footwear. The trackhead is clearly marked from the car park, ready to lead you into the tranquil forest setting.
