live hauraki - explore hauraki
Hours:
Always open - 7 days a week more info
One of the easiest trails in the country to cycle, the Grade 1 Hauraki Rail Trail is regularly enjoyed by kids barely out of trainer wheels, as well those who’ve been pedalling since the days of Penny Farthings. Located south of Auckland and north of Tauranga, it showcases some of the best scenery in New Zealand. The 197km track is made up of 5 sections, allowing for a range of scenic day rides, or comfortable 3 - 4 day tour rides. From the Shorebird Coast, through lush green Waikato farmlands, to areas rich in pioneering history, the Hauraki Rail Trail is the perfect getaway for a relaxed 2-3 day break.
Hours:
9am - 5pm: Monday - Friday 9am - 1pm: Saturday Sunday: by arrangement more info
Located in the Best Little Town in the North Island of New Zealand, Hauraki Bike Hire is locally owned and operated specialising in Bike Hire for your Hauraki Rail Trail cycling adventures. Every bike comes with a helmet, bike lock and a map of the Rail Trail. We can also arrange a Shuttle Bus so you can relax and let us take care of logistics. The Hauraki Rail Trail is one of the easiest and most satisfying trails in the North Island. Its predominantly wide, flat and smooth terrain makes it suitable for everything from children’s bikes and uprights, to Touring bikes, Mountain bikes and e-bikes. Hauraki Bike Hire offer a premium service for Bike Hire and support with transport from our convenient rental location at the Paeroa Information Hub. The wide range of cycles for hire come in various sizes with something to suit everyone. All bikes are thoroughly maintained ensuring a smooth ride when you hire from us. Paeroa is centrally located for your Hauraki Rail Trail adventures, just minutes from beautiful bush, river walks and the spectacular Karangahake Gorge. Offering art galleries, antique shops, golf, river cruises, trout fishing, delicious eateries and accommodation, you’ll want to linger longer. Come and see us, and we’ll promise the adventure of a lifetime. Gold card accepted
Hours:
10am - 3pm: 7 days a week more info
Awesome interactive display of lego. Heaps of for everyone, young and old - come visit us today! business profile
With plenty of summer and school holidays still to enjoy, the Hauraki District is here to entertain the family with a variety of unique experiences and visitor attractions. Spike's Bricks & Models in Waihi, is a fully interactive Lego brick display which was set up in 2017 by enthusiastic owner/creator 'Spike'- after his collection outgrew his home. From Lego buildings and townships, race-cars, planes and cranes, to Lego Technics & architecture, the impressive collection is sure to entertain all ages. A welcoming character, Spike is known to give guests a personal tour and share his extensive knowledge on all things Lego. Starting out with over 300 models, his collection has grown steadily since and now individual models number over 500 - that's more than 1 million Lego bricks! Expansion of Spikes Bricks and Models has come about via the development of an online brick exchange store and he is currently working on a new room - with a vintage themed Lego Technics display. The community support and visitor feedback on Google and TripAdvisor for Spikes Bricks and Models has now well exceeded his expectations, and has spurred him on to keep on creating. Where do you stop I asked? "Do you stop? he laughed.
Hours:
10am - 4pm: 7 days a week more info
From Bike Hire, to Shuttle Services and Tours, Waihi Bicycle Hire has everything you need to discover Waihi and experience the Hauraki Rail Trail. Hire your bikes and take a leisurely cruise around the Martha Gold Mine Pit Rim Trail or ride the Hauraki Rail Trail from Waihi to the spectacular Karangahake Gorge and beyond (we can pick you up from your final destination). We have a great range of well-maintained Avanti Discovery comfort bikes, e-Bikes and regular mountain bikes which are all perfectly suited to the local trails. We also have trailers (for 0-3 year olds), or tag-alongs (for 4-6 year olds). We cater for individuals, plus small and large groups. Ask us about our corporate group cycling discovery day package.
Hours:
8am - 5pm: 7 days a week more info
The free and spectacular Pit Rim Walkway walk takes you around the edge of the dramatic open cast Martha Mine, right in centre of Waihi. This circular walk is about 4km long. You can start at the Cornish Pumphouse in town or at the Education Centre carpark on Moresby Avenue. The gravelled walkway is in great condition, making for a relatively easy walk with a few hills. When you're not enjoying stunning views of the huge pit or Waihi Town, you'll find yourself amongst native plantings. Interpretative signs give interesting facts about mining in this area. There are also a few hidden geo-caching sites! You can also take bikes. Dogs are allowed but must be on leads at all times.
Hours:
24hr - 7 days a week more info
The Karangahake Gorge Visiting our local Gorge has been voted as one of AA Travel's 101 'Must Do's' for Kiwis! Situated between the Coromandel and Kaimai ranges, the Karangahake Gorge offers several stunning DoC walks, including the infamous Tunnel Loop Walk (which takes 45 mins - bring a torch!) and the 2.5km loop Windows Walk. Both walks take you past remains and reminders of the Gorge's rich mining history. You can also walk along the winding Ohinemuri River or connect to the famous Hauraki Rail Trail and cycle towards Waihi or Paeroa. More adventurous walkers can climb the Karangahake Mountain Track Loop, where you'll be greeted with stunning and far-reaching views at the top.
Hours:
9am - 5pm: 7 days a week more info
Located only an hour from Auckland the Pūkorokoro Miranda Shorebird Centre is an excellent stop to escape the city and have a look at some of New Zealand’s amazing birdlife. With nearly half of the population of the endemic Wrybill found at Pūkorokoro Miranda during part of the year, and with numbers of shorebirds often exceeding 10,000 the coastline is almost a mandatory stop for any birdwatcher passing by. Visit the Shorebird Centre and find out what birds are around, stay with us for a weekend escape from the bustle of the city or join us for one of our regular events. Entry Fee: by donation business profile
The time is almost here, when Pūkorokoro Miranda's bird population 'fly the coop' and take to the skies once again. Sunday March 7th is annual Migration Day! If you have often wondered what the fuss is about, then now is a great time to head on out to the Pūkorokoro Miranda Shorebird Centre and learn about the incredible journey undertaken by a variety of species of shorebirds every season - some of whom travel over 25,000km to the Arctic and Siberia. While there are birds on the coast all year round, January to March sees the population swell impressively to in excess of 10,000 birds, which include nearly half of the world population of the endemic Wrybill who are settling in for Autumn/Winter and the high flying Godwit as they prepare for departure. Whether you are looking to experience the tranquility of the magnificent Pūkorokoro Miranda/Kaiaua coastline or you are fascinated by the journey of these famous birds, it will be a sight to behold as birds depart over the coming weeks. Migration Day celebrations include guest speakers, local research project updates and guided bird watching opportunities. Find out more on their Facebook page Pukorokoro Miranda Shorebird Centre. The Pūkorokoro Shorebird Centre is an information and educational facility which has been open to the public since 1990. Owned and operated by the Pūkorokoro Miranda Naturalists’ Trust, the Shorebird Centre was established to advocate for shorebirds and their habitat, facilitate research and education and to raise awareness of shorebirds, coastal ecology and the Pūkorokoro Miranda coastline. Extend your support to the trust and immerse yourself in a coastal experience. Explore for a weekend, with affordable accommodation available on site and learn about the fascinating story of bird migration.
Hours:
10am - 4pm: Friday - Sunday Open daily during school holidays more info
Bullswool Farm in the Karangahake Gorge is the ultimate family attraction, and a Southern Coromandel icon.
Hours:
10am - 3pm: Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays more info
Named after Queen Victoria in her 60th jubilee year, the Battery had 200 stampers-the largest number at one time of any similar site in the world crushing on an average of 800 tonnes of ore per day – six days a week. It was the largest quartz ore processing plant in Australasia and one of the biggest industrial sites in New Zealand in the early 1900’s. It was also the country’s largest producer of gold - 10 times more than the next largest battery. Come and learn about the good ole tough goldmining days when men worked hard, often in not ideal conditions, for very little pay. The Tramway: Our tramway snakes through our six acre site where aspects of the processing plant still feature, such as the stamper mill, extensive cyanide tank foundations, tube mills, gas producer plant and more. The novel covered carriages have been constructed on former Hudson ore skip chassis and ex-mine battery-electric locomotives haul them. A petrol driven railcar is also available to transport up to five people and can be operated in wet weather when the other locos are unable to grip on the wet rails. Underground tours: Guided tours through the century plus underground roasting ore kilns’ tunnel and viewing into them from a long gantry above ground is a unique attraction in New Zealand. These are the only ones in the country open for the public to enjoy! Museum: In 1913 the Waihi Goldmining Company reticulated the first electricity to the district after constructing the Horahora power generating station, the first on the Waikato River. The electricity came into the large concrete Transformer House (Sub-station), the only remaining building on the Battery site, which now houses the society’s comprehensive museum. Inside are featured historic photographs of the Victoria Battery - its construction, the railway rakeline and the ore treatment process, plus old Waikino, Owharoa, Waitekauri and Karangahake townships. A manual operational ore stamper, timber milling displays and goldmining equipment from the re-opened Golden Cross 1992-98 operation are on show. Wooden patterns and glassed- in models of the Waihi-Waikino and Karangahake districts are displayed. The three disastrous Waikino floods are featured There is a rock display and numerous gold weighing scales along with many past era memorabila items. Guides give visitors friendly informative attention during the tours In the Transformer House. |
Hours:
8am - 5.30pm: 7 days a week more info
- Bespoke tours -planned to your requirements - Cycle way drop off-pick up shuttle service for bikes, people and luggage - Group sightseeing day trips - Group shopping day trips - Airport transfers
Hours:
10am - 4pm: 7 days a week more info
The award-winning Gold Discovery Centre is located at the top of Waihi’s main street directly opposite the iconic Cornish Pumphouse. It is the place to uncover Waihi’s fascinating 140-year quest for gold offering a range of great visitor experiences, including the 'hands-on' Waihi Gold Experience and the 'behind the fence' Waihi Gold Mine Tours. Our team looks forward to welcoming you and sharing our authentic local stories.
Hours:
12 noon - 3pm: Tuesday - Friday more info
Paeroa and District historical displays and memorabilia. Displays include; - Comprehensive photographic display - Royal Albert bone china "Old Country Rose", 527 pieces - this is the largest collection in Australasia - Large Maori artifact collection from pre-European times. Displays change from time to time.
Hours:
8am - 4.30pm: 7 days a week more info
Established 1906, Waihi Golf Club is a wonderful par 72, 5685m golf course situated amongst beautiful lush green surroundings, overlooking the Waihi township and surrounding farm land. The course is expertly maintained and managed, and will be a challenge whatever your skill level. Our club has fantastic facilities, with a bar and catering service. We also have the services of a small shop for golfing attire, snacks and accessories.
Hours:
10am - 3pm: Thursday, Friday 12pm - 3pm: Saturday, Sunday, Monday School holidays: 12pm - 3pm: 7 days a week more info
Small towns in New Zealand come with a fascinating history and Waihi is no exception! Our museum presents the history of the gold mining era (1880's - 1950's) in the Karangahake and Waihi area. Whether you just want to find out a bit more about the history of a New Zealand gold mining town, or want to check out the latest exhibition in our art gallery, we have something that will be of interest to everyone. Museum Tours We offer group tours of the museum for your organisation or school (by appointment), which can greatly enhance your understanding of how our town came to be - while being fun and interesting for all ages along the way! Admission Adults: $5.00 Children 5 - 15 years: $3.00 Under 5 years: Free Family group (2 adults & 3 or more children):$15 Discounts available for groups of 15 or more people, pre-booked coach groups, and schools.
Hours:
Open 7 days a week more info
Goldfields Railway Incorporated was established in 1980 to preserve the rail heritage of the area. Since then the Society has grown to operate a popular tourist railway between Waihi and Waikino, and caters for both history buffs and railway enthusiasts. Gold card accepted
Hours:
9am - 5pm: Monday - Friday more info
Small group escorted tours to selected destinations overseas. All of our tour destinations have been experienced personally by Graham and Wendy and we have arrangements with ground operators in the countries we tour. Tours are tailor made for our standard tours and can be easily adapted for specific groups with a common purpose.
Hours:
10am - 4pm: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday October - April more info
Ngatea Water Gardens are an unexpected treat for travellers passing through Ngatea on State Highway 2. Situated only 1 hour from Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga and Coromandel, they are also a fun day trip destination; and the perfect wedding venue. The picturesque 5 acre property has funny signs and scenes throughout, and is complete with giftshop, playground, and function centre for weddings and other occasions. The wheelchair friendly path through the gardens will take you over bridges, past water lily ponds, waterfalls, waterwheels and magical fountains. You will be kept entertained by our friendly hand fed birds and fish, plus our fascinating turtles, said to be the oldest in New Zealand. Also set within the gardens is a Can Museum, displaying over 11,000 different beer, soft drink and unusual cans from around the world. business profile
Quite possibly one of Hauraki’s best kept secrets, the Ngatea Water Gardens is a must see. The beautifully landscaped grounds, which cover 5 acres, are an absolute delight. Incredibly family friendly, the winding pathways lead to quirky signs and sculptures and guide the way through the picturesque gardens and ponds. Discover the castle and waterfall and be surprised by the Canny Museum. The property is privately owned by local couple Roger and Emma Blake who designed and built the gardens themselves over several years. The Ngatea Water Gardens are a true labour of love, and it shows. It really is worth a visit! |
