Martha Mine, Waihi

Gold was first discovered on Martha Hill in 1878 and the mighty Martha Mine became one of the most important gold and silver mines in the world. It closed in 1952 but was reopened in 1987 and is still situated in the heart of Waihi. The modern Martha is  now an open pit mine.

Tours of the mine depart most weekdays (bookings essential) and the Mine’s Education Centre is available for educational groups.

Ph  07 863 9880 Fax  07 863 6084
Email: marthamine@newmont.com.au
Web: www.marthamine.co.nz

Waihi Gold Mining Museum & Arts Centre

The museum presents the history of gold mining in the Ohinemuri Goldfields and Waihi mines. A wide range of geological specimens and artifacts from over 100 years of gold mining are displayed, as well as many models and the famous miners' thumbs!

Open: Mon-Fri 10.00am-4.00pm.
Weekends & Public Holidays: 1.30pm-4.00pm.
54 Kenny Street, Waihi
Ph: 07 863 8386  Fax: 07 863 8426
Email: wacma@xtra.co.nz
Web: www.waihimuseum.co.nz

Karangahake  & Waikino

The Ohinemuri River flows through the Karangahake Gorge. Trout fishing, mining relics and independent art and craft people (Waikino) line the gorge. At the Karangahake Reserve you'll find a vast open-air museum on either side of the river, where past gold mining has left fascinating remains. Cross the river on the swing bridge and picnic by the remains of the Crown, Talisman and Woodstock quartz-crushing plants.

Walking Trails
Follow the 1900s railway and Ohinemuri River between Karangahake and Waikino, past Owharoa Falls. This 4.5 km (90 min) walk includes a 1 km, dimly lit, brick-lined rail tunnel. The trail is a popular easy walk, suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs. Park at either Karangahake Reserve, Owharoa Falls or Waikino Station.

Another shorter loop track (45 min) takes in the tunnel, two old railway bridges, a swing bridge and the most spectacular scenery of the gorge.

Waihi Beach

Around 10 minutes drive from Waihi Motor Camp is  Waihi Beach an 8km stretch of white sand ocean beach popular with holidaymakers and surfers. At the north end of the beach you can take a track around the headland to Orakawa Bay, a scenic spot fringed by pohutukawa trees.