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Waihi

Sights in Waihi

  1. Heritage Museum

    The Heritage Museum has an art gallery and displays focusing on the region’s gold-mining history. Prepare to squirm before the collection of miners’ chopped-off thumbs preserved in glass jars.

    reviewed

  2. Waihi Waterlily Gardens

    Seven hectares of ponds, peacocks and pretty things, 7km southwest of Waihi. There’s a cafe on-site.

    reviewed

  3. Athenree Hot Springs

    In those months when the waters of Waihi Beach aren't inviting, retreat to these two small but blissful outdoor hot pools, hidden within a holiday park.

    reviewed

  4. Seddon St

    Waihi's main drag has interesting sculptures, information panels about Waihi’s golden past and roundabouts that look like squashed daleks. Opposite the visitor centre, the skeleton of a derelict Cornish Pumphouse (1904) is the town's main landmark, atmospherically lit at night. From here the Pit Rim Walkway has fascinating views into the 250m-deep Martha Mine. If you want to get down into it, the mining company runs 1½-hour Waihi Gold Mine Tours.

    The Historic Hauraki Gold Towns pamphlet (free from the visitor centre) outlines walking tours of both Waihi and Paeroa.

    reviewed

  5. Cornish Pumphouse

    Opposite the visitor centre, the skeleton of a derelict Cornish Pumphouse (1904) is the town’s main landmark, atmospherically lit at night.

    reviewed