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.