Events

welcomes visitors to Waihi and beyond with a theatrical performance worthy of a standing ovation. The rocky, forest-covered cliffs of the gorge sweep open like curtains, and the moss-covered remains of long-ago industry hint at the drama to come. The Ohinemuri River crashes, whispers and swirls a melody.

This is one of New Zealand’s richest regions, though not from the gold that continues to be mined beneath Waihi. The beaches have been voted some of the country’s best, the history of the area is unique and despite being within 2 hours of 80% of Aotearoa’s population, it’s still possible to enjoy a long weekend without having to battle the crowds. Christmas and New Year, however, is a different story as tens of thousands of holidaymakers flock to Waihi Beach and Whangamata. Thankfully, in recent years, there have been fewer headline-grabbing antics by holiday-mad youngsters. And, when the crowds depart and the sand settles, there remains enough to keep visitors of all persuasions enraptured.