Waihi lies at the junction of State Highway 25, which goes north to the Coromandel, and State Highway 2, which goes south to Tauranga and Mount Maunganui. It is also only a short drive from the town to Waihi Beach.
The town’s main feature is the very large open-cast gold mine that sits immediately next to the downtown area. It is easy to see where it is; just head towards the old historic tower at the west end of the town. The obvious thing is to walk, at least part-way, around the mine. Alternatively, you can take a tour inside the fence.
The town also shows off its history, with most buildings in the township dating to the early days of gold mining and several information panels and cool statues that suggest what life was like over 100 years ago.
If gold history is not your thing, don’t worry. The town has several cool shops and cafes and is at the western end of the Waikino tourist train.
