Waihi Beach

Waihi Beach is a beautiful white sandy beach on the southern tip of Coromandel as you are heading south to Tauranga.  Spending a couple of days there was really relaxing as the beach is big and spacious with plenty of room so you feel a bit isolated with your own patch of beach.  We took our Welsh Pembroke Corgi and he loved the beach and some of the walks.  We even saw 2 weddings as we walked along the main beach.  What a perfect place to get married.  The Pacific Ocean is friendly here and great for swimming and boarding.  In the summer the huge Pohutukawa trees where hanging down over the cliffs just touching the water.  By the big red “Christmas Tree” is the start to the Orokawa Bay walk.  This hidden gem is a nice 45 minute walk through native bush and along the sea side with great views out to the Pacific Ocean. 

Once you hit the bay you’ll wish you packed lunch or dinner so you can stay longer.  It is a stunning and secluded beach with tons of washed up, perfectly sanded by the ocean driftwood to explore.  Many past visitors have made interesting shelters and sculptures out of the driftwood.  This is a great spot for fishing and surfing as well as just relaxing and exploring the beach. 

We went to Homunga Bay the next day which is further north along the coast. Orokawa bay and Homunga Bay are two parts of the scenic reserve that is linked by a coastal walkway. This is a day trip so bring a lunch and good footwear.  We saw lots of big Kauri trees, interesting flora and fauna and some amazing views.