Nestled at the foot of The Coromandel Peninsula along New Zealand’s Pacific Coast Highway lies Waihi, a small town steeped in a remarkably rich history. Journeying from Auckland to Tauranga, travelers traverse a captivating landscape of towns nestled within the southern Coromandel region and the western Bay of Plenty. Paeroa, renowned as the birthplace of New Zealand’s beloved L&P soft drink (Lemon & Paeroa – famed as ‘world-famous in New Zealand!’), marks one of the stops along the route. Closer to Tauranga, Katikati earns its reputation as the ‘mural town’ with its adorned main street, while Ngatea boasts renown for its serene water gardens.
Yet, it is Waihi, positioned at the intersection leading to Whitianga and Whangamata on The Coromandel Peninsula, that beckons attention today. Though I’ve passed through countless times, today marks my inaugural exploration of this quaint town. Veer off from State Highway 2, and you’ll encounter a bustling main street adorned with charming boutiques and cafés. Atop the hill, a sight captures the eye – the imposing Cornish Pumphouse.
The towering, solemn structure of concrete atop the hill beckons for closer inspection. Ascend the walkway, and you’ll uncover a relic from yesteryears, overlooking an active gold and silver mine. On the opposing slope, mere meters from the town center, lies the vast expanse of the opencast mine. Massive slabs of red rock are hewn away, with diggers below resembling miniature toys. It’s a spectacle both awe-inspiring and unexpected in this tranquil countryside town!
Known as the Martha Mine, this colossal opencast mine stands as New Zealand’s largest and most lucrative. Over its initial seventy years, it yielded approximately 5.6 million ounces (174,160 kg) of gold and 38.4 million ounces (1,193,180 kg) of silver. Gold’s discovery in 1878 catapulted Waihi to the forefront; by 1908, it outpaced even Hamilton in population growth. Although the mine ceased operations in 1952 due to plummeting international gold prices, it resumed in 1987, with the pit subsequently expanded.
The Cornish Pumphouse, erected circa 1904 to house steam engines and pumps for the burgeoning mine, bears witness to Waihi’s early mining days. Though its steam-driven pumps ceased in 1913, replaced by electric counterparts, the shell endured, offering a poignant reminder of the goldmine’s origins.
Beyond its storied past, Waihi beckons as a haven for hiking enthusiasts and beachgoers alike. Proximity to the lush Karangahake Gorge, cloaked in verdant forests and a magnet for walkers, draws visitors. Meanwhile, the sun-kissed sands of Waihi Beach lie just a stone’s throw away. Truly, unexpected treasures await those who stray from the beaten path! And beyond Waihi, many more exciting destinations await, not the least Cathedral Cove, standing as a renowned destination in the Coromandel, captivating visitors with its breathtaking natural arches and pristine coastal beauty.