White sand beaches and lagoons make up the popular beach resort of Whangamata, and its views equal those of any oceanfront location in the globe. Vacationers flock in their hundreds to the area throughout the summer to take advantage of the sea and surf due to the number of cottages along the seashore. But Whangamata is much more than just a beach destination; there are waterfalls, forests, and undiscovered islands to explore.
1. Whangamata Beach
The lengthy stretch of white sand at Whangamata Beach is surrounded by dune fields and grassy knolls. The dock with turquoise blue seas and a jumping platform are to the north. An estuary where swift waters rush to meet the sea is located at the southernmost point. It’s the ideal location for a tranquil paddleboard cruise.
You can see two islands as you stand on the main beach’s edge. The bigger of the two islands, Clark Island, is accessible by sea during low tide. The only way to get to Donut Island/Whenuakura, which lies farther off, is by kayak. This island is a barren paradise with unspoiled sands, rocks, and vegetation.
For as low as $30 per person, you may hire a kayak to take you to the interior of the island, where a tiny cave leads. Although landing on the island is not permitted, you will feel as though you are in a tropical paradise as you bob up and down on the gentle waves.
2. Opoutere
Take a 15-minute journey to Opoutere to find activities if you’re searching for somewhere a little farther off the beaten path. Visit Onemana Beach for a change of scenery and violent waves.
Visitors can enjoy a unique experience at this location, which is close to restrooms and a playground for kids. Keep on to Opoutere Beach to enjoy the wonderful surfing prospects and this expansive coastline.
3. Walks
In Whangamata, there are many activities that are free to do, including a number of breathtaking hikes. A two-hour roundtrip hike through the Wentworth Valley leads to a stunning double waterfall with a 50-meter total height. You’ll get the opportunity to see artifacts from the region’s gold mining era while taking this walk.
If you’re interested, have a look at the Luck at Last Mine Walk, a beautiful two-hour route that leads you right through the center of a former gold mine community. A softly running creek that features rock bridges, a small waterfall, and, for the more daring, a swimming hole will be your walking companion.
Another great place to go hiking is Broken Hills, which has a variety of trails for hikers of various skill levels. Valleys, tunnels, and undiscovered swimming holes can be found here. You’ll discover a group of little caverns to explore as you stroll through a grassy valley. Kids will like looking at one of these because it features an ancient skeleton sporting a pair of sunglasses.
4. Restaurants
Numerous surf and bohemian-style stores, as well as a variety of bars and restaurants, can be found in the town center. There are plenty of locations to pick up a good dinner in Whangamata, but there aren’t many options for gourmet dining.
A variety of meals are available at The Smoky Palette, a restaurant in the Good George network. The dish you should try most when visiting Whangamata is a local serving of fish and chips.
The most well-known fish and chip shop in the neighborhood, Estuary, serves up fresh fish of the day. However, keep in mind that if you go during the busiest time of year, you should call this store at least two hours in advance because of how busy it is around the holidays.
5. Karangahake Gorge
The Karangahake Gorge, one of the most picturesque locations in the region and approximately 40 minutes from the beach, is a great day trip option from Whangamata. The 45-minute historic pathway lets you take in some breathtaking vistas as you meander along the valley’s walkways.
There is an abandoned 1-kilometer rail tunnel on this route that is both thrilling and unsettling. There is another Department of Conservation (DOC) facility ten minutes away from the Gorge. Dickey Flat has a wide variety of sights and activities to offer while being far less well-liked than the Karangahake. You should check out the waterfall track while you’re here.
You enter the forest on this 20-minute trek, traverse a few swing bridges, and arrive in a tunnel formed by nature. There is some water flowing through the bottom of the tunnel, which is around 100 meters long. Walking through this tunnel ensures that your feet will get wet, but you’ll be rewarded with the sight of glowworms decorating the ceilings and a collection of miniature waterfalls that invite you to go swimming on the other side.
