Waihi is the home of the richest gold mine in New Zealand. The Martha Mine was opened in 1878 and is still producing about a million dollars worth of gold and silver every week. The mining company conducts regular weekday tours of the open pit site. A vintage railway runs between Waihi and Waikino, where you can find relics from the early gold rush days. Around the town you’ll notice some wonderful old buildings. Waihi is proud of its history and has a heritage trail that points out places of interest. There is an ever-increasing number of cafés and restaurants in the recently revived town centre.
Functional facts: Approx. population 4700, information centre, good range of shops and services.