You can access Waihi Beach by turning into Denby Rd and descending the steep gravel track from the carpark. At low tide you can walk to Ohawe Beach (or do it in the reverse direction). All black sand, rock pools and rugged cliffs. If you look closely, you'll spot fossils embedded in the marine terraces. Check the tides before you go and pack a picnic.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. KD's Elvis Presley Museum

2.36 MILES

Elvis lives! At least he does at Kevin D Wasley's astonishing museum, which houses more than 10,000 of the King’s records and a mind-blowing collection of…

2. Hāwera Water Tower

2.51 MILES

The austere, 55m-tall Hāwera Water Tower is one of few noteworthy attractions in quiet Hāwera. Grab the key from the neighbouring i-SITE, ascend the 215…

3. Tawhiti Museum

4.49 MILES

The quirky Tawhiti Museum houses a collection of exhibits, dioramas and creepily lifelike human figures modelled on people from the region. A large…

4. Museum of South Taranaki

15.95 MILES

In little drive-through Pātea, 27km south of Hāwera, this creative museum does its impressive new timber facade and Māori maihi (entrance bargeboards)…

5. Taranaki Pioneer Village

17.39 MILES

About 1km south of Stratford on SH3, the Taranaki Pioneer Village is a 4-hectare outdoor museum housing 40 historic buildings, many dating back to the…

6. Percy Thomson Gallery

18.48 MILES

Right next door to Stratford i-SITE, this progressive community gallery (named after a former mayor) displays eclectic local, regional and national art…