Escape to Whangamata

The Whangamata Golf Club has 2 courses that will satisfy the demands of either the more experienced golfer (Titoki 18-hole) or the learner/casual golfer (Williamson 9-hole). They extend an invitation to all golfers, be they affiliated or green fee players, to play these courses. The Titoki clubrooms have a bar and catering service available on most busy days. Titoki also has a well-stocked proshop that sells all the leading brands of golf gear. Golf carts, trundlers and clubs are also available for hire. Tee bookings are usually required during holiday periods.

Whangamata has an up-and-coming international attraction, Whenuakura or Donut Island. As the name suggests the island's shape is very unique and provides a rare opportunity to experience this wildlife sanctuary. A narrow entrance to the centre of the island is only possible with a kayak or paddle board. Landing on the island is not permitted. Owned by local iwi (Maori tribe) there are local tour guides permitted to take trips to the island which is the recommended way to see the island.

The 197km trail showcases some of the best scenery and is one of the easiest cycle trails in New Zealand. Accessible from Kaiaua Thames, Paeroa, Waihi, Waikino, Karangahake Gorge, Te Aroha and Matamata the Hauraki Rail Trail is an easy Grade One family-friendly ride.

Set in a mixture of native bush, pine forest and some recently cleared forest terrain, riders at Whangamata Ridges Mountain Bike Park will experience fun single track, exciting downhills and climbs that reward the effort with spectacular views of ocean and forest.

A well sign posted track in the forest provides a scenic walk to old gold mine ruins where you can view old mining relics.

A number of off-shore islands can be seen from the beach. Hauturu (Clark Island) is accessible by wading at low tide and is popular in summer months for rock-pool fossickers and kayakers.

Starting at Hetherington Reserve, continue along the estuary edge behind the town's industrial area to an access way at Sharryn Place and Wattle Place. Look for signage through Moana Point Reserve that directs walkers along the grassed trail, approximately 2km. For those who are feeling energetic, there is a set of stairs along on Tukere Drive that take you up to Bruce Wallace Place.

Wentworth Valley is ranked the number 2 thing to do when visiting Whangamata. Mostly an easy grade walk with some steeper climbs near the falls. There are two falls to walk to as well as two bridge crossings which makes the walk a little more interesting. Wentworth Falls are in two drops of around 20 metres each. Approximate walking time is 2 hours. For more information on this must-do walk check out the Department of Conservation website.

Karangahake Gorge is at the base of the Coromandel Range, some call it the gateway to the Coromandel. A winding road through the gorge gives access to some great walks and cycle trails. Karangahake Gorge still has remnants of mining equipment set up in the late 1800s for extracting valuable minerals. Rail access was installed as well as Victoria Battery, built in 1897 to crush quartz. Waihi town still has a working gold mine with more interesting history on the region. Walk or bike through old rail tunnels, a 45-minute Rail Tunnel loop walk, historic walkway to Waikino or jump on a bike. Karangahake Gorge is part of the New Zealand cycle trail network. Karangahake Gorge is a 40-minute drive from Palm Pacific Resort & Motel, Whangamata.

Waihi has been famous for its gold since 1878 and it has a compelling story to tell, and now you can experience that fascinating story in unique ways at the award-winning Gold Discovery Centre.

The Wharekirauponga Track in Parakawai Valley and the Royal Standard Goldmine area follows along an old horse-drawn tram track.

Take a virtual vacation, and re-live those #goodforyoursoul Coromandel moments. Fuel for dreams of your next visit. We know that you are not always able to get here as often as you would like, so we have mounted three cameras so you can get your remote fix of our special places.

The Peninsula Road scenic lookout overlooks Whangamata and offshore islands.

As well as restaurants and takeaways, there's also a great café scene too, all within a short walk from Palm Pacific Resort & Motel. 
Blackies Café, Chill Café, Chilli Cove (Indian), Craig's Takeaways, Incognito Restaurant, Kafal (Indian), Little Latte Café, Luv Coffee, Minato Sushi, Port Road Project, Sea Salt Takeaways, Six Forty Six, Smash Pipi, Smoky Pallet, Soul Burgers, Turkish Master Kebab, Vibes Café, Whanga Bar , Whangamata Club, Whangamata Ocean Sports Club, Yings @ R.S.A.(Thai)

There's always something going on in the Coromandel!

Whiritoa Beach is populated by kiwi baches and a general store. Found on the Pacific Coast Highway Whiritoa is a great place to fish, surf and snorkel.

Less than 10 minutes from the surf town of Whangamata is the secluded settlement of Onemana. Beautiful views of offshore islands, golden sand beaches and rocky inlets framed by Pohutukawa Trees are further enhanced by the pure escapism.

At the southern end of Opoutere Beach lies the winding entrance to the Wharekawa Harbour which is protected by a spectacular sandspit. The spit is a breeding ground for several endangered species of native sea birds including the New Zealand Dotterel.

Pokohino Bay is a beautiful, secluded beach in an area known for its coastal offerings. Accessed on foot via a steep forest track which can sometimes appear unmarked, visitors will feel as though they've discovered a hidden gem tucked away in the Coromandel bush.

After the most amazing short coastal walk along a cliff-top and through farmland that spirals down you'll get to Octopus Bay. In the summer it is common to see octopus playing in the clear water there.