What to Do in Whangamata
Surf, sun, sea and sand… This is pretty much the fashionable resort town of Whangamata in a nutshell. One of the most popular holiday hotspots for Kiwis in the Coromandel, Whangamata is a blessed with a long stretch of sandy beach perfect for surfing, swimming or doing whatever it is you like to do at the beach. Just off the shores are islands to explore with tour operators happy to show you these gems. The town itself is a great place to wander around for shopping and an obligatory coffee. Find out more in this list of things to do in Whangamata!
While you’re here, you might also be interested in 9 Best Hotels in the Coromandel and 10 Features That Make The Coromandel Unique.
1. Swim or Surf at Whangamata Beach
This 6km (4 miles) white sandy beach is what makes Whangamata a summer hot spot. Hire a board or get lessons at the local surf school on Esplanade Drive. Surf patrol operates in summer from the Whangamata Surf Life Saving Club. Alternatively, beach time can be enjoyed through swimming or long walks on the beach with an ice cream in hand! There are multiple access points to the beach.
Location: Whangamata Beach
© Pxhere2. Walk to Wentworth Falls
For an inland adventure, explore the Wentworth Valley along the Wentworth Falls Track (2 hours return). Follow an easy grade track along the Wentworth River. There are two bridge crossings before ascending to an epic view of Wentworth Falls. There are two drops to the falls, both tumbling about 20m (66ft) each. The track continues higher to a basin at the top of the falls. There is a campground in the Wentworth Valley too. See more walks in the area in our 16 Awesome Hikes in The Coromandel.
Location: Wentworth Valley Road, 7km (4 miles) from Whangamata
© NZPocketGuide.com3. Kayak to the Whenuakura Wildlife Sanctuary
Known to the locals as “Donut Island” this island off the shores of Whangamata Beach is a hollow island only accessible through a 12m/40ft-high cave. Join a local tour company for a guided kayak or stand-up paddleboard tour into the centre of the island with towering cliffs and a crystal clear lagoon. The island is a protected wildlife sanctuary so you are asked not to set foot on the island.
Location: Whenuakura Island just off Whangamata Beach
© NZPocketGuide.com4. Discover the Town’s Shops and Cafes
Whangamata offers some of the best shopping in the region, particularly boutique shopping and speciality surf shops. There is also a unique coffee culture here with around 10 different cafes to choose from in this compact town. Take the time to wander and sample some treats for yourself.
Location: Whangamata town
© Pexels5. Visit the Opoutere Beach and Coastal Bird Reserve
An excellent outing for nature lovers is at OpoutereBeach, just a short drive from Whangamata. Opoutere Beach lies at the southern end of the Wharekawa Harbour and is a protected breeding ground for rare species like the New Zealand dotterel. There is a 45-minute return walk along a boardwalk to see this area for yourself. Start by crossing a wooden footbridge leading into a pine tree forest before the walk turns into a boardwalk over a sandspit. Find out more about the beaches in the area in 10 Coromandel Beaches You Can’t Miss.
Location: Opoutere Road, 11km (7 miles) north of Whangamata
© Glenn Howell on WikipediaMore Things to Do Near Whangamata
- 10 Features That Make The Coromandel Unique
- 10 Awesome Things to Do in Whitianga
- 5 Best Things to Do in Tairua & Pauanui
That’s it for the best things to do in Whangamata. Find more activities for your travels in the 51 Best Things to Do on the North Island.
Sources:
The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:
- Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2024])
- Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2024])
- AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2024])
- Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2024])
- NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2024])
- Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (Road and transport tips - Updated [2024])
- DriveSafe (Road safety - Updated [2024])
- Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2024])
- Safe Travel (NZ travel advisories - Updated [2024])
- Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2024])
- TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2024])
- The Coromandel (Regional tourism website)
- Thames-Coromandel District Council (Local council website)
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