Whangamata

Whangamatā is a coastal town on the Coromandel Peninsula in the Waikato region, located on State Highway 25 approximately 50 km south of Whitianga. It is one of New Zealand's most popular summer holiday destinations with a long white sand beach.

Whangamatā Beach stretches for several kilometres and is patrolled in summer. The town has a holiday atmosphere with beachfront accommodation, cafes, and shops. Whenuapo (Billy Goat Point) and Hauturu (Clark Point) shelter the beach.

By Plane

The nearest major airports are Tauranga (TRG), approximately 70 km south, and Auckland (AKL), approximately 160 km north-west.

By Car / Road

Whangamatā is on State Highway 25, about a 1.5-hour drive from Tauranga and 2 hours from Auckland via the Coromandel Peninsula.

The town walkable. A car is needed for the wider peninsula.

Whangamatā Beach — A long white sand surf beach. Patrolled in summer.

Whangamatā Estuary — Sheltered estuary at the southern end of the beach, good for kayaking.

Wentworth Valley — Walking track to a waterfall in native bush.

Whenuakite River — River access.

Swim and surf at Whangamatā Beach. Walk the beach and estuary. Kayak in the estuary. Walk the Wentworth Valley track.

Whangamatā has cafes, restaurants, and takeaways, particularly around the beach.

Cafes serve coffee. The town has several bars.

Whangamatā has a holiday park, motels, apartments, and holiday homes.

Whangamatā has supermarkets and beach shops.

• Tairua — 20 km north, coastal town
• Hahei — 30 km north, Cathedral Cove
• Hot Water Beach — 25 km north, natural hot springs on the beach
• Whitianga — 50 km north, Mercury Bay
• Coromandel Town — 80 km north-west, historic gold town