Destination guides > Pacific Islands > New Zealand > Waikato > Coromandel Peninsula > Whangamata
Whangamata
Whangamata is a gold-rush town of 3,555 people on the southeast coast of the Coromandel Peninsula, and is known as one of New Zealand’s best surf spots. The town and its 4km of white sand beach are overrun by surfers during the summer holidays (Dec-Jan), but is quiet otherwise throughout the year.
Whangamata borders the Coromandel Forest Park and Tairua Forest and there are bush walks, mountain biking trails and old gold mining sites to visit. There are some islands easily accessible from Whangamata as well. Hauturu (or Clark) Island can be waded out to during low tide, or reached by kayak. And about 1km away is Whenuakura, or Donut Island, so called because of a large collapsed blow hole that has formed a beach inside the island.
Practical information
Whangamata i-SITE Visitor Centre
616 Port Road, Whangamata
Tel (07) 865 8340
Website www.whangamatainfo.co.nz
Open 9am-5pm daily
Coming & going
InterCity Coachlines (tel (09) 623 1503) goes to Auckland and Whitianga and Go Kiwi Shuttles (tel 0800 446 549) have services to Auckland and Tauranga/Mount Maunganui.
Buses stop outside the library (620 Port Road, Whangamata).
Hostel accommodation
Southpacific Accommodation (Garden Tourist Lodge)
245 Port Road, Whangamata
Tel (07) 865 9580
Whangamata Backpackers Hostel
227 Beverley Terrace, Whangamata
Tel (07) 865 8323
