Location: Whangamata
Top Things to do in Whangamata
What to do and see in Whangamata, New Zealand: The Best Places and Tips
The town of Whangamata (Maori: "Whangamatā") is sited on the southeast coast of the Coromandel Peninsula in the North Island of New Zealand. It is located 30 kilometres north of Waihi, to the north of the western extremity of the Bay of Plenty.
Restaurants in Whangamata
1. Whangamata Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 317 reviews
Reviewed By JohnSB3 - Wellington, New Zealand
The Whangamata beach is one of the best in the country in my opinion. It is long and flat, good even sand stretching out slowly, with good breakers; enough to keep the surfers interested and for the boogy boarders there's more than enough life. At the water's edge toddlers revel under the watchful eye of mum and dad, and along the beach there's always sandcastles being built. In the main part of the beach a surf life saving club operates in holiday periods when there are also displays, lessons,competitions and other forms of entertainment. Behind the club house is a park where Concerts are held and markets staged, and there's a famous beachfront cafe. Just back from the beach the streets are lined with summer homes, many of them lavish and expensive. But the beach is free, safe and very popular.
2. Kiwi Dundee Adventures
Overall Ratings
5 based on 49 reviews
Reviewed By Emily E
I co-led a group of 10 university students on a 14-day trip through New Zealand this past May. The highlight of our trip by far was our 5-day tour with Doug and Jan through Kiwi Dundee Adventures. Doug and Jan are incredibly kind, accomplished, down-to-earth people who felt like family by the end of our tour. We visited Tongariro National Park, Rotorua, Hobbiton, the Coromandel Peninsula, and Karangahake Gorge before finishing out tour in Auckland. They were very helpful during our planning process and customized the tour to our groups' interests. They developed a tour that was affordable for university students without sacrificing great experiences and high-quality accommodation along the way. I feel fortunate that we were able to experience New Zealand with Doug and Jan and would highly recommend Kiwi Dundee Adventures to anyone looking for a unique and enriching adventure.
3. Wentworth Valley
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 73 reviews
Reviewed By 763anne - Coromandel Peninsula, New Zealand
A great place to take the family, a group, several friends for a walk through this valley to the waterfall. Great place on a really hot day for a swim in one of the inviting water holes in the tinkling stream- nice and refreshing. Explore the tracks with nz native trees and some fascinating NZ insects. eg cave weta's. Once a gold mining area avoid going into the tunnels seen - in case you fall or the roof falls in. Ideal spot up the Wentworth for a picnic.
4. Whenuakura Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By BradJill - Hong Kong, China
We recently visited Whangamata Beach where you can see Whenuakura Island about 1 km out at sea. This is the largest of three Islands off the shore and is also referred to as the Donut Island. It is part of the Whangamata Islands Wildlife Sanctuary.
Unfortunately, it seems the DOC has now banned landings on Whenuakura to help protect and promote the wildlife sanctuary and limit human interaction with the wildlife there. As such, it seems you can't visit Whenuakura Island. It does however make a nice contribution to the nature beauty of the area and the local scenery. So have a look at it if and when visiting Whangamata Beach.
5. Surf N Stay New Zealand
Overall Ratings
5 based on 5 reviews
Surf n Stay New Zealand is the local Surf School in Whangamata and Activity's Store, operating from Williamson Park and the Surf n stay beach house. *Daily surf lessons- rentals of quality equipment wetsuits form Rip Curl Surfboards of all types *Sea Kayaks and Stand up paddle boards with Tours to Donut Island and Clark Island or Hire with self guiding. *School holiday Programs - For kids to develop the surf skills programs for our locals and fellow holiday makers that come to enjoy We are an Approved Surfing New Zealand Surf School and with certified coaches. * Retreats for woman with water activity's Yoga and veg food * Corporate team building packages
Reviewed By Rhian M - Auckland, New Zealand
Our son began with a couple of private lessons to find his feet then joined in the following School Holiday Surf Camp. The tutelage was excellent with a firm focus on safety, he learnt a lot in a short space of time, we felt safe with him being on the water after a couple of lessons. A warm, friendly and fun atmosphere was created by the teachers which ensured all the children bonded and has a fantastic time at the camp. The days were action packed with lots of great activities designed to improve their Surfing technique, our active son was exhausted at the end of each day. We found both the lessons and surf camp to be excellent value for money with unexpected additional extras including generous lesson times and some amazing images and video of our boy riding the waves to take home and keep! The equipment was to a high standard and they provided all we needed as beginners. We would highly recommend this surf school, our boy cant wait for his next chance to join a surf camp!
6. Surfsup Whangamata
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By Robin_Laura - Auckland Central, New Zealand
Oh man, we had such a blast with Naomi paddle-boarding to Donut Island. It was a great afternoon that lasted to the sunset. The gears were spot on, especially the life jackets (slick neoprene ones so we could move freely) and the scenery was stunning. We could not have asked for a better afternoon on the water. A must do in my book!
7. FishOn Charters
Overall Ratings
5 based on 3 reviews
FishOn Charters operate from the Whangamata Marina, offering fishing, diving, kayak, island tour or family fun on the ocean tours. Check out our website for charter options, information and pricing.
Reviewed By Julia O - Auckland
Our family (9 adults and 4 children) went out for a half day fishing charter with Ian and Jules on FishOn and had a wonderful time! They were both professional and friendly in their work, cutting up bait, getting the smaller fish off the hooks and back into the sea, and helping where needed but they were never in the way as we spent our hours pulling in a variety of fish. The two spots we fished in were both steady in their supply of fish, keeping us busy and smiling.
The boat was perfect with plenty of room for everyone with access to upstairs and inside the cabin. It was a bit rough on the sea that day and Jules had a supply of ginger nuts and ginger beer to settle the stomach, a kind and unexpected touch which was very much appreciated by all! Despite the choppy waters we always felt safe and Ian was a great skipper.
As part of the day we also went to a gorgeous island where we had a walk along the sandy beach before returning back to Whangamata.
The bait was provided and certainly attracted the fish. The rods provided (on request) were of good quality.
All in all it was a fabulous day! Would certainly recommend and hope to get back one day.
8. The Little Gallery Whangamata
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
Visit The Little Gallery, where discerning art enthusiasts can enjoy and purchase affordable, quality artwork by leading local artists. This diverse, intimate gallery prides itself on offering 'a little of the best,' representing over 50 artists from the Coromandel and around New Zealand. The space is a must-see cultural destination for tourists, offering a snapshot of the local arts culture.
Reviewed By ivanhelenperry - Gympie, Australia
Friendly staff. Very delightful place with plenty to see and enjoy. Well worth the visit. highly recommend.
9. Whangamata Surf School
Overall Ratings
4 based on 1 reviews
Quality surf lessons and hire on the beautiful Whangamata Beach. All owners and staff are locals who will help you find the best waves for you skill level. Coaches are all Surfing new Zealand Qualified instructors and know how to best advance you Surfing while having some fun!
Reviewed By Simon R
I took my 12 year old son to Whangamatā Surf School twice this week - so my experience, for the most part, was a positive one. The first time was with his friend (slightly older) and again by himself a few days later to consolidate what he had learned. Matt was the instructor both times and he was ‘awesome and great to learn to surf with’ - a positive vote from my son. I paid $80 for each boy for the first lesson ($160 total - 2:1) and $90 for the second lesson (one on one). My son had a great time, he was standing and riding the waves no problem, he was exhausted afterward, which is a good thing. The only moan I have is that I had booked online for an 11am appointment and received a confirmation email immediately after making that booking. When I arrived (after a 40 minute drive) I was told that I had been emailed back saying that the instructor was doubled booked and that the phone number I provided was wrong. I’m still waiting for the email, and the phone number was the same as the number that a staff member called me on for the first appointment. The downside for the 1pm booking, as opposed to the 11am, was the tide had tuned, the wind had picked up and the sets were messy. A minor gripe I know, but I feel a little ripped off. The double booking wasn’t my fault maybe the another instructor should have been arranged. Saying that my son loved the lessons and is real keen to get Surfing...he has got the bug.
10. Ocean Beach Charters
Our charter boat "Sagai" is a brand new custom built, super fast, 6.9m Senator sport fisherman. Based at Whangamata and built to survey she is equipped with all safety equipment, full electronics toilet and bunks for total comfort. She carries a party of 4 plus the skipper and has ample fishing and diving room. With highly experienced skipper Scott Cornwall at the helm you will be able to hook into big Snapper, New Zealand Yellowtail Kingfish and other sports fish. Diver Bevan Wilson rounds out the team, bringing his vast spearfishing experience to the party.
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