Athenree Local Activities, Cafe's and Restaurants
Scenic Walks & Train Rides
Hauraki Rail Trail & Waihi Bicycle Hire
The Hauraki Rail Trail is an easy grade-one cycle trail in the beautiful Coromandel. Thames to Paeroa (33km), Paeroa to Te Aroha (21km), Paeroa to Waikino (14km), Waikino to Waihi (9km). If you don't have your own bike you can hire one from Waihi Bicycle Hire 021 023 21523. Then treat your self afterwards with a soothing soak in our hot pools! Image "Biking Owharoa Falls" - thanks to www.thecoromandel.com
Goldfield Train Ride
All aboard the diesel or steam train at the Goldfield Heritage Railway and take a delightfully nostalgic journey from the historic gold mining town of Waihi to Waikino, the gateway to the Karangahake Gorge. This is a 6.5km journey you don’t want to miss. Allow about an hour and 15 minutes for a return trip or half an hour for one way. There are souvenirs and refreshments available at Waikino Station Café.
Golden Cross Mine Walkway
Closed down in 1997, the Golden Cross Mine site is now a working farm. A well signposted walkway with interpretation signs guides visitors around the site explaining the rich mining history. The restoration of the site is very interesting and the views breathtaking. There is another track that follows the western boundary of the mining lease and continues over the saddle into the Maratoto Valley. This walk is best suited for advanced trampers. Image: "The Cornish Pumphouse sits on the skyline above Waihi, Coromandel's heart of gold" thanks to www.thecoromandel.com
Karangahake Gorge Historic Walkway
You can take several walks from Karangahake visitor’s centre; some of them are also suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. One of the best ones follows the Ohinemuri River to the Owharoa Falls, to the Victoria battery site at Waikino and the 1900s railway. This walk includes a 1km long brick tunnel and takes about 1.5 hours to finish but there are some shorter options too. Spectacular scenery can be experienced by following the old water supply pipeline track from Karangahake up to the Waitawheta River to Dickey’s Flat. The "Windows" walk - so-called because of the spectacular views offered from mine adits overlooking the Waitawheta gorge is a circular track through bush and tunnels starting from the Karangahake parking area. There are nearby tunnels with glow worms - ask at Reception for directions. Image: "View of the Karangahake Gorge from the Windows Walkway" thanks to www.thecoromandel.com
Orokawa Walkway
This half hour walk takes you from the northern end of Waihi Beach to beautiful, secluded Orokawa Bay, one of the scenic jewels in the area. It is a great place to enjoy the spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and Waihi Beach. From the far end of Orokawa Beach, marker posts show the way along a slightly tougher 1.5km track to the 28m high William Wright Falls.
Trig Walk
Trig walk is Waihi Beach’s newest walking track & is one of the must-do walks in Waihi Beach. Trig walk is a 3km return bush walk on a gravel trail which will take approximately 90 minutes. The track leads from the old reservoir to a lookout point at a trig station 151 metres above sea level. The steep walk up is definitely worth the view at the top! From the Trig lookout, you will enjoy spectacular views of Waihi Beach, Tauranga harbour and the Western Bay. The track is steep with sections of steps, so ensure you have sturdy walking shoes. To get to the Trig track, drive up Pacific Rd, go left at the top & park the car in the water reservoir car park. Take the bridge to your left and head up the track with the reservoir on your right.
Great Walks Nearby
There are many opportunities to go for lovely bush or beach walks in the area of Athenree. Near to the Athenree Hot Springs & Holiday Park, you can go for a lovely walk along the shores of Tauranga Harbour or a bit further down, in the Bowentown Domain. The Bowentown Headlands, only a few minutes drive from Athenree, divides the Pacific Ocean from Anzac Bay. Climb up for some stunning views or climb down and explore the caves and cliffs. There are walking tracks throughout the headland. From here, you can also start your stroll along beautiful Waihi Beach.
Other Attractions
Bullswool Farm Park
Take the kids here - a great day out for the family. Wander around the farm and feed this friendly, unique collection of critters. Located about 20km from the park toward Paeroa off SH2 - take Rahu Road as you exit the Karangahake Gorge, and follow the signs.
Coromandel Fishing Charters
Aboard the Joint Venture, you will experience unforgettable fishing off the Coromandel.
Cafes, Restaurants and Takeaways
There are plenty of choices when it comes to cafes, takeaways and restaurants. After all that walking, surfing, shopping, swimming and exploring we are sure you will have built up an appetite!
Close to your Athenree accommodation you will find anything from traditional to contemporary international cuisine, great fish & chips, tasty burgers, award winning sausages, Chinese or Thai food, pancakes and locally-made natural ice cream - there's something for everyone!
Just a few options of eateries in the area Athenree Hot Springs & Holiday Park can recommend:
