Waihi Beach
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Waihi Beach is a coastal town at the western end of the Bay of Plenty in New Zealand's North Island. It lies 10 kilometres to the east of the town of Waihi, at the foot of the Coromandel Peninsula.
Māori have lived in the region since pre-European times, with numerous pa sites within a few kilometres of Waihi Beach. European settlement began in earnest with the discovery of gold in 1870, but the ores were difficult to access, and the only viable mine within the region for many years was the large Martha's Mine operation at Waihi.
Waihi Beach and the nearby settlement of Bowentown at the western end of Tauranga Harbour are popular holiday resorts. Their combined population is around 1900. Bowentown has its very own BMX track which is free for all to use, right next to a popular holiday park.