Waihi Gold Discovery Centre & Mine Tours

The Waihi Gold Discovery Centre & Mine Tours is a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in the history of gold mining in New Zealand.

Located at 126 Seddon Street, Waihi, the centre offers a range of activities that are both educational and entertaining. Visitors can start their journey with an interactive and award-winning experience at the Waihi Gold Experience. This hands-on experience provides visitors of all ages with unique opportunities to dig into the lives of the early miners and their families. You'll find out what drives this quest for gold and silver, and how we use these precious metals once we’ve extracted them.After setting the scene in the Waihi Gold Experience, visitors can head out onto the modern gold mine site with a local tour guide. Although mining operations are normally off-limits to the public, Waihi Gold Mine Tours has the exclusive rights to take visitors inside the security fence to experience modern-day gold mining up close. Visitors will be shown the complete process and learn how today’s miners extract the gold and silver from the quartz rock and turn it into bars of bullion.The Gold Discovery Centre is easy to find and is located opposite the Cornish Pumphouse. Visitors can also take advantage of the bicycle hire service available at the centre and explore the surrounding area. The centre is also home to the Waihi i-SITE, which provides visitors with information on the local area and other attractions.The Waihi Gold Discovery Centre & Mine Tours is a great place to visit for families, groups, and individuals. The centre offers a range of activities that cater to different interests and ages. Visitors can also take part in the Goldfields Heritage Railway tour, which takes them on a historic train ride from Waihi Station to Waikino Station. Visitors can also bike the wonder section of the Karangahake Gorge among the relics of gold fever and re-trace their route back to Waihi on the Hauraki Rail Trail.The centre has received positive reviews from visitors who have praised the interactive exhibits, friendly and helpful staff, and the overall experience. The Waihi Gold Discovery Centre & Mine Tours is a top-rated attraction in the NZ Lonely Planet and has been recommended by many visitors. Overall, the centre is a great place to learn about the history of gold mining in New Zealand and to experience modern-day gold mining up close.