Orokawa Bay, photo supplied by Sport Bay of Plenty
Advertorial
Waihi Beach and Coastline is another of the coastal Virtually on Track gems, this one being defined by nine kilometres of sweeping white sand stretched between a pair of picturesque play areas. On its inland side, this gem takes in coastal forest to the north around Orokawa Bay then arcs southward to enclose Black Hill near Waihi township and the Athenree wetland before reaching Bowentown on the edge of Tauranga Harbour. With the mix of dead flat beach and undulating coastal tracks and trails, this Gem caters strongly for walking, and trail running and features mountain biking tracks as well at Black Hills.
With one of the safest surf beaches in New Zealand, there are endless opportunities to enjoy the Pacific Ocean, from kayaking to stand-up paddleboarding and surfing. There is also the opportunity to become involved with restoration work along the coastal dunes and at Athenree wetlands.
Trail running - The Great OH Trail
TOTAL ROUTE DISTANCE: 14km return (up to 21km with side trips)
TIME TO RUN: 1½hrs (Elite) - 3hrs (Novice) not including side trips
TOTAL ASCENT: approx 600m. TOTAL DESCENT approx 600m
TYPE OF TRAIL RUN: Out and back (or one-way if you can shuttle cars)
DIFFICULTY: Easy - Moderate
DEFINING CHARACTERISTICS: Beautiful single track, mostly well made but with occasional rougher sections. A few short, sharp climbs. 100 percent runnable if fit & strong.
FEATURES OF INTEREST: Stunning coastline fringed with pohutakawa trees - it would be stunning to run when they are in flower - and beautiful golden sand beaches. One to take your time over, even pack a picnic and your togs.
RUN IT: Starting at the northern end of Waihi Beach find the trail and follow it north keeping the coast to your right. It is well signposted the whole way and there's really nowhere that you can go wrong. You will climb over one headland before dropping to the lovely Orokawa Bay. The trail here threads its way through pohutakawas at the back of a stunning golden sand beach. Just after climbing out of Orokawa Bay you'll see a side track heading inland to the 30m high William Wright Falls. This is a worthwhile excursion that adds about 3km of rough stuff and numerous stream crossings. Continuing north the trail clings to the headlands and cliffs and has a spectacular open section where it crosses a creek. Just before reaching Homunga Bay there is another side trail that climbs steeply for a couple of km through farmland to reach the end of Ngatiangata Road, east of Waihi township. You could add this is in as an extra or if you have more than one vehicle you could run the track one-way starting from this road end. Homunga Bay and beach are stunning. Well worth taking some time out before turning on your heels and heading back the way you came.
If you feel like taking on an iconic multisport challenge, then you are in the right spot at Waihi Beach! The Nugget MultiSport Festival began in 2010 and the event has grown every year since. It brings you all that is great about being outdoors and active, and rolls it into an event that everyone can be part of. There's the Full Nugget Multisport Race, Half Nugget Duathlon, 21km Trail Run and the 10km or 5km off-road Run/Walk events, so we really do have something for everyone!
Combine all this with the carnival atmosphere at the magnificent finishing arena under the Cornish Pumphouse and you're set for an awesome weekend. Come and discover gold at The Nugget Multisport Festival, Waihi and Waihi Beach. Entries for 2016 open on 1st December 2015.
Codeword: NUGGET