Gold Discovery Centre

26/09/2024

½ price entry to the Waihi Gold Experience up to Sunday 30th September.
By the late 1800s, with the improvement in mining technology, Waihi started to boom. By 1900 Waihi was the second biggest town in the Auckland province, with a population of over 5,000 people and 5 pubs!
Find out more about Waihi’s fascinating gold mining story at the Gold Discovery Centre – it’s a story that now spans three centuries.
Come and help us celebrate our 10-year milestone with ½ price entry to the Waihi Gold Experience up the to Sunday 30th September.
Check our website for opening hours: www.golddiscoverycentre.co.nz

25/09/2024

SUCH A FASCINATING STORY...
Did you know it was Billy Nicholl that first named his gold mine in Waihi ‘Martha’ after his favourite niece!
Some 145 years later the Martha Mine is still operating, currently beneath the open-pit, as a modern-day underground mining operation.
Find out more about Waihi’s fascinating gold mining story at the Gold Discovery Centre – it’s a story that now spans three centuries.
Come and help us celebrate our 10-year milestone with ½ price entry to the Waihi Gold Experience until the 30th September 2024.
Check our website for opening hours: www.golddiscoverycentre.co.nz

22/09/2024

WE'VE HAD AMAZING FEEDBACK OVER THE LAST 10 YEARS

“Gold mining knowledge =10/10, History =10/10.
A great place to discover more about the region's history as a gold mining town. They still mine gold even until today! You also get to know more about the gold mining process, from a huge rock to bullion.”
Google review from Howard.

Come and find out more about the fascinating 146-year journey of gold mining in Waihi.
The award winning Waihi Gold Experience will help to uncover and understand this story that started way back in 1878, and still continues today.
To celebrate the Gold Discovery Centre 10-year anniversary we’re offering ½ price entry to the Waihi Gold Experience from the 20th of September to the 30th September.

Check our website for opening hours on: www.golddiscoverycentre.co.nz

18/09/2024

Wow, it’s been 10 years since the Gold Discovery Centre opened its doors!
It was Friday 26th September 2014 that the official opening took place. At that time the GDC included the Waihi isite Visitor Information Centre, the Waihi Gold Experience and Waihi Gold Mine Tours. Waihi Bicycle Hire has been added to mix in recent years.
Come and help us celebrate our 10-year milestone with ½ price entry to the Waihi Gold Experience from the 20th of September to the 30th September.
Check our website for opening hours: www.golddiscoverycentre.co.nz

16/09/2024

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS IN WAIHI
Come and help us celebrate 10 years since the Gold Discovery Centre opened its doors.
To mark this milestone, we’re offering all of our visitors ½ price entry to the Waihi Gold Experience for 10 days from the 20th to the 30th of September.
For locals, it’s a great chance to check out your town’s gold mining journey. The Waihi Gold Experience provides a hands-on, immersive overview of our fascinating story that now spans three centuries, and still continues today.
Check our website for opening hours: www.golddiscoverycentre.co.nz

14/09/2024

Part-time summer work at WAIHI'S GOLD DISCOVERY CENTRE and isite.
The Waihi Gold Discovery Centre is a vibrant visitor hub offering tourism services to visitors from around the country and the world. As we prepare for the up-coming summer season we are looking for more team members to help deliver our great range of visitor experiences.
We have casual part-time positions available for our Mine Tours, information and customer services and Bike Hire over the busy summer season. For all these rolls you’ll need to be a people person and have great customer service experience and skills. For our Mine Tours you will need a clean driver’s license and having a class 2 license and passenger endorsement would be an advantage.
If you like interacting with people from all parts of the world, and think you’ve got skills that will add value to their experience with us, then we’d like to hear from you.
Please email Eddie at: [email protected] with a copy of your CV, plus a short overview of how you think you will add value to our team.
Applications close 27 September 2024.

27/06/2024

It's great to bring visitors to town in the depths of winter...

06/01/2024

Plan your holiday week ahead with Waihi isite Visitor Centre

05/01/2024

GET INSIDE THE FENCE
A Waihi Gold Mine Tour offers an exclusive window into the world of gold mining, and provides visitors with a fascinating, 'behind the scenes' insight and experience only available via our tour.

The tour includes an 'Inside the fence" visit to Martha Mine, an iconic open-pit gold and silver mine. Guides will offer explanations of the modern mining techniques employed, showcasing the technology and processes involved in extracting precious metals from the earth.

You'll also get a glimpse into Waihi's historical gold mining heritage that now spans three centuries

A Waihi Gold Mine Tour provides a comprehensive, educational and entertaining overview of the town's mining history, modern mining practices, and the significance of gold to the region. It's a unique and immersive experience that offers a deeper understanding of Waihi, New Zealand's Heart of Gold.

BOOKINGS ARE ESSENTIAL
Ph: 07 863 9015

29/12/2023

These holidays, explore the core of Waihi, New Zealand's heart of gold, with an unforgettable 'Inside the Fence' Gold Mine Tour.

Witness the marvels of modern mining at the Martha Mine, guided by experts who unveil the town's rich history through this exclusive and immersive experience.

Create golden memories and uncover the treasures of Waihi on a journey that promises both excitement and insight.

Secure your spot now, as bookings are essential: 07 8763 9015

Waihi has been famous for gold since 1878 and has a compelling story. Experience that story, that sp

27/12/2023

Too hot outside? Bring the family along to the Waihi Gold Experience for all-weather entertainment and fun.

Open 7 days a week from 9.00 am to 4.00 pm.

23/12/2023

HOLIDAY OPENING HOURS
We will be closed for a short Christmas break on the 24th, 25th & 26th of December.

We're open 7 days a week 9:00 am to 4:00 pm from Wednesday the 27th December.

Visit us at the Waihi Gold Discovery Centre for an immersive experience into the fascinating world of gold mining.
Unearth the town's rich history through interactive exhibits, captivating displays, and hands-on activities for all ages.
Our knowledgeable staff is eager to share stories of Waihi's golden past, making your visit educational and entertaining. Discover the allure of gold at the Waihi Gold Discovery Centre, where history comes to life in a truly engaging and enriching way.

P: (07) 863 9015
E: [email protected]

BOOKINGS RECOMMENDED for Waihi Gold Mine Tours & Waihi Bicycle Hire.

Discover treasure in Waihi, New Zealand’s Heart of Gold... Across the globe, for thousands of years, one particular treasure has captivated us like no other; gold.

19/12/2023

Unlock the secrets of Waihi's gold mining heritage with a 'Get Inside the Fence' Gold Mine Tour.
Venture beyond the ordinary as expert guides lead you through the story of the Martha Mine, sharing fascinating insights into its operations and history.
Witness the magnitude of modern mining and explore areas inaccessible to the public. This exclusive tour offers a unique perspective, making it a must for those seeking an in-depth understanding of Waihi's golden treasures.
Bookings are ESSENTIAL

Discover treasure in Waihi, New Zealand’s Heart of Gold... Across the globe, for thousands of years, one particular treasure has captivated us like no other; gold.

19/12/2023

Immerse yourself in Waihi's glittering golden legacy with interactive exhibits, showcasing the triumphs and challenges of hard-rock gold mining through time.
Delve into the depths of the Martha Mine, marvel at the modern extraction process, and experience the thrill of discovery.
This immersive encounter offers a unique blend of education and entertainment, making the Waihi Gold Experience a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and curious minds alike.

Waihi has been famous for gold since 1878 and has a compelling story. Experience that story, that sp

17/12/2023

Waihi Bicycle Hire offers a seamless experience, providing well-maintained bikes for an enjoyable ride.

Embark on a cycling journey along the Hauraki Rail Trail between Waihi and Karangahake Gorge with the convenience of Waihi Bicycle Hire.
As you pedal through this picturesque route, you'll be immersed in the stunning landscapes and rich history of the region.
Waihi Bicycle Hire offers a seamless experience, providing well-maintained bikes for an enjoyable ride.

Here's a list of must-do activities to make the most of your cycling adventure:

Waihi to Karangahake Gorge Ride: Revel in the scenic beauty as you pedal through the Hauraki Rail Trail, connecting Waihi and Karangahake Gorge.
Gold Discovery Centre: Explore Waihi's mining history with a visit to the Gold Discovery Centre, offering fascinating insights into the town's golden past.
Martha Mine Lookout: Take a detour to the Martha Mine Lookout for panoramic views of the expansive open pit.
Karangahake Gorge Tunnel: Cycle through the historic Karangahake Gorge Tunnel, a highlight of the trail with its unique atmosphere and history.
Owharoa Falls: A short side trip will lead you to Owharoa Falls, a hidden gem surrounded by lush greenery.
Karangahake Windows Walk: Stretch your legs with a walk through the Karangahake Windows Walk, offering glimpses into the area's rich mining heritage.
Refresh at Cafés: Stop at charming cafés along the trail, such as those in Waihi or Waikino, to indulge in local treats and refreshments.
Photographic Opportunities: Capture the breathtaking landscapes, historic landmarks, and natural beauty along the way.

Enjoy the ride and make lasting memories along this easy, grade 1 scenic route with Waihi Bicycle Hire. We'll allowing you to focus on the adventure and exploration that awaits on the Hauraki Rail Trail.

15/09/2023

Part-time Summer Positions | Waihi Gold Discovery Centre

As the summer season approaches we are looking for enthusiastic and energetic people to join our team. To meet the needs of our busier summer trade we have part-time roles available in the customer service and tour guide areas.

As the key visitor hub for the Waihi area, the Gold Discovery Centre delivers a wide range of visitor services including local experiences, tours, bike hire activities and visitor information.

The work will be varied, so you’ll need to have a can-do attitude and enjoy interacting with people from all around the world. A good understanding and ability to deliver great customer service is an important requirement, and for our tour guides holding a clean Class 1 & 2 NZ Drivers Licence and Passenger Endorsement will be an additional requirement.

Work hours will be on a roster system, and can vary depending on seasonal demands, and will included regular weekend work. Showing flexibility around days of work is essential for our business operation in effectively delivering our great visitor experiences.

If you would like to find out more about these opportunities, please email a brief overview of your interest and relevant experiences to:
Eddie Morrow on [email protected]

Waihi has been famous for gold since 1878 and has a compelling story. Experience that story, that sp