Waihi Gold Discovery Centre & Mine Tours — Attraction in North Island

I had previously left a 1 star negative review of this place. Which I now find to of been removed! What the hell!! that drops the credibility of google reviews. That the company can remove them!! They didn’t even have the courtesy to reply! Here’s my previous review....(minus another company’s name. Maybe that’s why it was removed. Who knows)

The most disappointing trip 😞. I had previously been to other gold mine experiences. I loved it! buzzing! I am so interested in the whole process of mining from the geology, the mine, the process of extraction and the uses it can provide. So I was really excited for this trip as it was a working mine and costing $36 I thought it would be so much more. I was so disheartened when I realised that most of the trip was quite literally ‘behind the fence’ the other side of which you can walk around for free. Which I had previously done the day before. Staying in Waihi only for this trip the next day. Most of which the guide talked about, was how the mine pays and supports the town. Ok fair enough good to know. But really dragged out for quite some time...The second part was going to the mine. we then found out that we don’t actually go into the mine or see any of the gold making process or mining process. Non of the pictures you see like’ the gold being poured’ which is on the front window of the shop front. Just a quick wip around outside. Where we then went to some info on boards. Now if this trip had been the $12 like the previous trip had been. Then ok fine. But for $36 that is probably one of the worst value for money museum/ tour/ experiences I have ever had. It’s a shame as the staff at the shop front where so nice and helpful. I said I would most probably do the other part of the museum as well. But this did not happen after feeling ripped off and to be honest very disheartened. It killed the mining...

The Waihi Gold Recovery Centre, located near the iconic Martha Pit in Waihi, New Zealand, is an excellent destination for anyone interested in learning about the region's rich mining history and the process of gold recovery. This fascinating center provides an educational and insightful experience for visitors, making it a must-see for history buffs and those curious about the gold mining industry.

The center offers a unique opportunity to explore how gold is extracted and processed, with informative exhibits and interactive displays that cover the entire mining process, from excavation to recovery. The knowledgeable staff are passionate about the industry and are more than happy to share insights into the technology and methods used in the modern-day gold recovery process. Visitors can learn about the history of the Martha Pit, which has been in operation for over 100 years, and its significance to the local community.

One of the highlights of the Waihi Gold Recovery Centre is the chance to view the Martha Pit itself, which is an impressive open-pit gold mine. The sheer scale of the pit is awe-inspiring, and visitors can get a real sense of the engineering feats involved in extracting gold from the earth. The view from the viewing platform is breathtaking, offering a clear perspective of the pit’s depth and the surrounding landscape.

The center is well-maintained, with informative signage and a comfortable, welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re visiting with family, friends, or on your own, the Waihi Gold Recovery Centre is a fascinating and educational stop that provides a deeper understanding of New Zealand’s gold mining heritage. Highly recommended for anyone interested in learning more about this unique aspect...

I felt this tour offered no value for money. We initially saw the tour endorsed on Lonely Planet, and also the leaflets made it seem as if you could enter at least some of the mine. This is not the case at all.

First you drive up to a fence to look into the Martha Mine (which you can also do for free without a tour). After 45 minutes standing next to the mine hole, you drive to a field to look at the entrance of the mine tunnel from far away. Next stop is the mine working area where you are considered lucky to spot some working trucks. Tour finishes with looking at some rocks.

The people running the tour were nice, however we were disappointed as we saw hardly anything. The tour was over priced at 36 dollars per person.

I guess it could be interesting if you knew beforehand that there is no actual entry to the mining areas and that you only see a few things...