A Goldmining Treasure: Waihi in Its Heyday

In the early 1900s, gold-mining towns like Waihi experienced a period of rapid growth, fuelled by the booming demand for gold. At the peak of the gold rush, Waihi’s population even outnumbered Hamilton’s, an indication of just how significant the town was at the time.
The photograph featured here is thought to date from around 1902, the year Waihi was officially proclaimed a borough. As with many remote gold towns, its long-term growth was limited by reliance on a single industry.
The arrival of the railway in 1905, connecting Waihi to Paeroa, Tauranga, and eventually Taneatua, created a stronger transport link to Auckland, albeit via a roundabout route. Despite this, Waihi never developed large-scale industry beyond mining.
Much has changed in Waihi since the early 20th century, but it remains a charming and lively town with a proud heritage. Today, it continues to celebrate its goldmining past while serving as a popular stop for travellers exploring the Coromandel and Bay of Plenty regions.

If you have any information you would like to pass on or would like to buy an electronic copy of the photo, please e-mail archives@hcc.govt.nz quoting: HCL_01359