The attractive combination of sand, surf and native forest makes Whangamata a popular destination for summer holidays. Find a spot on the four kilometre ocean beach or swim in the safe waters of the harbour.
The town has two ocean beaches, both of which are extremely safe for swimming and surfing. There is a safe boating harbour at the North end of the town and another estuary at the South end. Both the harbour and estuary provide good swimming for families. 15 minutes drive south of Whangamata is the quietly popular beach Whiritoa. Other beaches just north of Whangamata are Onemana (about 15 minutes) and Opoutere (15 minutes).
There are two golf courses in the area and plenty of charter boats waiting to take you diving or game fishing. Just behind the town, the Coromandel Forest Park is a place for hiking, mountain biking and hunting. The Wentworth Falls walk is particularly lovely.
Whangamata has numerous cafés, restaurants, motels and beach cottages. Arts and crafts shops provide interesting shopping opportunities.