Whangamata, is located on the east coast of the Coromandel Peninsula, 23 miles (37km) north of Waihi Beach at the western end of the Bay of Plenty, and 82 mile (135km) drive south from Auckland.

Whangamata is a small town with a population of less than 4000, but is still the third most populated town on the peninsula.

Whangamata's main attraction to the visitor is its scenic beauty.  The town has two wide. golden beaches, both of which are safe for swimming and surfing, plus there are a number of great additional beaches both north and south of the town.  Off shore, there are a number of small islands, one of which it is possible to wade to at low tide, and the others are all accessable by kayaks, for some great exploring.

The town has a number of attractions for visitors, other than the beaches, including a swimming pool complex, sea fishing, boat tours, kayaking, surfing, golf, as well as a variety of arts and handmade crafts and some chic cafes, bistros and restaurants to experience.   The nearby Coromandel Forest Park offers many outdoor activities and experiences, including walks, hikes, mountain bike trails, and old gold mining sites to explore.