Spike’s Bricks & Models

Located in the heart of Waihi, just around the corner from the Gold Discovery Centre, Spikes Bricks and Models is a welcoming, family friendly attraction packed with floor-to-ceiling LEGO creations. Visitors will find everything from rare sets to large-scale builds, including a striking 6-metre Hogwarts Castle and fully functioning Technic fairground models that draw a crowd on their own.

Spike, the enthusiastic owner, has spent years building and collecting. His friendly explanations and stories make the visit even more enjoyable. The space is also highly interactive—after exploring the impressive displays, children can head to the dedicated play zones, where tubs of bricks allow them to build their own creations inspired by the models around them.

Spikes is known for being relaxed, affordable, and easy to navigate. The attraction is often praised for its hands-on nature and for offering something different from the typical regional museum experience.

Waihi

Waihi is a small but energetic town at the southern end of the Coromandel Peninsula, well known for its gold-mining history and access to outdoor adventures. When planning a visit to Spikes Bricks and Models, many families also combine the experience with other Waihi activities, as the town is compact and simple to explore in a day.

Gold and Heritage Attractions

Waihi is home to the richest gold mine in New Zealand, and gold mining continues today. The Waihi Gold Discovery Centre, located just around the corner from Spikes, offers hands-on mining exhibits, storytelling, and modern interactive displays that help visitors learn about the region’s past and present. Families can also join Gold Mine Tours, which take guests close to the edge of the huge Martha Mine pit and explain how mining has shaped the town.

The Goldfields Vintage Railway is another popular outing, with a short train trip between Waihi and Waikino. Kids especially enjoy the open carriages and the chance to explore the old Waikino Station area.

Outdoor Activities

Thanks to its location, Waihi has easy access to some of the Coromandel’s best scenery. Families who enjoy walking or biking can explore the Hauraki Rail Trail, including the iconic route through the Karangahake Gorge—a mix of bridges, mining tunnels, swing bridges and river views. The walkway through the gorge is suitable for most levels of fitness, and offers plenty of spots for photos and short breaks.

For those looking for a classic beach day, Waihi Beach is only ten minutes away by car. This wide, sandy beach is one of New Zealand’s safest family surf beaches and stretches for 9 kilometres, making it ideal for swimming, surfing lessons, sandcastle-building, or long walks.