Finlay and I recently headed to the Bay of Plenty for the opening of a fully accessible changing facility at Waihi Beach. The Bay of Plenty region is quickly becoming one of the best places in Aotearoa to find accessible beaches.
Just down the road at Tauranga City’s Pilot Bay, there are even rumours that it may soon become home to Aotearoa New Zealand’s first SeaTrac beach accessibility system, an independent ocean access system that allows wheelchair users to enter the water without assistance.
But Waihi Beach already has something just as powerful: a community determined to make accessibility happen.
How the Accessible Waihi Beach Movement Began
Waihi Beach has an incredible community that has rallied together to make accessibility and inclusion a reality.
It all began in 2021 when a resident posted on social media about their partner, who uses a wheelchair, being unable to get onto the beach. That post sparked what has since become known as the Accessible Waihi Beach movement.
Community groups, residents and organisations quickly got behind the idea and began fundraising and planning accessibility improvements.
Their first step was raising funds for:
- Two beach wheelchairs
- Accessible beach matting to cross the soft sand
The wheelchairs were donated by a local real estate company and a community member, while the matting was funded through community fundraising and support from disability organisations.
The goal was simple: enable wheelchair users, older people and families to reach the shoreline.
Beach Matting and Wheelchair Access
The beach mats were installed near the surf club at the northern end of the beach.
Today they provide around 80 metres of firm matting, allowing wheelchairs, mobility scooters and pushchairs to travel across the sand.
Key features
- Seasonal installation from Labour Weekend to Easter
- Connects the carpark and facilities to the shoreline
- Maintained by volunteers and the surf lifesaving club
The beach wheelchairs are stored at Tasman Holiday Parks, Waihi Beach and can be booked for use.
Since installing the matting and wheelchairs, the beach has quickly become a hub for inclusive activities.
These include:
- Adaptive surfing days
- School visits from Goldfields School
- Trips for residents from Waihi Lifecare
Adaptive Surfing at Waihi Beach
When we attended the opening of the new changing facility, we were lucky enough to see one of the adaptive surfing days in action.
It was such a buzz seeing everyone out there catching waves.
There was even an opportunity for Finlay to try surfing. We were asked several times, but given Finlay’s dislike of “tummy time” I suspected it might feel like a lot of effort for him, and possibly lead to a rather unhappy Finlay.
The instructor replied, “We can do it on his back if he likes!”
In the end, I decided against it. Finlay can experience muscle spasms when placed in unfamiliar active positions, and there’s always a risk it could trigger a seizure.
I hate feeling like I might be the barrier to potential fun for him, but I’d hate even more for him to become unwell because I said yes.
Instead, we kept him in his beach wheelchair and crashed him through the waves. That seemed to make him pretty happy.
A New High-Needs Accessible Changing Facility
The community isn’t stopping there with their accessibility efforts.
Future plans include:
- Accessible picnic tables
- A water station
- Free year-round beach wheelchair hire
In March 2026, the community celebrated the opening of a high-needs accessible changing facility, which includes:
- Ceiling track hoist
- Adjustable changing table
- Shower facilities
The surf club itself already has a lift, and the new changing facility has been built underneath it.
Access to the room will be managed through a QR code booking system or by visiting the website. Users will be able to book the space and receive a code to unlock the door.
Facilities like this do need to be locked to protect the equipment inside. This is both a health and safety measure and a way to prevent misuse.
For bookings for the beach wheelchairs, the changing facility, and updates about accessibility at the beach, visit the website for LiveWell Waihi Beach.
Where We Stayed: Katikati
Unfortunately, accessible rooms around Waihi Beach were fully booked, so we stayed in the nearby town of Katikati.
Katikati sits 16 km from Waihi Beach and about 40 km from Tauranga, located alongside the picturesque Uretara Stream near the northern end of Tauranga Harbour.
Although State Highway 2 runs through the centre of town, it’s one of those places you’re almost glad it does — otherwise you might never discover it.
And I’m very glad we did. Read our review of ASURE Kaimai Views Motel, and check out our post on the beautiful town of Katikati.
Reflection
Our trip to Waihi reminded me that accessibility rarely starts with big government programmes or national strategies. Often it begins with one person sharing their experience and a community deciding to do something about it.
Tweet
That’s exactly what has happened at Waihi Beach, where locals have worked together to make their beach more welcoming for everyone. Just down the road in Katikati we found that same community spirit reflected in the town itsel, step-free shops, welcoming public spaces, and people who clearly care about making their town accessible. Travelling with Finlay often means looking closely at how places really work for people with different access needs, and this trip reminded me that when communities lead with inclusion, everyone benefits.
Accessible Beaches Locations around New Zealand
Make sure you keep an eye on our list of accessible beaches around Aotearoa New Zealand. We will be updating this essential resource over the coming months!