Dig your own natural hot pool metres from the Pacific Ocean at world-famous Hot Water Beach. Great surf, cafes & art galleries add to this very Kiwi experience.
Naturally heated mineral water bubbles up from deep within the earth to emerge through golden sand at the appropriately named Hot Water Beach.
To find the hot water area, head towards the rocks at the southern end of the beach and here you can dig your own spa pool in the sand. Be sure to visit when it's two hours either side of low tide(opens in new window), as that's when the tide is low enough to expose the area of sand with the hot water underneath. Don't forget to bring along your swimming gear and a spade or shovel - and if you don't have a spade or shovel, you can also hire one from the local cafes. It's certainly a unique experience to be lying in a pool of hot water just metres from the refreshing ocean.
For surfers, Hot Water Beach has good beach breaks in moderate easterly swells, however the presence of strong undertows means this beach is often dangerous for swimming.
From the hot water area, the long sandy beach stretches north and curves east under a headland. Here you'll find sheltered and secluded spots for quiet, sleepy sunbathing. There are also some cafés and galleries nearby and another one of The Coromandel's popular spots - Cathedral Cove - is only a 5-minute drive away.
