Hot Water Beach
Te Puia
Underground hot springs seep through the sand here, and at low tide you can dig your own hot pool, a one-of-a-kind beach experience in New Zealand.
The hot springs are concentrated in a small patch of sand in front of the rocky reef at the south end of the beach. Pools can be dug for about two hours on either side of low tide, with water reaching 60°C or more, so take care not to scald yourself. Nearby cafés and shops rent spades for about NZ$10. Peak times are very crowded, while early morning or winter-night low tides are more relaxing. The beach has dangerous rip currents, and drownings happen regularly, so never swim in the sea where there are no lifeguards. The car park charges a fee.
Opening hours
All day (depends on tides)
Nearby sights
- Hahei Beach
- Cathedral Cove (Mautohe)
- Cooks Beach
- Shakespeare Cliff Lookout & Lonely Bay
- Tairua & Mount Paku
- Whitianga
- Opito Bay
- Pinnacles Walk (Kauaeranga Valley)