Hot Water Beach

On the eastern side of the Coromandel Peninsula, about 12 kilometres south of Whitianga, is a beach that people flock to – and ignore the sea. Yes, there’s breaking surf, picturesque rocks and a long sandy beach, but the big drawcard here are the hot springs bubbling up through the sand at around 64 degrees Celsius.

That’s truly hot, considering 39C is the recommended maximum for your regular bath.

Why go?

Because you can wallow in a hot spring in so many places in New Zealand, but this is the only one where you get the fun, and satisfaction of digging your own bath in the sand, but have the continuous challenge of maintaining a comfortable temperature.

This involves multiple trips with bucketfuls of sea water, or digging a trench to channel the waves into your hole to mix with the spring water.

Then you have to monitor it with a sandy dam as the temperature, and water level, rise and fall. From seeing the photos, you might have expected a relaxing soak but you need to work to achieve ideal comfort – and that’s what makes it such fun.

There’s also the entertainment factor of watching everyone else doing the same thing, alternately busily digging and peacefully soaking, all shrouded in steam. You can discuss techniques and share tips – and even your pool – with people who may have come from the other side of the world.

Insider tip

You come here for the hot springs on the beach, not the sea.

Dangerous rips regularly cause big frights to swimmers, headaches for the surf life-savers, and sadly even occasional drownings. Play it safe and leave the swimming for another of Coromandel’s many lovely beaches.

On the way/nearby

Don’t miss the toilets beside the beach – they’re the best in the country, by official 2018 decree.

Behind the main car park is Moko Artspace, which has New Zealand-made art and design pieces, from jewellery to garden sculptures. There are a couple of cafes for an icecream if you got too hot in the springs, or some food if you’ve worked up an appetite with all that digging. Or try Hot Water Brewing at nearby Whenuakite.

How much?

The beach, of course, is free but the main car park costs $2 an hour, or $15 a day. There are two free car parks a bit further away. And if you haven’t brought your own spade, you can hire one for $5.

Best time to go

Check the tide tables and make sure to be there within two hours either side of low tide. The rest of the time, the hot springs are under the waves. And it gets pretty crowded in summer so you might like to choose the cooler months, or even a rainy day, when you’ll really appreciate that hot water. thecoromandel.com.