W
ho expects a hot spa experience at the beach? A hot water river flows beneath
the sand. Dig down to create a hot water filled sand pit. Hot water is accessible
at two hours both sides of low tide only, so plan your visit.
Though this is a surfing area, be warned that the surf is dangerous for swimming.
It’s a short walk from the carpark to where you’ll be digging. The shop rents spades,
or bring your own. Spend the night at the Hot Water Beach campground or nearby
accommodation to have plenty of time to enjoy galleries, wineries and cafés. A short
drive takes you to either Cathedral Cove, Hahei or Cooks Beach.
I was cynical of the concept of Hot Water
Beach. Used to cold, blustery beaches in the UK,
where only the hardy would sit with their
wind-break, rugged knees, sand-infused
sandwiches and thermos of tea. I couldn’t
comprehend the idea of a heated beach.
Pete and I arrived, and there were a dozen families
happily slumped in holes, wallowing in pools of water.
The air was a little chilly, and I was still a little
dubious until we dug our own hole in the sand and
woooosh, up came the warm bath water around my
feet! I felt like a child who had discovered something new
and exciting, and now when I see the crowds descend
upon that location I think to myself “oh just you wait,
you’re going to love it!”
HOT WATER BEACH
Photos by Roberta Huffman
Photo by Ian Patrick • www.ianpatrickco.nz
3
07 866 3887 • 8 Pye Place • Hot Water Beach • Whitianga
A favourite of both locals and visitors,
Hot Waves is just a minute’s stroll
from Hot Water Beach. Enjoy gourmet
dining inside or out on this one-acre
native garden teaming with bird life.
One of the best eateries on the Coromandel
Live music last Sunday of the month.
Mon – Thurs & Sun, 8:30am – 4pm • Fri – Sat, 8:30am – 8:30 pm
07 866 3797
Open 7 days through Summer from 5:30pm
S P E C I A L T Y
TAPAS
menu
catering
weddings
conferences
events
New Owner/Chef
Nicholas Roberts
This toddler takes a break away from the flurry of hot
water activties.
