Plan your trip around Hauraki Coromandel along State Highways 25 & 2. Please note some local roads and DOC sites are closed. Find out more

Sunrise at Hot Water Beach

Hot Water Beach

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Hot Water Beach is a 'Must Do' activity when visiting The Coromandel

A truly unique Kiwi experience that every New Zealander should experience at least once in their lifetime!

An underground river of hot water flows from the interior of the earth to surface in the Pacific Ocean at Hot Water Beach – a long beautiful white beach located between Tairua and Whitianga. The stunning beach overlooks the Pacific Ocean and offshore Castle Rock, with Pohutukawa lined cliffs at either end of the beach.

Two hours either side of low tide visitors flock to the usually deserted Hot Water Beach to find hot water bubbling through the golden sand. Families, kids  and couples can been seen digging their own spa pool in the sand to lie back in and relax while the steam from their hot pool envelops them.

With the ebb and flow of the tide each individually created hot pool is washed away clearing the way for the next influx of visitors.

The beach also boasts some great surf, cruisy cafés and galleries and only a 5 minute drive to another Coromandel ‘must do’ – the walk into Cathedral Cove

Time your visit to avoid disappointment

The hot springs are only accessible at low tide (see above in the local tide tab) however, more often than not, two hours each side of low tide will still provide you with an opportunity to dig your own spa. 

Need to know

Spades are available for hire at Hotties Cafe, Hot Water Beach Cafe and the Hot Water Beach Top 10 Holiday Park.

Parking is available in three location: The Main Beach carpark, Te Waiwai carpark and the Main Store carpark. Note, fees may apply at the Main Store carpark.


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