Discover a truly unique experience in the beautiful beach side town of Hot Water Beach. Located on the east coast of the Coromandel Peninsula, it’s become world famous for the naturally occurring hot springs at low tide. With views out over the Pacific Ocean, explore the wonderful coastline with its abundance of native sealife and wildlife.

Hot Water Beach also offers a number of beautiful restaurants and cafes to savour local food and drink. An artspace and local gift shops are spread across the town as well as a wide range of accommodation options including a campground, bed & breakfasts, self-contained apartments and holiday homes to suit every budget. There is no better place in the world to come and explore!

Hot Water Beach is one of the most iconic locations on the globe. With dramatic surf waves as the backdrop and a beautiful long white sandy beach, it makes for an impressive sight. Hot Water Beach provides an experience like nothing else, geothermal activity creates pockets of heated water bubbling up from under the surface of the sand. At low tide, these pockets can be reached with a spade and a hot pool can be made for you and your friends. There is nowhere else like this in the world and Hot Water Beach is known as a place of wonder for locals and visitors, right here in the Coromandel!

Choosing the right the time
Two hours either side of low tide is the ideal time to visit and begin digging. Usually you will find other groups of people looking to do the same, so to guarantee a spot it is best to get there early.

Where to park
There is a main car park at the southern end of Hot Water Beach which is pay and display. Located in the carpark are public facilities including restrooms and showers, which have been recently upgraded. It’s a 24 hour carpark and there is a small fee to park there. It is safe to leave your car here as it is securely monitored.

What you need
Hire a spade or shovel from nearby and get ready to dig! You may also want a beach towel, sunblock or a refreshment before you begin your journey to the Hot Water Beach hot pools. We have everything you need at one of the local shops close by!

Where to dig
Look for the steam coming off the beach and the groups of people eagerly digging away at small pools by the waters edge. The water can get very hot (up to temperatures of over 60 degrees Celcius) so be careful. Hot Water Beach is known as a surf beach in New Zealand so the sea can be dangerous at times. Swimming between flags is advised and be cautious when cooling off in the waters edge as rips can be strong. Please make sure children, friends and family are supervised at all times.

Ngati Hei (The local iwi/tribe at Hot Water Beach)

Ngati Hei are the iwi along this coastline in the Coromandel, New Zealand. It is said that Ngati Hei populated this area for one thousand years. Ngati Hei along with the locals and residents ask for the following common courtesies:

• Please use the toilet facilities located at the car parks

• Pick up any trash left behind in the area

• Please do not eat or drink in or close to the hot pools

Surfing Hot Water Beach
Hot Water Beach is a great place to surf and can also be used for learning. There is a moderate sized swell and a right hand wave forms at the southern end of the beach. There are businesses by the beach with surf equipment, advice and even private lessons for groups or one-on-one’s. Boards are also available for hire as well as wetsuits, paddle boards, body boards and much more!