Hot Water Beach

A truly unique Kiwi experience that every visitor of the Coromandel 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 Island, with Pohutukawa lined cliffs at either end of the beach.

Around low tide, visitors come to 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 is within the wider Hahei visitor area, where Cathedral Cove is another well-known coastal destination.

Before your visit

The hot springs depend on the tide, and the water can be very hot. Check current Hot Water Beach visitor information, tide times, sea conditions and local signs before digging or entering the water. Supervise children and keep clear of water that is too hot. Surf and rip currents need a separate safety assessment from the thermal pools.

For property and everyday-living information around Whangamata, explore our local property guides.