Your Ultimate Guide to Hot Water Beach: Tips, Safety, and Etiquette

Hot Water Beach, in the beautiful Coromandel Peninsula of New Zealand, offers a unique and unforgettable experience for travellers. This beach is famous for its natural hot springs that bubble up through the sand, creating a perfect spot to dig your own hot water pool. As one of the country’s most iconic natural wonders, Hot Water Beach attracts visitors from all over the world who come to soak in the warm waters.

Planning a visit to this geothermal paradise? My comprehensive guide is packed with essential tips to ensure you make the most of your trip. These insights will help you navigate the beach’s unique features, maximise your experience, and stay safe while enjoying this natural attraction.

Essential Hot Water Beach Tips

• Find out when low tide is and make sure you are at the beach 2 hours either side of it.
• Start digging about an hour before low tide for the best results.
• Try to avoid visiting on the weekend, especially in summer, as it will be extremely busy.
• Arrive early. Parking can be a problem in the height of summer season and the beach gets packed.
• You will need a shovel. If you don’t have one, they can be rented from the shops. A bucket can also be helpful for adjusting the water temperature by adding cold seawater.
• Bring a towel and a dry bag to put your valuables in.
• The combination of hot water and sun exposure can be dehydrating. Bring plenty of water and apply sunscreen regularly to protect your skin.
• Test an area with your toes before digging. The hot springs are concentrated in a specific area of the beach, near the rocks at the southern end. Look for steam rising from the sand or join other visitors already digging to find the best spots.
• Be Careful – water from the springs can be extremely hot, sometimes exceeding 60°C (140°F). Test the water temperature with your hand before settling in, and be prepared to mix in colder seawater if needed.
• This is not a great beach for swimming so be aware of rips.

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Best Time to Visit Hot Water Beach

Timing your visit to Hot Water Beach is crucial for experiencing its famous hot springs. The best time to access the natural hot water pools is during low tide, when the geothermal activity beneath the sand is most accessible. The beach’s hot springs are only revealed for a few hours each day, starting two hours before and continuing until two hours after low tide.

Tide Times

Before heading to Hot Water Beach, check the local tide schedule. Planning your visit around low tide will ensure you have enough time to dig and enjoy your hot water pool before the tide comes in.

Seasonal Considerations

While Hot Water Beach is a year-round destination, the experience can vary with the seasons. The summer months (December to February) offer warm weather and longer daylight hours, making it a popular time to visit. However, the beach can get crowded during peak tourist season, so arriving early is advisable.

In contrast, the winter months (June to August) bring cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, providing a more tranquil experience, but be sure to bring warm clothing for after your soak.

Hot Water Beach Etiquette

Respecting both the environment and fellow visitors allows a pleasant experience of Hot Water Beach. Here are some important etiquette tips to keep in mind during your visit:

Respecting Other Visitors

• Share the Space: Hot Water Beach can get busy, especially during peak times. Be considerate of others by sharing digging tools and space. If you’ve already enjoyed your time in a hot pool, consider giving up your spot to new arrivals.
• Noise Levels: While it’s great to have fun, keep noise to a reasonable level. Remember that people come to the beach to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings.

Environmental Considerations

• Leave No Trace: Ensure that you take all your belongings and rubbish with you when you leave. This helps to keep the beach clean and preserve its natural beauty for future visitors.
• Respect the Local Wildlife: Hot Water Beach is home to various marine and bird species. Avoid disturbing wildlife, and be careful not to step on or damage any habitats.

Pool Maintenance

• Filling in Your Pool: After enjoying your hot pool, fill it in to restore the beach to its natural state. This prevents potential hazards for other visitors and helps preserve the landscape.
• Avoiding Chemicals: Do not use soaps, shampoos, or any other chemicals in the hot pools. These substances can harm the local ecosystem and degrade the quality of the water.

Safety and Responsibility

• Supervise Children: If you’re visiting with children, keep a close eye on them, especially near the water’s edge and in hot pools where temperatures can be high.
• Follow Local Guidelines: Pay attention to any posted signs or instructions from local authorities, as they are there for your safety and the preservation of the area.

Why is Hot Water Beach hot?

Water seeps through two fissures down to hot molten magma and returns to the surface as hot water. This then exits through the hot springs on the beach and in Te Waiwaiwe Creek.

Parking for Hot Water Beach

There are 4 car parks at Hot Water Beach. The first one is in Domain Road, off Hot Water Beach Road (on Google Maps as Middle Car Park). It has access to the springs along the beach without having to cross the stream. It is free to park and has a small toilet.

Taiwawe carpark is the second and is also free. You access the springs via the Pa Track which runs alongside the stream.

Just over the small bridge on the left, is the third car park. There aren’t any facilities here but it’s a short walk to the main car park and shops.

The fourth is the Main Beach Car Park which is paid parking. This is the closest to Hot Water Beach and the main facilities. It does, however, require you to cross the stream.

Where To Dig at Hot Water Beach

If you come from the main car park, head towards the ocean. You will need to cross the stream. The depth of this will depend on how much it has rained the past few days. The hot springs are on the left where the beach narrows (you can see roughly where on the map above).

It is actually only a small section of the beach that you can get the hot springs. Instead of digging and then finding only cold water, try digging into the sands with your toes first. If you find a place, that has the right temperature, then you can start digging your spa.

Where is Hot Water Beach?

Hot Water Beach is about 175km from Auckland on the east coast of the Coromandel Peninsula. It is on New Zealand‘s North Island.

How to get to Hot Water Beach from Auckland

The fastest way is by car and will take about 2 1/2 hours. You should allow longer if you are traveling in peak hour traffic.

You can take the Intercity bus which goes to Whitianga (this will take about 4 hours) and make your way from there (see below).

There are shuttles that run from the city and the airport to Hot Water Beach like Go Kiwi Shuttles but it’s expensive.

How to get to Hot Water Beach from Whitianga

Hot Water Beach is only 34km from Whitianga and will take about 30 minutes by car or you can take a tour like this one.

Another option is to take the ferry to Ferry Landing and get one of the shuttles from there.

Facilities at Hot Water Beach

The main car park is where you will find toilets, changing room, outdoor showers, a cafe, and a shop.

What to bring

• Bathers
• Towel
• Spade (or hire one)
• Waterproof camera
• Sun protection (hat, rashie, sunscreen)
• Dry bag
• Change of clothes (I would wear thongs/flip flops too)

Tours to Hot Water Beach

If you don’t have your own transport, consider taking a tour. This Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach Express departs from Whitianga and takes you to Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach. Read more here.

If you’re staying in Auckland, this Coromandel Peninsula Highlights Small Group Tour includes Hot Water Beach, Cathedral Cove, and other viewpoints of the Coromandel.

Other Activities and Nearby Attractions

Hot Water Beach is just one of the many attractions in the beautiful Coromandel Peninsula. Here are some other activities and nearby attractions to consider during your visit:

Explore Cathedral Cove

Located just a short drive or boat ride from Hot Water Beach, Cathedral Cove is one of New Zealand’s most iconic and picturesque spots. The stunning natural archway, pristine sandy beach, and clear blue waters make it a must-visit. The Cove can be accessed via a walking track, which takes about 45 minutes each way, offering breathtaking coastal views along the way. Snorkelling and kayaking are popular activities here, providing a closer look at the marine life and rock formations.

Visit the Lost Spring

For those seeking a more luxurious thermal experience, The Lost Spring in nearby Whitianga offers a tropical oasis with geothermal pools set in lush gardens. The facility also features a day spa and a restaurant, making it a perfect spot for relaxation and pampering after a day at the beach.

Discover Local Art and Craft

The Coromandel Peninsula is known for its vibrant arts community. Visit local galleries and craft shops in nearby towns like Whitianga and Coromandel Town, where you can find unique handmade jewelery, pottery, and other crafts. These towns also offer a charming mix of cafes, restaurants, and boutique shops to explore.

Take a Scenic Drive or Walk

The area around Hot Water Beach has numerous scenic routes and walking trails. The gravel 309 Road is a popular scenic drive that winds through native bush and offers views of stunning landscapes.

Why I Didn’t Like It

Now you’ve got all the information, let me tell you what I thought about it. I hated it! Now, this could have been because we probably went on the busiest day of the year but I didn’t love it. There were so many people crammed into such a small part of the beach and we couldn’t even squeeze into a spot to dig even the smallest of holes.

We ended up asking someone if we could try their’s out. I stuck my feet in and, yes it was warm, but I can’t say it was spa-like.

Would I travel all the way from Auckland to go there? Probably not. However, it is worth seeing what all the hype is about if you are in the area. You may be able to enjoy it at a quieter time.

Accommodation near Hot Water Beach

We booked our Whitianga accommodation through Booking.com, which have plenty of options depending on your budget.

Click here to view all the properties, see photos, and read the reviews.

Ready to experience the wonders of Hot Water Beach and explore the breathtaking Coromandel Peninsula? Don’t miss out on this unique adventure! Pack your bags, grab your spade, and head to one of New Zealand’s most iconic natural attractions. Whether you’re digging your own hot pool, exploring nearby Cathedral Cove, or simply soaking in the stunning coastal views, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Share Your Experience: Have you been to Hot Water Beach or the Coromandel Peninsula? We’d love to hear about your trip! Share your favourite moments, tips, and photos on social media and tag Perthtravelers. Your insights could help future visitors make the most of their journey.

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Plan your visit today and discover why Hot Water Beach is a must-see destination on New Zealand’s North Island. Happy travels!