Hot Water Beach is one of New Zealand’s top attractions, and it is only a five-minute drive from Hahei. Use the spade provided at Hahei Boathouse and dig yourself a hot pool in the sand at low tide. Hot springs bubbling under the sand will fill your pool with natural, thermal hot water. You are best to start digging your pool at Hot Water Beach one to two hours before low tide then you can soak until about two hours after low tide! Please note that the hot water only comes up between two rocks in a small spot on the beach right under the rock cliff face. And what’s more, you can enjoy this activity all year – even in the winter months – day or night. Plus, it’s free. Pity though, the ocean waves of every high tide wash the home-made spa pools away.
Click here to check the tide times.
Surf’s Up!
Hot Water Beach is also well known as a top surfing spot with the Pacific Ocean swells. You will see the surfers waiting for the perfect wave off the beach. Swimming in the surf can be dangerous; so, take care. Do follow the guidance of the surf lifesaving guards. We advise you do not swim at night. If the sea and tide conditions are not right for swimming or digging your spa pool, then take the three kilometre walk along the isolated white sandy beach.