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Beach · Hahei, Waikato
Hot Water Beach
Beach south of Hahei where hot springs rise through the sand: at low tide visitors dig holes and form hot pools at the shoreline.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Hot Water Beach
Hot Water Beach (Te Puia in Māori) is about 8 km south of Hahei, on the east coast of the Coromandel Peninsula. Under part of the beach, near a rocky outcrop, hot springs run up through the sand and can reach the surface with water that may exceed 60 °C.
During roughly two hours before and after low tide, the spring area is exposed. Visitors dig holes in the sand that fill with hot water and form pools, mixing spring water with seawater. Shovels are available for hire at cafes and shops near the beach.
Temperature varies from spot to spot: in some places the water is warm, in others too hot to enter. The spring area is small and becomes crowded at summer low tides, especially during holidays.
The rest of the beach is a long stretch of sand facing the Pacific, with strong waves and currents. Lifeguards watch a marked area in summer, and the advice is to swim only between the flags.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
1 to 2 hours, during the low-tide window.
Best time
About two hours before and after low tide; check the tide table for the day. Low tides in the early morning or at night are often less crowded. Outside summer there is more space in the spring area.
How to get there
By car, about 10 minutes from Hahei and 40 minutes from Whitianga, with paid parking beside the beach. Organized tours run from Whitianga.
Tip
Test the water carefully before entering: in some spots it is hot enough to burn. Dig in the rocky area where the springs emerge. Swim only between the lifeguards’ flags.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Hot Water Beach
What is the best time to go to Hot Water Beach?
In the roughly two hours before and after low tide, when the spring area is exposed. Check the tide table for the day.
Do you need to bring a shovel for Hot Water Beach?
Tip: If you don't have one, shovels are available to rent at cafés and shops near the beach.
Can you swim in the sea at Hot Water Beach?
Only within the lifeguarded area, between the flags. The sea has strong waves and currents.
Is the water at Hot Water Beach very hot?
In some spots it exceeds 60 °C. Mix it with seawater and test it before getting in.