Best time to visit
Safety first
  • This is a surf beach and there are strong currents and rips
  • Check sea conditions before entering the water
  • Always swim between the flags if lifeguards are on duty
Need to know
  • Spades can be hired locally
  • Use car park toilets
  • Do not eat or drink at pools - this is a special place to Māori

Know Before You Go

Within two hours either side of low tide visitors flock to the usually deserted Hot Water Beach to find hot water bubbling through the golden sand. Families, kids and couples can be seen digging their own spa pool in the sand and relaxing in the natural springs. Often rated as one of the world's most renowned beaches - this is one experience that should be on your bucket list. A truly unique Kiwi experience that every New Zealander should experience at least once in their lifetime!

The beach also boasts some great surf, cruisy cafés and art galleries and is only a 5 minute drive to another Coromandel ‘must do’ – Cathedral Cove.

Hot Water Beach is a 'Must Do' activity in The Coromandel

A truly unique experience that every visitor should seek out!

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 white curve of sand 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.

Two hours on either side of low tide visitors flock to the usually deserted Hot Water Beach to find hot water bubbling through the golden sand. Families, kids and couples can be 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.

Hot Water Beach Spade Hire

Spades are available for hire at Hotties Cafe, Hot Water Beach Cafe and the Hot Water Beach Top 10 Holiday Park.

Time your visit to avoid disappointment

The hot springs are only accessible at low tide (see above in the local tide tab) however, more often than not, two hours on each side of low tide will still provide you with an opportunity to dig your own spa. 

Ngāti Hei
Local iwi/tribe of Hot Water Beach, Hauraki

Ngāti Hei are the tangata whenua, people of the land along the Mercury Bay coastline. Hot Water Beach is historically and culturally significant to Ngāti Hei. Archaeologists believe the Whitianga locale has been inhabited by members of the Ngāti Hei iwi for a thousand years, thus making it one of New Zealand’s longest-settled areas. To this day Ngāti Hei endeavours to protect this taonga (treasure), which is near an Urupa (burial ground) and Pa site (fortified settlement), and hope that you too will respect this special location.

Ngāti Hei, Hot Water Beach locals and residents of Hauraki Coromandel kindly request that you:

- Use the public toilets in the car parks. There are no toilets on the beach or within close proximity.

- Please do not eat or drink in the hot pools

- Pick up any rubbish in the area

Hot Water Beach Safety Warning

We advise swimmers to stay between the flags if the Hot Water Beach Surf Life Saving Crew Service are on patrol. The rocks in front of the hot springs are a hazardous location for strong currents, holes and rips making swimming in this location dangerous. Remember – always swim between the flags and if in doubt don’t go out.

Surfing Hot Water Beach

While the natural occurrences at Hot Water Beach can make it a dangerous swimming beach (without lifeguards) it’s these formations that contribute to its reputation as a great surfing beach – for experienced boardriders. Hot Water Beach handles a good size swell with banks along the beach making for good 'A frame' waves and the point holding a nice right-hand wave when the conditions are right. The northern end of the beach is more popular with locals, however, it’s advised to surf here with others as the steep banks and hidden rocks make for a heavy break. Check out more surf spots in The Coromandel here.

Hot Water Beach Car Parking

Paid parking is available in two locations: The Main Beach and Taiwawe (also known as the Bull Paddock) public car parks. Note, pay and display fees apply.