Hot Water Beach

Coromandel Peninsula, New Zealand

---

Hot Water Beach is a unique and world-famous beach on the east coast of New Zealand’s Coromandel Peninsula, located about 12 kilometers southeast of Whitianga and 175 kilometers from Auckland.

Its name comes from underground geothermal hot springs that bubble up through the sand between the high and low tide marks, with water temperatures reaching as high as 64°C (147°F) from two underground fissures near offshore rocks. The beach is best visited within two hours either side of low tide, when visitors can dig their own holes in the sand to create naturally heated thermal hot pools for soaking and relaxation, an experience that has made it one of the most popular geothermal attractions in the Waikato region with an estimated 700,000 annual visitors.

People typically bring shovels to dig their own pools, and after soaking in the hot water, they cool off by swimming in the ocean, making it a place that offers both work and relaxation in a social yet solitary setting. The beach is known for dangerous rip currents, large waves, and deep holes, so visitors are advised to only swim between the flags of the Hot Water Beach Lifeguard Service (patrolled on weekends from Labour Weekend to Easter and daily from December to February) and to avoid swimming within 50 meters of the offshore rocks where the springs are located. Facilities include a 24-hour main car park with restroom facilities and outdoor cold showers, though parking fees apply.