Hot Water Beach on the Coromandel Peninsula is a unique geothermal beach where you can dig your own natural hot pool in the sand. Underground hot springs rise to the surface, creating warm water just beneath the beach.

To experience it properly, you need to visit within about 2 hours before or after low tide, when the hot water is accessible. The best spot to dig is between the rocks on the left side of the beach (facing the ocean), where most people gather.

It’s an easy and fun stop, especially if you bring a shovel or rent one nearby, and the combination of ocean waves and hot water makes it a really memorable experience.