Hot Water Beach is renowned for its warm natural hot spring which attracts people all year round to the perfect location for a hot soak on the beach in the Coromandel.

On the low tide you can dig your own hot pool in the sand, and at sunrise it makes for a beautiful photo opportunity. Head to the left of the beach from the car park by the cliff face and large rocks on the shore.

At sunrise you will be able to photograph the sun to the east with the hot springs in the foreground (if it's low tide). All you need to do is dig your own little pool and wait for the sun to come up. If it's not low tide the beach is still beautiful and there are some rocks around to practice sea scape photography. I would suggest taking your wide angle (16-35mm or similar) and mid range zoom (24-70mm) for this spot.

Drone photography is also allowed at Hot Water Beach and on a good day there are some amazing top down wave shots to be had.