While throngs of tourists are drawn to the geothermal shores of Hot Water Beach on the Coromandel Peninsula, Kawhia Hot Water Beach on the west coast is a local’s secret. Enjoy soaking in a hot bath in solitude on the shores of this beautiful and tranquil black sand beach!
Tips for visiting Kawhia Hot Water Beach
Table of Contents
- How to get to Kawhia Hot Water Beach
- Where to find the geothermal pools at Kawhia Hot Water Beach
- Things to note before visiting Kawhia Hot Water Beach
- Other things to do in Kawhia
- Best Places to eat in Kawhia
- Best places to stay in Kawhia
How to get to Kawhia Hot Water Beach
Kawhia Hot Water Beach, also known as Ocean Beach, is a remote beach on the west coast of New Zealand’s North Island.
It lies about 50 miles southwest of Hamilton in the sleepy beach town of Kawhia.
Kawhia Hot Water Beach can be found 2.2 miles west of the center of town at the end of Te Puia Road, also known as Ocean Beach Road.
If the beach does not pull up on your GPS, the address to the parking area is 3331 Te Puia Road. You can always ask one of the friendly locals for directions if you are having trouble finding it.
Where to find the geothermal pools at Kawhia Hot Water Beach
Once you reach the small primitive parking area, there is a trail that leads up and over the vegetated sand dunes down to the stunning black sand beach.
The trail is a bit steep, but from the crest you can drink in the panoramic views. You can see over the tussock-fringed hillside, to the rugged coastline, and out across the cobalt-blue Tasman Sea.
Kawhia Hot Water Beach is heated by the underground Te Puia geothermal hot spring.
The best time to visit is no more than 2 hours before and after low tide.
If the water is too high you will not be able to access the active geothermal areas of the beach.
After you reach the beach from the dunes trail, just head directly towards the water where you’ll find pockets of geothermally heated water bubbling up through the sand.
As you walk along, let your feet dig in the sand until you feel hot water then pull out your shovel and start digging.
The hot water will soon fill the hole making a small spa to relax in.
The temperature varies from lukewarm to scalding hot, so you may need to dig around until you find the perfect temperature.
I have heard that they have since put a pole up to mark where the hot water is. Just walk towards the water directly in front of the pole and start digging.
Most likely there will also be vacant pools that have been dug by others before.
Since this beach is on the west coast, I would recommend visiting during low tide in the evening so that you can catch a spectacular west coast sunset.
It was such a rare and serene experience to soak in a hot pool on the beach while the sun sank below the horizon turning the sky from blush pink to dusky red.
We spent hours there until the last smear of light left the sky.
My boys hopped back and forth between playing in the ocean waves and soaking in the hot baths. It truly was an unforgettable evening.
We visited during a holiday weekend and shared the beach with only a handful of other locals.
The beach is quite expansive so even if it does get a little busier it doesn’t feel crowded. There is plenty of space for everyone to spread out and enjoy the beach.
Kawhia is a little off the beaten path so it doesn’t see nearly as many tourists as the more popular Hot Water Beach at Coromandel. It is definitely a New Zealand hidden gem!
Things to note before visiting Kawhia Hot Water Beach
- Bring a shovel for digging a hot pool. You can also rent a shovel from the Oparau Roadhouse about 20 minutes before the beach.
- There is a rustic changing room and toilet at the parking area, but no running water.
- There is no charge to visit Kawhia Hot Water Beach.
- You’ll want to pack the basics, but don’t overpack. The walk up and over the sand dunes is somewhat steep and you’ll be wishing you packed light!
- The black sand absorbs the heat of the sun. In the summer especially, it is hot to the touch so be sure to wear proper footwear.
- The black sand is also magnetic so it might be fun to bring magnets for your kids to experiment and play with on the beach.
- There is a distinct sulfur smell that may linger in your clothing so be sure to wear older swimsuits and clothes.
Other things to do in Kawhia
- Kawhia is rich in Maori history. If you visit the northern shore of the inner harbor, you’ll find two large stones marking the buried Tainui Waka canoe. This giant ocean canoe brought the first Maori people to New Zealand over 800 years ago.
- Visit the Kawhia Regional Museum to learn more about the history of the area and its first inhabitants.
- The world-famous Kawhia Kai Festival pays tribute to Maori traditions and is held every February. The international event attracts over 10,000 visitors and was named as one of the Top 10 Indigenous Events in the world by Lonely Planet.
- The annual New Year’s Kawhia Regatta is held in January where three original 1880s whaleboats race alongside modern replicas.
- Fishing at the wharf is a popular past time for locals and tourists alike. Chartered fishing tours are also available.
- In the summer, kids enjoy jumping off the wharf and swimming in the harbor. Harbor and Heritage cruises are also available at the wharf.
- If you’re traveling with kids, there is a great park and playground at Omiti Reserve.
- Search for fossils at Puti Point Beach. This is the site where ancient fossilized remains of marine animals have been found, such as giant ammonites and squids.
- The beachside town of Raglan is located about an hour north. This world-famous surf destination is known for the longest and most consistent left-hand break in the world. Manu and Whale Bays offer some of the best surfing in the country.
- Some of our other favorite geothermal pools can be found a few hours away in Rotorua.
Best Places to eat in Kawhia
- The Rusty Snapper: Great spot for burgers, hot chips and ice cream. Prices are reasonable and the portions are large.
- Kawhia Fish Shop: For fresh fish & chips.
- Kawhia Boating & Angling Club: Offers a wide variety of dishes on their menu for even the pickiest of eaters.
- Annie’s: The dishes are a little pricier but there is a nice little garden with outdoor seating.
- Brenda’s Cafe: Located at the Oparau Roadhouse and serves up delicious homemade pies.
Best places to stay in Kawhia
- Oparau Roadhouse: Offers free campsites for RV’s and tent camping. There is also a general store, gas station, and cafe.
- Kawhia Beachside Escape: This holiday park has campsites as well as cabins and motel rooms.
- Book A Bach: This is the best site to find Airbnb type vacation rentals.
Kawhia Hot Water Beach is a New Zealand hidden gem and well worth the effort to get there. I hope you add it to your North Island New Zealand itinerary! And if you’re visiting the South Island, be sure to check out our South Island New Zealand Hidden Gems!
Pin it for later:
Leave a Reply