Hot Water Beach, on the Coromandel Peninsula, is known for its natural hot springs that rise through the sand from underground geothermal vents. Regarded by Lonely Planet as one of their 12 best "sandy spots", it ticks all the boxes by being close enough to Auckland yet off the beaten track. Its pristine beauty can be experienced throughout the year.
About Hot Water Beach
Hot Water Beach is the Coromandel's best-known beach, renowned for its geothermal hot springs and family-friendly sand pools. Lying on a geothermal fault, hot water seeps from the springs below which can be accessed for two hours either side of low tide. Find a hot spot and dig yourself a pool to relax in the warm therapeutic waters and enjoy the view of the South Pacific Ocean.
Accommodation
There’s always something to do when you stay at Hot Water Beach Top 10 Holiday Park, and TOP 10 Holiday Parks booking system makes reserving your cabin, campsite or unit quick and simple. The accommodation and camping ground is situated within easy access to great local food, wine, and opportunities to explore Hot Water Beach and surrounding areas while you embrace the culture of New Zealand and the Coromandel Peninsula.
Where to Eat In the Coromandel
Based in the heart of the fertile Coromandel, local eateries celebrate seasonal produce and freshly caught seafood – perfect for Kiwi families after a day exploring. The holiday park is surrounded by farms – from sheep, avocado and kiwifruit orchards to local wine estates.
- Restaurants range from humble bakeries to French cuisine.
- Cafes and boutique breweries are scattered throughout the area.
- A local farmers' market sells wares through summer.
- The region is often entertained by many musicians living in the area.
Tours & Sightseeing
If you love hiking, surfing or hunting the perfect photo spot, a TOP 10 Holiday Parks booking puts you close to scenic trails, surf breaks and picture‑perfect locations!
- The Pinnacles Track, created by foresters and gum diggers in the 1900s, meanders through semi-tropical forests, crosses waterfalls and after 4 - 6 hours reaches the overnight accommodation. Stay overnight, walk for two hours in the morning and you’ll reach the summit, rewarded with a 360° view of the Coromandel Peninsula – certainly well worth the effort.
Arts, Culture and History in the Coromandel Region
Coromandel artists are celebrated each year at the Mercury Bay Art Escape – a two-week open-studio tour where you can visit artists in their homes and studios to view their work. The inaugural Mercury Bay Music Festival was held over the Queen’s Birthday weekend in 2016 and is set to become an annual event. It’s an inspiring three days of New Zealand music talent and a great weekend to get away to the Coromandel with family or friends.
- Craft fairs and art galleries are a regular feature of local towns.
- With the historic Coromandel gold rush and Captain James Cook's visit to Mercury Bay, museums in Thames and Whitianga are a must-do.
Surfing, Fishing and Diving on the Coromandel
Water sports are a way of life here on the Coromandel.
- Hot Water Beach is a popular surf spot year-round with a point break that works best in offshore westerly winds; the beach breaks offer lefts and rights. Be aware there is a powerful rip, and lifeguards are not always on duty in the winter months.
- Diving is well catered for with excursions for beginners and experienced divers.
- Snorkelling is very popular, with a marine reserve close to Cathedral Cove and Hahei.
- Wetsuits are available to hire for surfing; dive shops in the area also hire wetsuits.
- Fishing charters are plentiful – catch snapper or kingfish and bring it back to cook in the holiday park’s spacious barbecue area.
- If you don’t catch anything, there is a fish-and-chips takeaway and a small grocery store nearby.
Shopping, Spa & Beauty on the Coromandel
Whitianga is the nearest town to Hot Water Beach, about 26 km (16 miles) north. Here you’ll find supermarkets, beauty spas and other retail needs for a wonderful holiday, whether camping or staying in a Deluxe Villa.
TOP 10 Holiday Parks caters to everyone – from guests attending a beach wedding to adventurous backpackers, offering clean, family-friendly facilities and modern amenities. Book now for hot deals or a midweek getaway at the beach-side holiday park.