Hot Water Beach

Bring a proper gardening spade when visiting Hot Water Beach because for two hours on either side of the tide you can dig yourself a spa. After you have dug your spa-sized hole, it will fill from below with fresh warm water creating your own personal ocean side hot tub with a view of the Pacific Ocean on one side and sharp cliffs and pohutukawa trees on the other. The science—an underground river carrying hot water runs just under the beach, its mouth just off shore and at the right point in the tide, you can enjoy it before it makes it out to sea. Check the tide times to make sure you are not left with just a great sandy beach and beautiful view.