Travel Tuesday: Hot Water Beach

Hot Water Beach is without a doubt a tourist attraction that you have to see at some stage in your lifetime. I’m embarrassed to say I hadn’t even heard of it before we started planning our trip up north. It’s basically a super thin stretch of the beach perpendicular to the water that is boiling beneath the sand! (There's a sciencey explanation for it, but that's not my forte -- Googling is!)

{Satellite image of Hot Water Beach. I Googled it. The thin strip of sand is where you want to go to dig}

We visited the beach far too late the first day we were over Hahei way. So that night we did our research and got organised to spend the whole day at Hot Water Beach. First things first, you have to check low tide times, and everyone says you should be good two hours either side of that. We found out the day before that was wrong. One sniff of the change in tide and people were all over that part of the beach! We went nice and early so we could swim while we were waiting and let me tell you, the surf there is awesome. Big waves to play in, but the water is so clear you can see your feet even with the waves rolling by you. In a word: beautiful. (Seriously).

Anyway, back to the point. So you’ve checked the times for low tide, packed up your snacks and sunscreen. Don’t forget to BYO shovel so you don’t have to pay for an overpriced one there. While you’re at it, pack a bucket too.

{First spa diggers on site. In it to win it!}

So when the tide starts going out you can head past the rocks and start prospecting. All you have to do is dig your feet in until you feel a hot spot in the sand (but not too hot, or you won't be able to sit in it!). Then, you get a free workout by digging a hole deep and wide enough to sit everyone in. The first day we saw people with professional outfits: built up sides to lean on and special places just for your beverage. Now, the bucket is so you can ferry cold sea water into your spa spot. The water only gets hotter so you have to control it yourself!

{Spa party in full swing (sorry it's so dark! Well after low tide began)}

After all the hard work of digging, it’s nice to relax in your own little piece of paradise. And then you look up, and you can see paradise. So worth the organisation and planning! If you are planning a trip there, let me know. I'd be happy to tag along.

Love times infinity,

Justine x