How to Dig Your Own Natural Spa at Hot Water Beach, NZ

Imagine soaking in a natural thermal bath that you dug yourself while the Pacific waves crash just feet away. Here is everything you need to know about visiting the Coromandel’s most famous beach.

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The Big Question: Is it worth visiting?

The answer is yes - 100%. If you're planning a New Zealand road trip, this is a non-negotiable stop to add to your itinerary. The novelty of digging your own natural hot spring as the tide rolls in is an experience you won't find anywhere else in the world.

Getting there

Hot Water Beach is one of the best day trips from Auckland, and depending on traffic, driving via SH 1 and State Hwy 25 to the Coromandel will take about 2.5 hours.

If you don't want to drive yourself, you can book a Coromandel Tour from Auckland.

Parking and amenities near the beach

There is a pay-and-display car park with restroom facilities, including showers, at the beach, which is a two-minute walk away from where you will be digging. For food, try Hotties Eatery.

The best time to visit for ultimate success

You can only dig for up to 2 hours on either side of low tide when the tide is low enough to expose the sand with hot water beneath it. At high tide, the beach is covered by the sea, so there is no chance of digging a spa bath.

Make sure you check the Hot Water Beach Tide Times before travelling. You don't want to arrive and be disappointed.

Finding the best spot to dig

Once you've hired your spade, look for an area on the beach where most people are; that's a sure sign there's water coming through, and then get digging!

How hard is it to dig a Spa Bath?

It takes a lot of elbow grease to dig deep, so you may not end up with a hole large enough to wallow in; more likely, paddle your toes (speaking from experience). Nevertheless, it is a unique experience and one of the fun things to do in New Zealand. And if you have friends with you at the beach, you can have a good laugh at your meagre attempts.

If you arrive towards the end of low tide, you may find empty pools that other people have abandoned. If so, you can use theirs. Remember, once the spa bath is up and running, you will only have a few inches of water. Even so, it is a must-do NZ activity.

How deep do you have to dig to get to the hot water?

Once you have claimed your spot, it's all systems go. Usually, you only need to dig 1 to 2 feet down; for us, that took about 15 minutes. The first trickles of warm water will fill the hole and gush up through your toes. This eureka moment will spur you on to dig deeper, and before you know it, friends and family will have joined in, eager to help. Having said that, it takes a lot of effort, and even with four of us digging, our spa wasn't anywhere big enough to wallow in.

Finally, once your hole is the desired size and the hot water has filled the void, you can step into your own thermal pool.

If you find you're not having much luck, have a look around for a hole that someone has finished with and dig a bit deeper in that one. It's all just a bit of fun, so don't be dispondent if your 'spa pool' turns out to be more like a puddle.

Beware of the water's temperature-hot means just that, so test the water with a toe first before scalding your delicate areas!

Essential gear - do you really need a shovel?

Yes - You will need a strong shovel and a handheld spade for finishing touches. You will never get far enough just using your hands.

If you aren't a resident of NZ, it's doubtful you have one packed in your suitcase, so you can rent a shovel and spade at the beach shop, which sells or hires all the necessary paraphernalia to complete your mission.

What temperature is the water?

You might find this unbelievable, but the thermal water can reach the surface at a whopping 64 degrees Celsius (now you understand about testing the waters before jumping straight in!). A sign that the water is too hot is when bubbles rise to the surface of the sand. If you see any bubbles, avoid digging in the area.

Why is the water so hot beneath the sand?

New Zealand is an active geothermal island, and if you visit Rotorua, you will see this first-hand. The country has over 100 natural hot springs scattered between the North and South Islands. Some of the most delightful hot water spas can be found in Taupo (where you won't need to dig your own pool!)

Beneath the sand on this beach lies a reservoir of boiling rocks and water, formed millions of years ago by geothermal activity. Hot springs beneath the sand release carbon dioxide at the surface, producing hot water just below. Fascinating!

Is it safe to swim at Hot Water Beach?

It's one of the best Coromandel beaches on the North Island, but it has rip currents and large waves. For surfers, it's the perfect spot. Lifeguards patrol the beach, and when we visited, there was a dedicated area where you could enter the water.

Remember to bring sunblock and plenty of water to the beach - digging a spa can be thirsty work.

What to Pack for Hot Water Beach

To make the most of your DIY spa day, make sure you have these essentials in your rental car:

• A Bucket: Useful for carrying cold ocean water to "cool down" your pool if the thermal spring is too hot.
• Old Swimwear: The high mineral content and sand can be tough on delicate fabrics. Wear an older swimsuit just in case.
• Sun Protection: There is zero shade on the sand. Bring reef-safe sunscreen and a hat.
• Flip Flops: The sand in the "hot zone" can actually burn the soles of your feet!
• Water & Snacks: Digging is thirsty work, so stay hydrated while you soak.
• Antihistamine for wasp stings: Wasps can be a nuisance on Hot Water Beach. We got stung, so have some medicated cream with you to soothe your skin.

Where to stay close to HWB

There are many attractions on the Coromandel Peninsula, so you could use this town as a base and then drive out each day to other areas, such as Hahei and Cathedral Cove.

Luxury – HWB Cottage is located on the beach; this beautiful cottage is the perfect spot to enjoy a stay in the Coromandel.

Comfort – HWB Bure – This one-bedroom cottage has a garden and is a 2-minute walk from the beach.

Budget – HWB Holiday Park – Close to the beach, this holiday park offers private rooms and dorms with shared kitchen and bathroom areas.

Alternatively, this interactive map will help you find accommodation in the Coromandel to suit your budget and location requirements.