Discover Hot Water Beach – Mercury Bay NZ

About Hot Water Beach

Hot Water Beach is famous for the hot pools that can be dug on the beach either side of low tide. This small settlement can be found 8kms from the Dalmeny Corner turnoff on th SH25 between Tairua and Whitianga. With a rich history, Hot Water Beach was used as a radar station,/look out point by the american soldiers in the 2nd World War, hence the naming of the main road being Radar Rd.

The area was initially farmed and as time went by it became a popular traditional kiwi camping spot. Hot Water Beach is a small settlement with the expansive beach on its doorstep. It has a variety of accommodation options from the traditional kiwi bach to luxurious homes and a top end holiday park.

Discover & play in Hot Water Beach

The hot pools on the beach is the drawcard for this beautiful area. You can dig your own spa on the beach two hours either side of low tide. It is also a popular surf beach throughout the year and is overseen by the Hot Water Beach Life Guards as it is has a strong rip and the inexperienced swimmer needs to take care.

The area is an 8 minute drive to Hahei and Cathedral Cove, as well being close to Cooks Beach, Flaxmill Bay and Ferry Landing – where you will catch the passenger ferry back to Whitianga. An annual event to diarise is the Leadfoot Festival over Waitangi weekend which brings a multitude of car enthusiasts into the area.

Weddings

Hot Water Beach is popular for weddings, elopements, wedding venues and wedding party accommodation. With a choice of wedding service providers in the area, the bride is spoilt for choice. Photographers, makeup artists, stylists, flowers arrangers, caterers, transport and accommodation for the wedding party can all be found in or around Hot Water Beach.

Walks in the area

Besides the beach walk, Hot Water Beach has a short coastal walk, perfect for the young family and a challenging if you are keen on some gentle exercise.
Start at the lifeguard hut on the right at the entrance to the beach and follow the coastal path. It is short and sweet but certainly reveals the beauty of this area and a perfect vantage point to watch the surfers and take photos.

Things To Do In Hot Water Beach

Hot Water Beach offers easy walks, careful swimming, and and the seasonal opportunity to learn to surf. The surrounding area of Hot Water Beach are a foodies delight, with café’s, restaurants, boutique breweries and food trucks abundant in season.

Where to eat in Hot Water Beach

Hot Water Beach has a small but quality selection of café’s and restaurants to suit all tastes and ages. The local Café hosts an Open Mic evening every Friday night where you can sit back and listen to the local musical and creative talent.

It also has a licensed dairy which can be found in the local holiday park.

Retail therapy in Hot Water Beach

Retail therapy in Hot Water Beach includes the local grocery store in the holiday park and 2 quality art galleries/gift stores which both support the local artists and artisans.

Accommodation in Hot Water Beach

There are many online accommodation options as well as a the local holiday park which offers camping to self contained 3 bedroomed accommodation.

Live & work in Hot Water Beach

Hot Water Beach is 23km’s from Whitianga and Tairua. Whitianga being the the hub of economic development in the region. Tourism, hospitality and farming are the main sources of employment in the Hot Water Beach area and are seasonal. The local primary school is at Whenuakite – just before Hot Water Beach.