Cathedral Cove & Hot Water Beach, Hahei

MARCH 2019

Road Trip (Part 2)

We were happy to see that most of the clouds had disappeared and that a sunny day was likely ahead. Today we’re going to visit Cathedral Cove and later tonight relax at the famous Hot Water Beach at Hahei.

On our way to Hahei

Cathedral Cove

Cathedral Cove is one of the most popular spots on the Coromandel Peninsula. Because of the increase in traffic in the area, we had to stop at a car park and take a bus to the start of the trail that leads to Cathedral Cove (there’s also a footpath that takes a little over an hour).

Viewpoint at Cathedral Cove

Apparently, diving and snorkeling in and around Cathedral Cove is an amazing experience, as are kayaking tours to the cove.

To get down to Cathedral Cove, we walked through the New Zealand World War I Memorial Forest. There is a lovely footpath one can follow down the forest and then you get to many-many steps to end your walk on the beach at Cathedral Cove.

Walkway to Cathedral Cove

Tree in the middle of the walkway

Earlier, I saw photos of a packed beach at Cathedral Cove, but since it was now late summer, we were lucky to only find a couple of tourists wandering around.

Small beach at Cathedral Cove

Beautiful Cathedral Cove

While taking a gentle stroll on the beach, a group arrived with their kayaks – this must be a nice way of exploring Cathedral Cove.

On the beach at Cathedral Cove

Of course, we had to take all those stairs back UP to the viewpoint again. But it was worth the effort and we’re glad we had the opportunity to see the magnificent Cathedral Cove.

Hot Water Beach

Hot Water Beach is just a 10 minute-drive from Cathedral Cove. At first, we explored the surrounding areas a bit more and then checked into our cabin at the Hot Water Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park. After the previous night, we decided to give the tent a rest.

“What is this hot water beach?”

According to their info pamphlet: “Within two hours either side of low tide, it is possible to dig into the sand to allowing hot water to escape to the surface forming a hot water pool. The water, with a temperature as hot as 64ºC, filters up from two underground fissures located close to each other” … and this all happens on the beach.

We rented a shovel at the Information office where we were staying and walked over to Hot Water Beach for a fun time.

Manned with a shovel and ready to explore Hot Water Beach

After trying and testing the sand, we (hopefully) found the right spot and started to dig a hole in the sand – one big enough for the four of us

The digging begins

I must admit that we could have gone through as top engineers, because we were able to create a monster hole with walls high enough to not let any cold sea water in.

Our hole is starting to get shape, and we are ready to settle into the hot water

Relaxing on the beach in our hot water pool

When you get too hot in your little pool, and you are brave enough to face the cold sea water, you can walk the few steps to cool off in the cold waves – something Berto has done a couple of times.

Berto on his way to cool off in the cold sea water

It was amazing to see so many people on the beach and not for sunbathing, but rather to enjoy the hot water pools.

Hot Water Beach is a fun place for family and friends

We sat until very late in our pool – until high tide came in and the cold sea water destroyed our hot pool’s walls.

Steam rising from our pool while the cold sea water is just a few meters away

We enjoyed all the new things we saw for the first time and concluded the day with a nice bottle of red wine at our cabin. This was the perfect ending to a great day of exploring.

Tomorrow, we are returning back home. But on the way, we will explore more of The Coromandel Peninsula. You can click here to read the final part of our road trip.