Hot Water Beach: Some volcanoes develop huge underground reservoirs of superheated water. Over time, this water will escape to the surface, cooling on the way. There are two fissures at Hot Water Beach issuing water as hot as 64˚C (147˚F) at a rate as high as 15 litres/minute. This water contains large amounts of salt (not salt water), calcium, magnesium, potassium, fluorine, bromine, and silica. There are other hot water springs nearby, but the location of these two springs on the beach make them unique. The hot springs are only accessible at low tide, however more often than not, two hours each side of low tide will still provide you with an opportunity to dig your own spa. Spades are available for hire at a local store
Cathedral Cove Walk: There are several scenic tracks on land adjacent to the reserve, including the 2 hour return walk to Cathedral Cove track, which gives access to Gemstone Bay, Mares Leg, and Cathedral Cove. Foot access to the Cathedral Cove car park is at the western end of Hahei Beach and vehicle access is up Grange Road (turn left past shops and go all the way to end of Grange Road).
Thames Coast: A scenic drive along the Pohutukawa coast offers beaches and the Rapaura Water gardens at Tapu. There are also many bush walks in the area. Contact the Information Centre or Dept of Conservation to find out more. Totara Pa is a stronghold site for the Ngati Maru tribe who were defeated by Hongi Hika in 1821. The cemetery features the grave of Hotereni Taipari who opened Thames up for mining.
Scenic Highlights:
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Visit Hot Water beach and dig your own Jacuzzi.
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Cathedral Cove - accessible only on foot or by boat. Famous Cathedral Cove is one of the “must visit” sites on the Coromandel Peninsula.
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Visit the many art and craft galleries the peninsula has to offer from fine art to wood carvings.
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Go for a ride on the Driving Creek Railway and soak in the stunning views along the way.
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Try the trapeze and other daring stunts at High Zone Adventure in Whitianga.
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Walk along the many scenic walking tracks and coastal walking trails the Coromandel has to offer.
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Take a coastal journey by mountain bike.
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Walk the fascinating old Paeroa to Waihi railway line around Karangahake Gorge.
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Mercury Bay Museum - located in the old Dairy Factory, the museum offers fascinating relics from the areas past.
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Swim in the many beaches and coves along the Coromandel coastline.
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View the fantastic marine life that is abundant in the Peninsula by diving or snorkeling.
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Go canyoning in some of New Zealand ’s most spectacular rain forests, jumping, abseiling or go sliding down a giant cascading set of waterfalls.
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Or just sit back, unwind, and relax in this wonderful coastal treasure of New Zealand.
