Hot Water Beach by Campervan: Digging a Pool, Tides and Rips

Quick summary: For campervan travellers in Mercury Bay, Hot Water Beach is a must-do. Around 10 km by road from Hahei, it’s a long surf beach where hot water from underground springs seeps up through the sand near a rocky outcrop. Around low tide, that patch of sand can be scooped into a steaming pool with a spade, and you lie back in it while the surf breaks nearby. Time your visit for low tide, park the campervan or motorhome in the beach car park, and never swim in the surf, which has strong rips.

At a glance
Where	South of Hahei, Mercury Bay
From Hahei	Around 10 km, about 15 minutes
When	Around two hours either side of low tide
What you need	A spade, swimwear, a towel
Swimming	The surf is dangerous; don’t swim
Tours	Hot Water Beach tours

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How does Hot Water Beach work?

Beneath the beach, geothermal springs push hot water up through cracks in the rock. Near a rocky outcrop towards one end of the beach, the water rises through the sand. When the tide is low enough to expose this area, you can dig a hollow and it fills with warm to very hot water, mixing with cooler seawater and groundwater. When the tide returns, the sea washes the pools away.

When should you go?

Within around two hours either side of low tide. Check the tide times before you go, and arrive early, as the hot area is small and fills quickly with people in summer. Early morning and evening low tides are often quieter, and digging a pool under the stars is a memorable experience.

Where do you get a spade?

Spades are available to hire from businesses near the beach, and some holiday parks lend them. If you’re travelling for a while, a small spade is a useful thing to carry in the campervan.

Is the water safe?

Take care in two ways:

• The pools can be scalding in places, so test the water before you sit down, and move away from the hottest spots.
• The surf is dangerous. Hot Water Beach has strong rip currents and is known as one of the more dangerous beaches in the area for swimming. Don’t swim in the sea, even if it looks calm, and keep children close. Lifeguards patrol in busy periods; follow their advice.

Where can you park the RV at Hot Water Beach?

There are public car parks near the beach, a short walk from the hot water area, with room for campervans and motorhomes. They fill at popular low tides in summer, so arrive early, or stay at the holiday park near the beach and walk. Overnight parking outside campgrounds isn’t permitted.

Can you combine Hot Water Beach with Cathedral Cove?

Yes, and most visitors do. If low tide is in the morning, go to Hot Water Beach first and Cathedral Cove later; if it’s in the afternoon, visit the cove in the morning. See tides and timing.

Are there tours?

Yes. Tours from Auckland and the Coromandel combine Hot Water Beach with Cathedral Cove, often including spades and transport. See Hot Water Beach tours and spa and wellness.

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Frequently Asked Questions