Kawhia Ocean Beach Natural Hotpools
Kawhia's natural hotpools are an absolute must, while visiting the region. The Te Puia hot pools that bubble up out of the sand onto the ocean-beach are Kawhia's best kept secret, but more and more visitors are discovering this rejuvenating hotsprings eco-gem.
DIRECTIONS:
On reaching Kawhia, ask for directions to the ocean beach road. The locals are friendly and will only be too keen to help. Drive to the very end, about 4 kilometre's to a carpark.
You will see toilets situated their also. Walk over a sand dune and down to the ocean beach. Almost straight down you will discover the hotpools.
Remember the natural hot springs don't get exposed till approx. 2 hours before low tide. So before that you may not see any evidence of the hotpools.
Enjoy a swim in the surf first, then after a dip in the ocean, get digging your own hotpool. If you can, bring your own shovel or spade to dig with.
It will save energy, otherwise, all hands on deck to dig a big one. You can usually test the temperature with your toes, which varies upon location.
Feel around for the hot spots by digging your toes into the sand. You can smell the sulpher when the hot pools get exposed, or see the steam rising from the sand, usually about 2 hours before low tide.
After your hot pools, there are many other activities to enjoy your stay while in Kawhia...You can try horsetrekking at Aotea beach, or go for a heritage cruiseon the harbour, or why not just head down to the Kawhia wharf for another swim, then tuck into the famous "Kawhia fish n chips"....
Either option, you are bound to enjoy your time in "Kawhia by the sea".