Hahei & Hot Water Beach

Hahei Oceanfront B&B
Hahei Oceanfront B&B
New Zealand
Hahei & Hot Water Beach

Hahei’s flamingo coloured sands and inviting surf make it the epitome of most kiwis’ dream-holiday destination, where summer days are spent lazing on the beach, swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, surfing and boogie boarding, and evenings resound with the laughter of friends and family, with the scent of barbeque drifting on the breeze.  This haven lies on the southern arm of Mercury Bay, a 35 minute drive from Whitianga, and though holidaymakers’ needs are serviced by the busy general store and a handful of cafes, stock up on any special items before you come.  Hahei borders the 9 square kilometre Te Whanganui a Hei Marine Reserve.  A track leads over the cliffs to beautiful Cathedral Cove, via sandy Stingray Bay and rocky Gemstone Bay.  All three beaches are in the Marine Reserve - perfect for snorkeling - but Gemstone Bay has the added advantage of a DOC administered Snorkeling Trail, featuring information and photo panels posted on buoys around the Bay.  For those who would prefer to be on the water than walking the cliffs, there are guided kayak trips to Cathedral Cove as well, allowing views of limestone cliffs, caves and arches which would otherwise be missed.  To maximize sightings of the abundant marine life, kayaks with glass panels in the bottom are available.

Hahei Accommodation "Our Pick"

Church Cottages -- Tariff $105 - $175
11 cozy wooden cottages with leadlight windows and french doors opening onto sunny verandas and beautiful gardens.
87 Beach Road, Hahei -- Phone: + 64 7 866 3533

Cathedral Court B&B -- Tariff $180 -$225
One garden suite and one guest room in home.
1 Cathedral Court, Hahei -- Phone: +64 7 866 3501

Hahei Oceanfront B&B -- Tariff $220 - $725
Modern B&B right on the beach offers 1 suite and 2 bedrooms.
23 Wigmore Crescent, Hahei-- Phone: +64 7 866 3199

Hot Water Beach Accommodation "Our Pick"

Hot Water Beach B&B -- Tariff $180 - $250
Offers accommodation with views over Hot Water Beach, 2 rooms.
48 Pye Place -- Phone: +64 7 866 3991

More accommodation in Whitianga

Hahei Restaurants & Cafes "Our Pick"

Church Restaurant
European cuisine in wooden church, dinners Tue-Sat.
87 Beach Road, Hahei -- Phone: + 64 7 866 3797

Hot Water Beach Restaurants & Cafes "Our Pick"

Hot Waves Cafe
Cafe meals, open Mon-Sun 8.30am - 4pm, till 9pm in summer.
8 Pye Place, Hot Water Beach -- Phone: +64 7 866 3887

Activities "Our Selection"

Cathedral Cove Sea Kayaking -- Phone: +64 7 866 3877
Offers several trips from $85 p.p. -- 88 Hahei Beach Rd, Hahei

Cathedral Cove Dive
48 Hahei Beach Road, Hahei -- Phone: +64 7 866 3955  

Cave Cruzer -- Phone: +64 7 866 0611
Departs from Whitianga wharf, from $50 p.p.  

HOT WATER BEACH
6 kms south of Hahei is another hotspot – literally!  For 2 hours either side of low tide, you can dig your own spa in the sands just below the rocky outcrop partway down the beach.  Take your own spade or hire one from the local beach store.  The mineral-laden water, as hot as 64ºC (147ºF), escapes from underground reservoirs through two fissures at a rate of up to 15 litres per minute.  The beach also attracts surfers, but please exercise caution when surfing or swimming.  The beach often has rips which have claimed unwary visitors in the past.

 



Hot Water Beach
Hot Water Beach