My friend Allison and I check into our hostel in Whitianga (Turtle Cove Accommodation) only to discover there’s still a 30 minute drive to Hahei, the highlight of the region. Whitianga and Hahei are very close on the map but the ferry connecting the two is only for passengers, not cars. So we drive around the long way and arrive at Hot Water Beach at the perfect time — low tide (more on that in a minute).

Hot Water Beach is famous for its proximity to a geothermal hot spot — just below the sand is a literal hotbed of activity. Beach-goers can rent shovels for around $5 and dig into the ground until hot water boils up to the surface. Then just lay down and enjoy it. The catch is that this particular area is only exposed at low tide, so time your jacuzzi fun accordingly.

We immediately spot the crowd as we enter the beach.

There’s a few phantom pools that were abandoned once the diggers realized they were too far away from a geothermal hot spot.

Allison and I are a little overwhelmed by the crowds. We don’t have shovels to partake in the fun, but it’s still quite a sight to behold.

After we’ve witnessed enough of the hot tub diggers, we continue onwards to the nearly empty beach just beyond the hot spot.

We set up our towels to read and relax for an hour or two.

Part of me wishes we had more time to join in the Hot Water Beach fun, but the area is such a madhouse that I’m satisfied after taking photos for a few minutes. On a quiet day, I bet this activity would be easier to enjoy. Maybe when the low tide is early enough in the morning to limit the crowds? Granted the tides aren’t controllable, but if your holiday in this area happens to fall on a day when low tide occurs very early, that would be an ideal to dig your own sandy hot tub.