| Hot Water Beach | | | | azure waters of the Pacific Ocean. |
| Hot Water Beach is one of those unique | | | | Kuaotunu Beach |
| experiences every visitor to the Coromandel | | | | Kuaotunu is quintessential New Zealand; a |
| must do. While Hot Water Beach is one of the | | | | picturesque quiet country village and sandy white |
| top surfing spots on the peninsula, the real reason | | | | beach, surrounded by native bush and rugged |
| for its fame is what gives this beach its name. An | | | | farmland. With a white sand beach that's perfect |
| underground river of hot water surfaces at the | | | | for swimming, fishing, sailing, kayaking and |
| beach and one hour either side of low tide, people | | | | snorkelling and a village store that serves the best |
| flock there to dig their own natural spa pool in the | | | | ice creams in Coromandel, Kuaotunu is the idyllic |
| sand. Winter or summer, this is a natural | | | | place that childhood memories of wonderful |
| phenomenon that once experienced, you'll never | | | | seaside holidays are made of. |
| forget! | | | | Kuaotunu Beach is also famous for its surf break |
| Hahei Beach and Cathedral Cove | | | | off the Blackjack Reef so is a wonderful coastal |
| This is really two beaches, but you can't talk | | | | playground for little and grown-up kids. |
| about one without the other. | | | | Opito Bay |
| Hahei is a veritable beach paradise of pink sand | | | | Only a short distance from Kuaotunu along a |
| and pristine clear blue sea framed by cliffs and | | | | narrow windy gravel road lies Opito Bay. With no |
| maori pa sites either end of the beach. The | | | | shops or restaurants and very few houses, this is |
| neighbouring marine reserve is a magical aquatic | | | | as close as you'll get to an untouched world that's |
| world, abundant with fish and other sea life. The | | | | also accessible by car or boat. |
| marine reserve is also home to the famous | | | | Opito Bay is a sweeping, horseshoe shaped |
| Cathedral Cove, one of the most visited and | | | | beach, framed by farmland and bush and a |
| photographed locations on the Coromandel | | | | necklace of outlying islands. This is where you |
| Peninsula. Accessible only by foot (via an access | | | | come to simply enjoy what's here; the beauty, |
| track at the northern end of Hahei Beach) or | | | | the privacy and seclusion. A safe swimming |
| water, this magnificent cathedral shaped cavern, | | | | beach, Opito Bay is known for its friendly, |
| white sand beach and its spectacular environs are | | | | laidback, family feel and vibe. For a holiday of |
| a "must visit" site. | | | | peace and relaxation, look no further than Opito |
| New Chums Beach | | | | Bay. |
| New Chums is the holy grail of truly untouched | | | | Whangamata Beach |
| beaches and while virtually unknown by most New | | | | Whangamata is one of the most popular beach |
| Zealanders; was rated one of the top 20 beaches | | | | resorts in New Zealand. Its local population of |
| in the world by UK newspaper, The Observer. | | | | 4000 residents soars to 50,000 plus in summer. |
| The reason for its obscurity is that New Chums | | | | But even if you'd prefer to avoid the crowds, |
| Beach cannot be reached by road. | | | | there are a whole lot of reasons why |
| Make sure you pack a pair of good walking shoes | | | | Whangamata should be on your "must visit" list |
| because you're going to have to do a little bit of | | | | namely; surf, sand, sea and endless fun. |
| work to get to this beach. Starting at the far end | | | | Whangamata is a safe seaside playground for |
| of Whangapoua Beach, you'll need to wade across | | | | swimming, fishing, diving and all the usual |
| a shallow lagoon, then walk 30 minutes around the | | | | Coromandel outdoor activities which makes it a |
| coastline, over rocks and past a magnificent | | | | real favourite with families. But it's also famous |
| grove of Nikau Palms. But it's worth the walk as | | | | for having some of the best surf breaks in New |
| you'll find a stunning stretch of unspoiled beach | | | | Zealand. This is the place to come if you want to |
| paradise lined with pohutukawas; no people, no | | | | rub shoulders with some of the best surfers on |
| houses, nothing but sandy white beach and the | | | | the planet. |