New Zealand > Hot Water Beach

Today we have a relaxed day ahead. We only need to cover about two hundred kilometers to Whakatane. At the corner bakery, we buy some rolls for breakfast. Afterward, we pack up the car and leave Whitianga. Near Hahei lies Hot Water Beach. At low tide, warm volcanic water rises up through the sand. By digging a hole in the beach, you can bathe in this warm water. When we arrive at the beach, it isn’t low tide yet. A woman points out where we can observe the phenomenon later in the day. We don’t have time to wait, so we walk along the beach and enjoy the surf. Here and there, deep holes have already been dug. In one of the holes, there is water — warm water. By stirring it with our hands, it is clear that hot water is bubbling up from below.

New Zealand - Feet in the warm water at Hot Water Beach

Even though we haven’t dug a hole ourselves, we can still experience Hot Water Beach. We continue driving along the coast. At Waiti Beach, we stop for a drink. There are no cafés on the beach, which we notice is common in New Zealand. In the main street, there is a small bakery where we order drinks and a roll. Just before Whakatane, our destination for tonight, we turn off toward Thornton Beach. It’s a quiet little beach. We try out the drone. Despite the strong wind, it hovers steadily above the sand. We are curious to see the footage it captures. Around half past three, we arrive at our hotel in Whakatane. The tour to White Island volcano departs tomorrow morning from our hotel. Conveniently, though coincidental. The captain will decide tonight what time the boat will leave, and we will be informed. At the end of the afternoon, we explore the town. First, we do some shopping — buying breakfast for tomorrow morning and water for the boat trip to the volcano. Then we order a beer on a terrace in the town, followed by dinner at a restaurant across the street. Meanwhile, we receive the message about the volcano tour: we need to check in tomorrow between 6:30 and 7:30 a.m. The boat departs at 8:00.