Coromandel -the importance of reading guide books

Coromandel - the holiday penninsula for Aucklanders. I'd heard heaps about it (nice beaches, good walking, very picteresque) and have been really keen to go for ages. Sounded a bit like the Margaret Rive of North NZ. It's only about 3 hours drive from Rotorua and the best bit was that there is a beach with thermally heated water just below the sand..... Matt hadn't been to the hot water beach either, and finally on the labour day long weekend, our chance came!

We had a lovely trip up - heaps of specky views and it was sunny, although cool and windy.

A lookout on the way

The campsite we chose had nice views across some hills, but as soon as we'd set up the tent, we were keen to head to the beach to dig some holes in the sand. Now here comes the bit about reading guide books: We rocked up at hot water beach shovels in hand, ready to sit in pools of warm water- but to our surprise although the beach was packed, no one else was digging holes and, well, we couldn't really find the spot where it happens. Somewhat mystified and a little grumpy (I wanted to dig holes!) we spent the rest of the afternoon in the sun on the gorgeous beach at a little place called Hahei. (Hahei - pronounced Haaa hey, but would be so much better as Haa heee).

The beach at Hahei

It wasn't until we got home that night that i consulted my Lying Planet guidebook and discovered that the hot water pools are only exposed for 2 hours either side of low tide...... doh! We felt a bit silly.

The next day, we went to hot water beach at low tide, and along with hundreds of others, dug our own little spa pool of hot water. It was awesome - some of it was so hot, people were cooling off in the (freezing) ocean.... Very very fun!

Hot water beach (at LOW tide)

Me deciding whether or not to go in

I must say that I really like the Coromandel - I'd happily go there again, especially in summer (and at low tide!).