Hot Water Beach / North Island / New Zealand

This place gets its name from the hot springs that filter up underneath the beach.  Aside from the interesting geology that causes this, surfing here can be good although it is only suitable for those who have plenty of experience in what can be difficult conditions.

The beach is sandy and it is empty during the week, but rapidly fills up at weekends especially during the summer. The water temperature here goes from a maximum of about 22° C in February to a minimum of about 15° C in August, so you may want to think about packing a decent wetsuit.

The conditions here are good when the wind is blowing from the west and the swell is rolling in from the north-east. The waves are only small, starting at less than 1 m and holding up to a maximum of about 1.5 m, and it works at all tide positions and on both rising and falling tides.  It is a point break, only to the right, and the waves are hollow with just enough power and speed in them to make it interesting.

The Lifeguard Service patrols the beach, and there is a surf shop nearby where you can pick up some gear if you need it. The village behind the beach has a couple of places offering accommodation and food and drink if you want to stick around for a while.

Mind the rocks and keep an eye out for the odd shark that passes by here.  Be nice to the locals, they aren't used to very many tourists turning up in their backyard.