Kawhia Hot Water Beach

Head down to Ocean Beach in Kawhia at low tide, clamber over the sand dunes and stroll down onto the beach. Find your spot and start digging for an instant natural hot water spa, with stunning views to match. Kawhia is a peaceful beachside town steep in Maori history, and is the final resting place for the voyaging Tainui Waka (canoe). This heritage is illustrated not only in the community of Kawhia but in the world famous Kawhia Kai Festival – held in February each year the Kawhia Kai Festival is a celebration of Maori Cuisine, culture, and traditions and draws crowds from near and far. Lonely Plant listed the Kawhia Kai Festival in the Top 10 Indigenous events for overseas visitors and tourists to attend. The off-the-beaten-track and somewhat untouched nature of Kawhia provides for the perfect destination to escape to. The Kawhia Harbour is great for a spot of fishing as well as off the wharf. On a hot summer’s day you will often find local children jumping off the wharf to cool off.