Saturday, December 18, 2010

Hot Water Beach

One of the most famous spots in the Coromandel region is Hahei's Hot Water Beach. With geothermal activity just below the shore's surface, it provides a unique opportunity to dig your own hot tub in the sand at low tide. All of the nearby cafes rent small shovels, and a five minute walk from the car park brings you to the center of the sizzling action.

What we found on our visit to Hot Water Beach was beyond disappointing. Horrible weather. Irritating crowds. And tepid bath water seaping from under the surface. Uber lame.




Later that evening, we met some girls who arrived on a tour bus and were devastated to have missed the 11am low tide. However, another low tide would come at 11pm... We decided to gather up our flashlights and a few bottles of wine and head back to the beach to see if we could beat the morning visit.


We were so glad that we gave it another shot. With hardly anybody out on the pitch-black beach, we were free to dig where we knew the hot spots lie. Before long, the seven of us were soaking in a scalding sandy tub, with the occassional wave splashing in to cool us down. With illuminescent algae casting a shimmery glow, cool rain falling upon us and steam rising all around us, calling it a magical experience would be an understatement.

1 comment:

  1. Blogging is the new poetry. I find it wonderful and amazing in many ways.

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