Hot Water Beach

10.03 and thus the penultimate day.

Today marks my personal highlight for the Coromandel Peninsula, Hot Water Beach. There is a spot on the beach where hot water rises, warming the water nearby. The right temperature can be found within just a few meters, making it essential to arrive early as the tide recedes. Once you have dug or secured a pool where you won’t get overly hot or cold, you can relax and enjoy the beautiful waves. Watch out! The walls of the pool can attack you too! You won't escape the occasional need to re-dig.

A conveniently placed rock enhances the experience as well. Unfortunately, swimming isn’t recommended here due to dangerous currents. You can easily spend a good 3 hours here. Warning! The sun burns in New Zealand...

For a relaxing evening stroll, we went to see the Big Kauri Tree. Kauri trees can live for several thousand years and grow to impressive sizes. Unfortunately, they are very susceptible to bacterial infections, which is why shoes must be disinfected at the beginning of the walking trails. For the Māori, these trees hold significant cultural importance and may only be felled by them. The circular path starts at a campground but is freely accessible. The tree is already impressive and provides space on its upper level for another layer of forest made up of epiphytic plants.

A chill day with a chill ending.