Kawhia & Ocean Beach
Kawhia is a quiet west-coast harbour about 50 minutes from the cottage — and home to one of the Waikato's best-kept secrets, a hot-water beach you can dig yourself.
About 50 minutes from the cottage, over the back of Pirongia.
The hot water beach
At Ocean Beach, a couple of hours either side of low tide, you can dig a hole in the black sand and let the geothermal water fill your own warm pool. Take a spade and check the tide times before you go — it only works around low tide.
The harbour town
Kawhia itself is tiny and characterful — the wharf, a bit of kai, and deep significance as one of the landing places of the Tainui waka. It's a proper off-the-beaten-track day.
The drive
The road over from Pirongia is scenic backcountry Waikato and half the fun. Pack a picnic and make an unhurried day of it.
Details can change with the seasons and the tides — check ahead before you set out.
Make a trip of it
Stay at Cosy Country Cottage
A private, dog-friendly base at the foot of Mt Pirongia — sleeps four, self-contained, big rural views.
4.67· 9 Airbnb reviews9.6· Bookabach
Book direct with the owner — no booking-site fees.
Or call or text 021 054 5018 — usually a reply within a day.