We went on this trip just before lockdown was announced and events over took us.

Kawhia is a sleepy town on the west coast of the North Island and a hidden gem. It also has a hidden secret kept away from the majority of foreign tourists. It has it’s own hot water beach.

Just a short distance out of town and a short walk over the sand dunes from the car park is a black sand west coast beach and at low tide just wiggle your feet into the sand to find a hot spot.

You will however be better off bringing a spade to dig a hot pool of your own, or share it with others.

Here is our short video of our visit.