Hot water beach is a phenomenon unique in the world. Beneath the sands in a small area of the beach just above the low tide mark are two hot water springs that trickle to the surface at over 60C - very hot. By digging a small pool and mixing the spring water with sea water a warm bath can be created - at least that's the theory. Glenn checked low tide times and we arrived at the optimum time between 8.30am and 10.30am so as not to get washed away by the apparently strong incoming tide.
In reality when we arrived the area of the beach was mobbed with people all franticly digging pools of various sizes. Although they were all lying in them with smug faces only a small proportion of the pools were what could be described as warm. People were very protective about sharing their pools and reluctantly let you dip your toe in even.
We mooched around clutching our borrowed spade looking for somewhere to dig our bath but it turns out the springs surface is a very small area, which could be identified by small bubbles of sulphur popping on the surface of the sand, so we satisfied ourselves with a paddle in some hot, then warm, then hot water as the waves broke and retreated over our feet. At one point an unusually large wave broke over many of the pools filling them with cold water and wrecking their retaining sand walls. Several shrieks and a great deal of commotion followed, much to our amusement (should we be so smug?).
Getting cool in a freshening breeze we found a large boulder to shelter behind and sunbathed for while, putting us in a lethargic mood for the rest of the day.
Rested and roasted we set of for the small seaside town of Hihei, which is also the gateway for the path to Cathedral Cove, a beautiful cove with a large rock arch (made famous at the start of the Narnia: Prince Caspian movie) and another 'must see'. Our quick snack lunch confirmed we didn't fancy the walk to the cove as we expected it to also be mobbed with the people just like us, who had just left Hot Water beach so we set off in search of some off the beaten track places.
Following our noses we stumbled across Cook's Beach, which was deserted, and has wonderful views across the bay. The next bay Maramaratotara Bay (aka Flaxmill Bay!) was equally attractive and deserted. We followed the road a little further to the end of the small peninsula called Ferry Landing and the boarding point for a small passenger ferry. All these places were attractive and quiet. Guess everyone else was still following the Lonely Planet tour guidebook of "must see" places.
We decided to stay around here for an extra day and Michelle, our host has found us a house to stay in just down from her home. So we picked up our two bags, settled in and made a magnificent spag bog.
 |
| The scene as we arrived at Hot Water beach |
 |
| Even the little 'uns joined in |
 |
| She's building her barricade |
 |
| In the other direction....This cool Dad and his boyz had other plans |
 |
| Hectic Hihei beach, look at all those kayaks! |
 |
| Bay side view at Maramaratotara Bay (aka Flaxmill Bay!) |
No comments:
Post a Comment