Ocean Beach

Waikato & the Coromandel Peninsula


Four kilometres west of Kāwhia is Ocean Beach and its high, black-sand dunes. Swimming can be dangerous, but one to two hours either side of low tide you can find the Te Puia Hot Springs in the sand – dig a hole for your own natural hot pool. From the car park, walk though the sand dunes for around 300m.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Waikato & the Coromandel Peninsula attractions

1. Maketu Marae

1.81 MILES

From Kāwhia Wharf, a track extends along the coast to Maketu Marae, which has an impressively carved meeting house, Auaukiterangi. Two stones here – Hani…

2. Post Box Gallery

2.24 MILES

This volunteer-run gallery and shop is worth checking out to purchase interesting works and souvenirs from the increasing number of artists and designers…

3. Kawhia Regional Museum & Gallery

2.28 MILES

Kāwhia's modest waterside museum has local history, nautical and Māori art and artefacts, as well as regular art exhibitions. Don't miss the huge fossil…

4. Ruapuke Beach

11.06 MILES

Whale Bay marks the end of the sealed road, but a gravel road continues to the wild spans of Ruapuke Beach, 22km from Raglan. It’s dangerous for swimmers…

5. Waireinga

12.57 MILES

Just past Te Mata (a short drive south of the main Raglan–Hamilton road) is the turn-off to the 55m-high Waireinga, 4km from the main road. From the car…

6. Mt Karioi

13.92 MILES

In legend, Mt Karioi (756m), the Sleeping Lady (check out that profile), is the sister to Mt Pirongia. At its base (8km south of Whale Bay), Te Toto Gorge…

7. Mt Pirongia

17.67 MILES

The main attraction of the 170-sq-km Pirongia Forest Park is Mt Pirongia, its 959m summit clearly visible from much of the Waikato. The mountain is…

8. Old School Arts Centre

18.8 MILES

A community hub, the Old School Arts Centre has changing exhibitions and workshops, including weaving, carving, yoga and storytelling. Movies screen here…

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