- Home >
- Magazine Table of Contents - march-2010 >
- World's Coolest Hot Springs
World's Coolest Hot Springs
Hot Water Beach, Waikato, New Zealand
The Soak: “No pain, no gain” is the motto at this unique beach just south of the North Island’s Mercury Bay: you have to bring a shovel and dig your own “hot tub,” which for two hours before and after low tide will fill with spring-fed water laced with calcium, magnesium, potassium, silica, and fluorine. Note: also bring a bucket to add cold seawater to regulate the temperature, which can emerge at a scalding 147°F.
The Scene: It’s a communal Kiwi beach bash, so arrive early to stake out your circle of sand.
When to Go: Year-round, but summer (December to March) is ideal.