The coastal village of Kawhia supports a fishing and farming community. For much of the year, life is quiet. But over summer Kawhia fills up with holiday makers. Kawhia is surrounded by magnificent scenery and bound by unspoiled beaches stretching North and South.
Kawhia's main claim to fame is the hot water spring on Ocean Beach. At low tide, geothermally heated water bubbles up through the black sand - you can dig your own bath. To find the springs, walk around the beach from the boat ramp or drive to the end of Te Puia Road and walk over the dunes. They are usually accessible for up to two hours before and after low tide.
Another expedition is the walk to Maketu Marae, where two stones mark the burial place of the Tainui canoe (one of the migration canoes that came from Polynesia).