Hot Waves

Coromandel Peninsula


In summer everyone wants a garden table at this excellent cafe. For a lazy brunch, try the eggs Benedict with smoked salmon or the legendary Big Breakfast. Ask about occasional Friday-night music sessions. Keep an eye out for the fluffy cat who may well run the place.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Coromandel Peninsula attractions

1. Moko Artspace

0.1 MILES

Near Hot Water Beach, Moko is full of beautiful things – art, sculpture, jewellery – with a modern Pasifika/Māori bent.

2. Hahei Beach

3.75 MILES

Long, lovely Hahei Beach is made more magical by the view to the craggy islands in the distance. From the southern end of Hahei Beach, it’s a 15-minute…

3. Cathedral Cove

4.57 MILES

Beautiful Cathedral Cove, with its famous gigantic stone arch and natural waterfall shower, is best enjoyed early or late in the day – avoiding the worst…

4. Shakespeare Cliff Lookout

6.69 MILES

Shakespeare Cliff Lookout has excellent views over the ocean and Cooks Beach. It’s accessed across the harbour from Ferry Landing.

5. Mercury Bay Museum

7.49 MILES

A small but interesting museum focusing on local history – especially Whitianga’s most famous visitors, Kupe and Cook.

6. Lost Spring

7.89 MILES

This expensive but intriguing Disney-meets-Polynesia thermal complex comprises a series of hot pools in a lush jungle-like setting complete with an…

7. Paaku

8.1 MILES

Around seven million years ago Paaku was a volcanic island, but now it forms the northern head of Tairua’s harbour. Ngāti Hei had a pā here before being…

8. Broken Hills Gold-Mine Workings

15.1 MILES

Located 12km south of Tairua is the turn-off to Puketui Valley and the historic Broken Hills gold-mine workings, which are 8km from the main road along a…