Hahei

The track starts at the carpark on Grange Rd, at the northern end of Hahei. The walk down to the cove takes 35 mins one way. Stingray Bay is 20 mins from carpark. The walk back takes 45 mins. The cove has a limestone rock arch that separates two sandy beaches. At peak summer time, the Grange Rd carpark is usually full, so use the park-and-ride shuttle that operates from the entrance to the town from 27 Dec through January and Waitangi weekend – fares are $5 adult, $3 child up to 15 years, $10 family (up to 2 adults and 2 children).

Two Maori pa sites on the headland at the southern end of Hahei Beach. A 15-minute walk with great views.

Tours of several hours or up to a full day.

Ten min from carpark on the Cathedral Cove walk. There are four buoys with interpretation panels attached that identify sea-life. The buoys have handles you can hold on to, if you want a bit of assistance while snorkeling.

Boat tour to Cathedral Cove in Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve.

Water from two hot springs comes up through the sand on one part of the beach within two hours each side of low tide and you can dig your own hot pool. At the points where the water comes up, it is about 64°C (147°F), which is too hot to bathe in, so you need to dig a pool a little further away and let the hot water run down into it. Spades for hire at the cafes for $5.