Monday, July 26, 2010

Visitors making pools at Hot Water Beach

Hot Water Beach is on the east coast of the Coromandel Peninsula, New Zealand approximately 175 kilometers from Auckland. Here underground hot springs filter up through the sand. The beach is a popular destination both for tourists visiting New Zealand, estimated at 130,000 visitors. When pits are dug into the sand on the beach, hot water comes up to the surface forming hot water pools, with water temperatures as hot as 64°C (147°F). These natural springs can be found on the beach opposite the off-shore rocks. Visitors can be seen digging large holes and relaxing and soaking in the thermal water. Visitors either bring a spade and other tools with them for digging or they can be hired from the nearby surf shop.

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