The communal kitchen and dining area is a highlight for those self-catering, offering plenty of space and a log fire that makes it a cozy hub during the winter months. Outside, the large BBQ area provides a great social setting for a relaxed dinner after a day at the beach.

You do not even have to leave the grounds for a quality meal. Hotspot Pizza & Brews serves Italian-inspired wood-fired pizzas straight from a custom-built oven. You can order at the bar, which is set under a massive Safari tent, and pair your meal with a craft beer or cider from Good George Brewing. They also serve delicious gelato for a post-dinner treat and use Coromandel-roasted Coffee Lala beans for a reliable morning caffeine fix.

For a classic coastal experience, FnCs Fish & Chips is located right on the park grounds. They serve all the staples you would expect from a top-tier chip shop, making it an easy and affordable option for a night off cooking.

A short five-minute walk through native bush takes you to Hot Waves Café. This local icon is set in a beautiful garden environment and is the perfect spot for a long breakfast or a mid-morning coffee in a relaxed, nature-filled setting.

If you are after a lively atmosphere, The Pour House is a family-owned craft brewery and restaurant nearby. It is a fantastic place to sample local brews and enjoy a sit-down meal in a fun, family-friendly environment close to the track leading to Cathedral Cove.

The park is packed with entertainment, centered around a year-round heated pool complex that includes a swimming pool, a kiddies' pool, and a dedicated soak pool. For the kids, the jumping pillow, playground, and pedal karts offer plenty of ways to burn off energy, while the park’s organized school holiday activities keep the whole family engaged.

The main event is, of course, Hot Water Beach itself. Located just 700 metres away, this natural wonder allows you to dig your own thermal spa in the sand. This unique experience is only possible for two hours on either side of low tide, and the park makes it easy by offering spade hire on-site. If you prefer the waves to the sand-soaks, the northern end of the beach is a popular surf spot with a consistent break, though swimmers should always be mindful of the strong local rips.

A short 9.5km drive brings you to the gateway of Cathedral Cove, one of New Zealand’s most iconic coastal landmarks. You can explore the massive limestone arch and white sand beaches via the walking track or take to the water on a sea kayak or boat tour to see the marine reserve from a different perspective.

For a quirky and inventive family day out, head to The Waterworks. Set in five acres of native bush, this unique theme park features over 70 water-driven attractions and activities largely built from recycled materials. It is a hands-on, high-energy experience that provides a fun contrast to the region's coastal adventures.

Because the hot springs are such a massive drawcard, the beach can get very busy during peak low tide windows. To snag the best spot for your sand-spa, aim to head down about an hour before low tide begins.