If the earthquakes in Christchurch taught the world anything about New Zealand, it’s that the entire country lies pretty much smack-dab on top of two colliding tectonic plates. Total bummer, right? Well, if you’re talking about shakers, then yes. But if you’re talking about crazy awesome natural phenomena, then no. Take, for instance, the very creatively named Hot Water Beach. It’s a beach that seeps hot water. Perfectly positioned geothermic springs allow intrepid holidaymakers to dig their own little spa pools in the sand during low tide. You shovel out a hole, it fills with hot water, and good times ensue. The only problem with what I consider to be pretty much the most incredible thing in the entire world is that other people seem to like it as well. So Hot Water Beach is a hoppin’ spot on the Coromandel Peninsula.
Armed with a shovel and a couple of beers to reward our anticipated ten minutes of manual labor, LauraLe and I set out to dig a hole. But where to go? Shovels were shoveling everywhere. Other tourists were stealing our steam!
But never underestimate the generosity of strangers.
A delightful Frenchman and an Alaskan bear hunter offered to share their spa with us, and we, in turn, shared our Montleith’s Gold Lager with them. A win-win all around.
Anyway, Hot Water Beach can be a little temperamental. If you’re in a good spot, the seeping water can scald your ass. If you’re in a bad spot, you’ll get tepid temperatures at best. The trick is to get just the right combination of sea and spring. I think LauraLe and I did a pretty good job. With, of course, a little help from our new-found friends.
people! in New Zealand???
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