The tiny town of Hahei, population 300, receives half a million visitors a year who flock here to visit Cathedral Cove and the other natural wonders of the coastline. We started the day with a boat tour that was both informative and thrilling as we flew over the 1 meter swells en route to the geographic features of the coastline and into the Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve. Our fist destination was Cathedral Cove and the arched sea cave for which it is named. Later in the day we would return on foot.

The Orua sea cave, located further south, was equally impressive and large enough for us to maneuver into with the boat.

Mahurangi Island is a sanctuary for birds, sea mammals, fish, turtles. and also features sea arches and caves.

After our boat tour, we hiked back to Cathedral Cove. It was a relatively short 2.6-mile round trip with steep up-and-down sections that left my knees barking by the end. Totally worth it.

In the afternoon, we visited Hot Water Beach where it is possible to dig into the sand allowing hot water to escape to the surface forming a hot water pool. The water, with a temperature as hot as 147 °F, filters up from two underground fissures. Visitors dig large holes and relax and soak in the thermal baths. Click on the overhead aeriel view to observe the many excavations and styles of relaxation.

After Jeanine got her fish tacos at Hotties, we set out for a 2-hour drive to Matamata.