This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Hahei.
Hahei is a really small town on the North Island of New Zealand. It is a short drive from some of the stunning geological features for which the area is so well known, such as Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach.
Hot Water Beach is situated on top of a geothermal hot spring so you can head on down to the beach, dig yourself a hole in the sand that will eventually fill itself up with hot water that wells up from under the ground, and you have your very own bath to sit in. It is advisable to take a bucket to fill up your bath with some of the cold sea water, as these baths can sometimes be very hot.
Cathedral Cove is a great place to go for a walk and admire the massive rock formations, chill out and relax on the beach, or go for a kayak. There are local businesses that will rent you one if you need and there are other companies that run kayak tours around the area.
Transport between cities and small towns in New Zealand is very limited. The best way to get here is to hire a car for your travels. This will also allow you to explore the area more in depth. It will also give you greater access to the Hahei hostels, which are a small way out of town toward Whitianga. Hostels in Hahei are limited and during the summer months between December and March it is best to book in advance, because this area is a very popular summer destination.
Written by local enthusiast for Hahei hostels
Globetrotter