The eastern Coromandel has some of New Zealand's best beaches. Hot Water Beach is unique and unmissable; the beach at Hahei is safe, beautiful, and sheltered; Cooks Beach on Mercury Bay has a long arc of white sand and good swimming. Tairua and Whangamata both have surf beaches at the southern end of the peninsula.
The western coast beaches face the calmer Firth of Thames and are less spectacular, though they have their own appeal — quieter, with views over the gulf.
December to March is peak beach season. The water temperature reaches its best in February, when sea temperatures approach 20°C. Outside summer the beaches are largely deserted, which has its own appeal.