Dreamy Engagement Session at Hot Water Beach | Tori & Davis

There’s something truly magical about Hot Water Beach on the Coromandel. While most people know it for digging natural hot pools in the sand, couples who visit in the late afternoon discover a different kind of magic. As the sun sets on the East Coast, golden rays filter through soft mist rising from the tide, wrapping the dunes in a glow that feels almost otherworldly. For couples looking for a dreamy beach photo session, Hot Water Beach is one of the most romantic locations in Coromandel.

For this session, I met the wonderful Tori & Davis, who made the drive all the way from Cambridge — a solid two and a half hours — to make their engagement photos here. They didn’t come alone either. Along with them were their two beloved fur babies and Davis’s mum, who kindly came along to help with the dogs. And just in time for golden hour, the whole crew arrived, ready for an unforgettable evening by the sea.

Why Hot Water Beach is Perfect for Couples Sessions

Many beaches in New Zealand come with dog restrictions during the summer, but timing is everything. Visit outside the peak season or later in the day, and you’ll often find the wide stretch of sand almost to yourself. On this day, Hot Water Beach was peaceful and quiet, making it the perfect backdrop for Tori & Davis’s engagement session. Pets always add a little chaos and a lot of fun — and honestly, the joy they bring only makes the photos more real and alive.

What I loved most about this session was how relaxed and natural it felt. Tori and Davis had never had professional photos taken before, yet you’d never guess. With a little gentle guidance and their complete trust, the session flowed with laughter, love, and playful energy. It was one of those evenings where time slowed down, and the world felt wrapped around just the two of them.

Looking back at their photographs, I feel so grateful to have captured not just their smiles, but their connection — the way they look at each other, the joy of running barefoot on the sand, the warmth of having their dogs by their side. And soon, I’ll be telling the next chapter of their love story at their wedding day.

Planning Your Dream Session on Coromandel

If you’re newly engaged and dreaming of a photo session that feels natural, romantic, and a little adventurous, Hot Water Beach is an unforgettable choice on the Coromandel Peninsula. Whether it’s just the two of you, or you’d like to include your pets, this stretch of coastline offers space, golden light, and that special magic that makes photos feel alive.

Planning an engagement, proposal, or even a wedding on Coromandel? Let’s create your own dreamy beach story together. Learn how to plan your special day from a local celebrant and MC, and explore more love stories here.