With spring in its peak, temperatures on the rise and the days getting longer, it's time to start thinking about the best way to enjoy the upcoming summer months.

For my wife Karina and I this is always an easy decision! There's only one place we go to relax, enjoy stunning walks, or better yet, delve into some fantastic kayaking.

That place is Hahei.

Kayaking is one of the best ways to take in the beauty that Hahei has to offer, says husband and wife duo Nathan and Karina Pettigrew. Photo: Supplied. Watch the video below.

Situated in the Coromandel, Hahei is a great little community and known for its moderately calm bay, stunning beach and the ever popular Cathedral Cove which is located just north of the township. It can be reached by a short hike or by paddling around in a kayak.

What makes the paddle around to Cathedral Cove so incredible is the marine reserve, in particular Gemstone Bay, which boasts some spectacular fish and floating bouys provide information about all the different species you can see.

With a snorkel and mask you can get up close to snapper, kahawai and even eagle rays that may be partially covered in sand as they hide from Orcas which feed on them as they pass through this area.

For us, there are so many things that we love about Hahei. There's the kayaking, there's relaxing on the beach, plus there's the ferry ride across to Whitianga for cafes and restaurants if you want a break from the sand and saltwater.

There is just so much to do and the campground, which offers all the amenities, is a terrific place to stay. There are also baches available too for those looking for a bit more privacy.

As some of you may know from my wildlife videos, kayaking is our ‘thing' and this area is the perfect location for us to enjoy our favourite hobby where adventure starts right at your feet.

Straight out from the Hahei campsite is Mahurangi Island and the short paddle takes you out to my one of my favourite cave recommendations.

Paddling around the Southern point, follow the rocky cliff around and you will come to an awesome cave that stretches almost the height of the island itself and is around 20m deep into the cave.

The really great thing about this cave is that it's close to your launching point. Plus, the formation of sand and rocks while kayaking out there is simply superb – it's even better if you wear polarized glasses which will allow you to see so much further into the water.

I remember this cave as being one of the first I had kayaked into on my first trip to Hahei, and it still stands as being one of my favourites due to its close proximity.

From here we paddle south toward Hot Water Beach, weaving between the various ocean fauna as we go. It is a very unique place and a tourist hot spot for people from all over the World.

Many come to Hot Water Beach to dig holes and lie in the baths they create, enjoying the geothermal waters that rise up from beneath the surface.

But if you're looking at kayaking around to this point be very careful as Hot Water Beach is notoriously renowned for being one of the most dangerous in New Zealand due to its rips. So if you're slightly unsure - play it safe and take the car around.

On the way to Hot Water Beach we hug the coastline and check out more amazing caves on the way. Some are quite small, but some are massive and big enough for a boat to drive into.

Some of the doorways to the caves may appear to be small and many may think to carry paddling on past. But you'll find that one in particular opens up into the most remarkable ‘room' you have ever seen.

This cave, which is entered by kayaking through a rock corridor, is truly spectacular and a must see for lovers of the unique beauty this country has to offer.

The layers and lines of rock tell a story - the history of the land dating back millions of years and the various shapes and formations constantly change at every turn. It is simply stunning.

The cliff face from Hahei to Hot Water Beach is littered with entrances and rocky outcrops, not to mention the wildlife that is sometimes seen on the journey.

With the Mercury Islands breaking the surface just north of Hahei, the region is a hot spot for dolphins that venture around the entire coast, plus Orcas which were there on our last trip – so be sure to keep your eyes peeled.

Karina and I like to go around February when the winds have died off slightly, allowing for clearer waters and better visibility from the kayak.

As I mentioned, the beach is relatively calm but on occasion the wind and even swell in this area can pick up, so be sure to choose conditions that suit your ability. Also remember to always let someone know the trip path you plan to take and pack a communication device like a mobile phone.

If you are unsure about entering the caves then admire the beauty from the outside and be wary of the swell closer to Hot Water Beach. This can create some messy chop inside smaller caves at times.

If you don't own a kayak, that is fine. There are companies that can take you on trips in the area either by kayak or by boat, so be sure to contact them to see what an incredible coastline this area has to offer.

See you there this summer!

Nathan Pettigrew is a Tauranga based kayaker, carver and marine explorer.