Cathedral Cove Walk is closed due to storm damage. See the Cove in summer 2023-24 by sea-based experiences only. For new walking tracks and more information, visit Department of Conservation.
Cathedral Cove is arguably one of the most picturesque spots (and there are many) in The Coromandel.
From beautiful Hahei Beach on The Coromandel you can walk to Cathedral Cove, where a naturally formed archway deserves photographic attention.
From the north end of the beach, a one hour walking track leads along the cliff top and then descends to the Cove. Here a gigantic arched cavern passes through a white rock headland to join two secluded coves. The cathedral-like arch gives the whole area an air of grandeur. The beach is sandy with shady pohutukawa trees along the foreshore - a perfect place for a picnic and a swim.
Just off the beach at Cathedral Cove is a large pinnacle of pumice breccia rock known as 'Te Hoho'. Over centuries this has been sculpted by wind and water - it now looks like the prow of a large ship steaming into the beach.
If you prefer a slightly shorter walk (about 1.5 hours return), start from the car park at the end of Grange Road in Hahei - turn left just after the Hahei shops. The top car park at Grange Road is a pick up and drop off zone for the shuttle. Parking is prohibited at Grange Rd from 1 October - 30 April. Limited parking is available on Grange Rd from 1 May - 30 September.
During the summer months, a shuttle service runs from the visitor car park on Pā Road to the start of the Cathedral Cove track. It costs $5 return per person, $3 for a child and $10 for a family (2 adults 2 children). It is recommended that all visitors to Hahei Beach and Cathedral Cove use this car park. A third carpark is open during the summer months on Lees Road.
For snorkellers and scuba divers, Cathedral Cove Marine Reserve provides a visual feast of sponge gardens, reef systems and marine life to observe.
Cathedral Cove Walk is closed but local tour operators are taking visitors to see Cathedral Cove by boat or kayak.
A full list of operators in the area is available on Destination Hauraki Coromandel.(opens in new window)
Visitors are advised not to disembark due to the risk of rockfall and landslides.
Please check the Department of Conservation website(opens in new window) before planning a trip.
Please note there are no toilets on Cathedral Cove beach.
The Tiaki Promise is a commitment to care for New Zealand, for now, and for future generations. By following the Tiaki Promise, you are making a commitment to act as a guardian, protecting and preserving our home.
