Cathedral Cove’s sculpted coastline captivated early maritime explorers and continues to dazzle visitors today.
Arguably, Aotearoa New Zealand’s most famous patch of sand, Cathedral Cove is renowned for its picture-perfect archway that frames a stunning beach of creamy white sand and bright emerald waters. As part of Te Whanganui-o-Hei Marine Reserve, a sanctuary for marine life, it is also an ideal spot for snorkelling and diving.
The Cathedral Cove Walk is the shortest walking route to the cove and takes about 45 minutes to complete. The track follows the cliff-tops overlooking the coastline, before descending steeply as it nears the beach.
Visitors can park at the Hahei Visitor Car Park on Pā Road (free) or at the Cathedral Cove Gateway Car Park on Lees Road (charged), and from there, take a short walk or shuttle to the track’s entrance along Grange Road.
The nearest towns are Hahei (2 km), Whitianga (35 km) and Coromandel (54 km).
For those seeking a beach drop-off, the Cathedral Cove Water Taxi(opens in new window) offers return trips from Hahei Beach to Cathedral Cove Beach, allowing for a one-hour stopover to enjoy the Cathedral Cove. Boat and kayaking tours(opens in new window) departing from Hahei Beach are another great option.
Please visit the Department of Conservation(opens in new window) website for information on alternative walking routes to the cove. Please note, the track from Hahei Beach to the Grange Road track entrance (Hahei Beach Walk) is closed due to ongoing land instability. For your safety, please don’t use this track.
There are no bins at Cathedral Cove, so please take your rubbish with you when you leave. This helps protect wildlife and keeps the reserve beautiful for everyone to enjoy.
Unfortunately, there are no toilets on Cathedral Cove beach, but toilets are available at the entrance to the Mautohe Cathedral Cove Track and near the entrance from Lees Road.
The landscape around Cathedral Cove is naturally unstable, which means rockfalls and landslides may occur and could cause serious injury. To reduce the risk, avoid stopping or sitting near cliffs, standing under the archway, or visiting the cove during or after heavy rain.
The water around Cathedral Cove is not patrolled by lifeguards and is prone to rips.
To stay safe in the water:
Please visit the Department of Conservation website(opens in new window) before planning a trip.
© 2025 Warner Bros. Ent. and Legendary. All Rights Reserved.
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.
