Take care around cliffs in case of rockfalls.
Explore the spectacular Coromandel coastline and views of the wider Mercury Bay as you walk to the famous Cathedral Cove.
The trail starts at the top of Grange Road, where a viewing platform offers expansive views of the wider Mercury Bay.
The path follows the headland and begins descending steadily into a valley. From here the track leads you out of the valley and upwards to the track's highpoint. Views of offshore islands make for a perfect rest spot.
Journey across pasture, scrubland and a pine forest where native shrubs compete in the undergrowth. Descend down to the water, where you can walk through a majestic natural rock arch that joins the two sandy beaches of Cathedral Cove.
The area is prone to rockfall, landslides and erosion. It is advised to stay at least 10 metres away from the cliffs at all times, and avoid the beach during or after heavy rain.
Alternative route
Cathedral Cove Gateway Walk : For a shorter walk, you can park at the privately-managed Cathedral Cove Gateway carpark at Lees Road. Follow the farm track and walk to Cathedral Cove in 30-40 minutes.
Track conditions often change. Be prepared by checking with the Department of Conservation before you go.
Cathedral Cove Walk is closed but local tour operators are taking visitors to see Cathedral Cove by boat. Visitors are advised not to disembark due to the risk of rockfall and landslides.
Please check the Department of Conservation website before planning a trip.
Please note there are no toilets on Cathedral Cove beach.
Mautohe/Cathedral Cove and the Te Whanganui-o-Hei/Cathedral Cove Marine Reserve is part of the area first claimed by Hei, leader of Ngāti Hei, who arrived in 1350 AD on Te Arawa waka.
Hei settled his people in Te O ā Hei (Hahei) and around what is known today as Mercury Bay. Hei asserted ownership by referring to Motueka Island as ‘Te Kuraetanga-o-taku-Ihu’ (the outward curve of my nose). The area was named ‘Te Whanganui-o-Hei ’ (the great bay of Hei).
Ngāti Hei consider Mautohe/Cathedral Cove a significant site. Above the rock arch is the location of a historic pā (defensive settlement) and fortification ditches.
Hei’s descendants, as tangata whenua, still retain a strong ancestral and spiritual attachment to the site, and continue their role as guardians, or kaitiaki, of their rohe moana (coastal area) and whenua (land).
