Cathedral Cove Tours and Activities

Cathedral Cove Beach showing general coastal views, rocky coastline and a sunset
Cathedral Cove Beach
Cathedral Cove Beach
Cathedral Cove Beach
Cathedral Cove Beach


Enter the white sand beach through a natural rock archway, the perfect frame for your photos of the rocky islands and clear waters of this marine reserve.  

New Zealand is full of spectacular scenery, and the Cathedral Cove Marine Reserve in the Coromandel Peninsular is no exception. White rock cliffs, a large pumice island, and a naturally formed archway joining Cathedral Cove Beach to Mares Leg Cove give this beach a distinct look.

The headland here was once the site of a fortified Maori village ruled over by chief Hei. The area is known in the Maori language as Te Whanganui a Hei. Descendants of these people, the Ngati Hei continue their connection to this special place.

Cathedral Cove is only accessible by boat, or on foot through the Cathedral Cove Walking Track. The hiking trail runs from Hahei Beach through coastal scrub and pine forests, with access to Gemstone and Stingray Bays along the way. The return walk takes around 2 hours and is a little hilly, but you are rewarded for your efforts with headland vistas over the water. Wear comfortable walking shoes and take food and water for an oceanfront picnic. Amenities are provided at Cathedral Cove Beach.

Kayak to Cathedral Cove from Hahei Beach through offshore sea caves and over colorful rock gardens, encountering the local wildlife. The sunrise and sunset kayaking tours are an opportunity to enjoy the breathtaking colors on the water. There are full day tours for travelers wanting to explore further. Many of these tours provide refreshments or lunch and can be booked from Coromandel Town.

The underwater boulders and rock pinnacles around Cathedral Cove are a haven for fish and molluscs, and since the site is protected from winds, it’s the perfect spot for a snorkel. The whole marine reserve is popular with snorkelers and divers. A snorkel trail runs through stingray habitat at Gemstone Bay. Take a dive tour departing from Hahei Beach out to the deep waters and pinnacle rocks where you can swim amongst huge fish and explore the reefs.

Plan a trip to see Cathedral Cove

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Ramada Suites by Wyndham Auckland Manukau Pacific Centre
BK's Pioneer Motel
The Clements Hotel

Popular places to visit


Top Cathedral Cove Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Hahei Beach Resort

Hahei Beach Resort

4.5 out of 5
41 Harsant Avenue, Hahei Beach, Hahei
Hahei Beach Resort
Tatahi Lodge Beach Resort

Tatahi Lodge Beach Resort

3 out of 5
9 Grange Road, Hahei
Tatahi Lodge Beach Resort
Hosts on the Coast Seaview Oasis

Hosts on the Coast Seaview Oasis

Hahei
Hosts on the Coast Seaview Oasis
Hosts on the Coast Hahei Moana

Hosts on the Coast Hahei Moana

Hahei
Hosts on the Coast Hahei Moana
Hahei Island Outlook, Hahei Island Outlook on Grange Road

Hahei Island Outlook, Hahei Island Outlook on Grange Road

Hahei
Hahei Island Outlook, Hahei Island Outlook on Grange Road
Hahei Beachfront Bliss, Hahei Beachfront Bliss

Hahei Beachfront Bliss, Hahei Beachfront Bliss

Hahei
Hahei Beachfront Bliss, Hahei Beachfront Bliss
At Cathedral Cove - Hahei Holiday Home

At Cathedral Cove - Hahei Holiday Home

Hahei
At Cathedral Cove - Hahei Holiday Home
Tatahi Cove - Hostel

Tatahi Cove - Hostel

2 out of 5
9 GRANGE ROAD, Hahei
Tatahi Cove - Hostel
Tutaritari Treehouse, Tutaritari Treehouse

Tutaritari Treehouse, Tutaritari Treehouse

Hahei
Tutaritari Treehouse, Tutaritari Treehouse
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Cathedral Cove

During your visit to Cathedral Cove in Hahei, explore the stunning coastal walk to Cathedral Cove, which offers breathtaking views and natural beauty. For adventure seekers, consider a dive at Cathedral Cove to experience its vibrant marine life. Don’t forget to check out the local visitor centres for helpful information and tips to make the most of your trip in this picturesque area of Waikato, New Zealand.

Shopping

In Cathedral Cove, enjoy local shopping at The Coromandel Smoking Co., a great spot for unique gifts, located 27.4km away. If you're up for a drive, the Goldfields Shopping Centre, 40.2km away, offers a vibrant mix of shops, dining, and entertainment for the whole family.

Recreation

At Lost Spring Thermal Pools, indulge in rejuvenating body treatments amidst soothing thermal waters just 8.0km from Cathedral Cove. For outdoor enthusiasts, Tairua Golf and Country Club and The Lakes Golf Course, located 12 and 22.5km away respectively, offer stunning landscapes for a relaxing day on the greens.

Adventure

Set up camp at Flaxmill Bay Camp Grounds, located 8.0km from Cathedral Cove, where you can soak in the outdoors. Embark on the Pauanui Tairua Trail, 18.0km away, for a scenic hike filled with adventure. Finally, explore the Hauraki Rail Trail Thames, 28.0km away, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.

Nightlife

At Cathedral Cove, the nightlife buzzes with excitement at Combat Zone Paintball and Fun Park, an arcadeAdventureZone located 14.5km away. It offers a fantastic atmosphere for families and adventure seekers alike, ensuring a fun-filled evening with plenty of activities and entertainment.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Cathedral Cove

Cathedral Cove in Hahei, Waikato, offers stunning beaches, scenic bays, and breathtaking lookouts, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking picturesque scenery. You can explore the famous Cathedral Cove itself, visit the nearby church complex, or consider staying at Cathedral Cove Apartments for a comfortable experience. Don't miss the local charm of the Church in Hahei, making this destination a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.

  • Hahei Beach: Just 805m from Cathedral Cove, Hahei Beach offers stunning golden sands and crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and beach walks. The relaxed atmosphere makes it ideal for families and couples alike.
  • Hot Water Beach: Located 4.8km away, this unique beach allows visitors to dig their own hot pools in the sand, thanks to geothermal activity. Enjoy the novelty of soaking in warm water while overlooking the ocean.
  • Cooks Beach: Also 4.8km from Cathedral Cove, Cooks Beach boasts a picturesque shoreline and serene environment. It's a fantastic spot for picnicking, swimming, and enjoying breathtaking sunsets.

Best time to go to Cathedral Cove

The best time to visit Cathedral Cove is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. February is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. July and August are its coolest month on average. At the time of August, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January66.2°F (19.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
February67.3°F (19.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
March65.1°F (18.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April62.6°F (17.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May59.0°F (15.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
June55.8°F (13.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
July54.0°F (12.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
August54.0°F (12.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
September54.9°F (12.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
October56.8°F (13.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November59.9°F (15.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December63.7°F (17.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Cathedral Cove

To save on your trip to Cathedral Cove, consider visiting between July and September for lower accommodation prices. Booking a month in advance or hunting for last-minute deals on Expedia can help you secure cheaper stays, especially on Tuesdays, which are the least expensive days. Combine your hotel, flights, and activities for additional savings through Expedia's package deals. Don't forget to utilise their search tool to filter by budget and locality for the best rates, ensuring you get the most bang for your buck while enjoying free activities like exploring the stunning beaches.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Cathedral Cove are July to September, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to December to February, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Cathedral Cove is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Cathedral Cove is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Cathedral Cove is Sunday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of accommodation you’re after. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your Cathedral Cove hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.