Cathedral Cove Tours and Activities

Cathedral Cove Beach
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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

Swiss-Belsuites Victoria Park Auckland
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Reviews of Cathedral Cove

4.7
Top destination
5 - Excellent
118
" "5 - Excellent 73.75%
4 - Good
35
" "4 - Good 21.875%
3 - Okay
6
" "3 - Okay 3.75%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
1
" "1 - Terrible 0.625%

5/5 - Excellent

WendyLR
5 Oct 2019

One of the most beautiful places ever, nice walk,takes about 15-20 mins depending on fitness

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
6 Aug 2019

Don’t park in the free parking area, it’s over an hours walk to the cove. Park further down off Grange Road. Says it’s $15 parking all day, but most people I saw didn’t pay !!!!

5/5 - Excellent

MohammadALQ
29 Apr 2019

The walk is not easy. lots of ups and down. I say that cause I have children with me. But the end was great. We didn't walk back, instead we used Water Taxi. Yes you pay a lot but saves you a lot of walking. I recommend to use Water Taxi both ways.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
20 Jan 2019

We kayaked to Cathedral Cove and walked there from Hahei Beach on another day. Both are wonderful ways to get there - but leave early or go later in the day. We were at Coromandel in early to mid January during school holidays which is the busiest time. Cathedral Cove gets completely overrun from about 10am to late afternoon.

4/5 - Good

Robyn
4 Nov 2018

Went on boat ride to view coastline and Cathedral Cove.

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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
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.