Cathedral Cove

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

Popular places to visit


Top Hotel 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
Tatahi Cove - Hostel

Tatahi Cove - Hostel

2 out of 5
9 GRANGE ROAD, Hahei
Tatahi Cove - Hostel
Hosts on the Coast Seaview Oasis

Hosts on the Coast Seaview Oasis

Hahei, Waikato
Hosts on the Coast Seaview Oasis
Hahei Horizon - Hahei Holiday Home

Hahei Horizon - Hahei Holiday Home

Hahei, Coromandel
Hahei Horizon - Hahei Holiday Home
Hosts on the Coast Hahei Moana

Hosts on the Coast Hahei Moana

Hahei, Waikato
Hosts on the Coast Hahei Moana
At Cathedral Cove - Hahei Holiday Home

At Cathedral Cove - Hahei Holiday Home

Hahei
At Cathedral Cove - Hahei Holiday Home
Green Serenity.

Green Serenity.

Hahei, Waikato
Green Serenity.
Beach Lovers Bach - Hahei Holiday Home

Beach Lovers Bach - Hahei Holiday Home

Hahei, Coromandel
Beach Lovers Bach - Hahei Holiday Home
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

Cathedral Cove offers a variety of activities for visitors, including the picturesque Cathedral Cove walk, perfect for soaking in the stunning coastal views. Adventurous souls can enjoy diving or kayaking to the cove, with guided kayak tours available for a more in-depth experience. Additionally, the surrounding hiking trails provide excellent opportunities to explore the beautiful landscape, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Shopping

For unique souvenirs, visit The Coromandel Smoking Co., located 10.6km away from Cathedral Cove. If you're up for a drive, explore the Goldfields Shopping Centre, 15.5km away, where you can enjoy a vibrant atmosphere with various shops and entertainment options.

Recreation

At Lost Spring Thermal Pools, indulge in rejuvenating body treatments amidst soothing thermal waters, only 3.1km from Cathedral Cove. For golf enthusiasts, both The Lakes Golf Course and Tairua Golf and Country Club, located 14 and 7.5km away respectively, offer challenging courses surrounded by beautiful landscapes.

Adventure

At Flaxmill Bay Camp Grounds, experience the great outdoors with stunning views and camping spots only 3.1km from Cathedral Cove. The Pauanui Tairua Trail, located 13.1km away, offers a scenic hiking experience amidst lush landscapes. For cycling enthusiasts, the Hauraki Rail Trail, 23.1km away, provides a thrilling outdoor adventure.

Nightlife

The nightlife near Cathedral Cove offers excitement at Combat Zone Paintball and Fun Park, located 5.6km away. This vibrant arcade and adventure zone is perfect for families, providing a lively atmosphere filled with fun activities and adventure vibes for an unforgettable evening.

Find the best attractions near Cathedral Cove

Cathedral Cove in Hahei, Waikato, offers a delightful array of attractions, including stunning beaches, picturesque bays, and scenic lookouts. Visitors can explore the famous Cathedral Cove and enjoy the beautiful Hahei Beach. A lovely walk to Cathedral Cove provides an opportunity to immerse oneself in the breathtaking outdoor scenery, making it a perfect destination for those seeking relaxation and natural beauty.

  • Hot Water Beach: A mere 1.9km from Cathedral Cove, Hot Water Beach offers a unique experience where visitors can dig their own hot pools in the sand. Enjoy the therapeutic warmth while soaking up the stunning coastal scenery.
  • Shakespeare Cliff Lookout: Located 2.5km away, this lookout provides breathtaking panoramic views of the coastline. It's a perfect spot for romance and adventure, with opportunities for scenic walks and photography.
  • Stingray Bay: Just 0.1.9km from Cathedral Cove, Stingray Bay is a serene spot known for its beautiful scenery. Enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and exploring the natural beauty of the area in a tranquil outdoor setting.

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 LowSlightly Low
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 CloudyAverageAverage
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 money on your trip to Cathedral Cove, consider visiting between July and September for lower accommodation prices. Book your stay about a month in advance, and look for last-minute deals on Expedia. Tuesdays are typically the cheapest days to stay, while Sundays are the most expensive. Utilise Expedia’s search tool to filter by budget and preferences, and consider booking a package to combine flights, accommodation, and activities for better savings. Don't forget to take advantage of free cancellation options for added flexibility.

  • 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: Book your hotel around Cathedral Cove about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • 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 hotel you’re looking for. To find the best bargains, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel reservation at Cathedral Cove with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.