Cathedral Cove: Everything You Need to Know for the Perfect Visit
If you type “New Zealand” into the Google search bar, click on images, and scroll down, you’ll eventually come across an image of the iconic Cathedral Cove. This beach, with its famous arch, is located on the Coromandel Peninsula, about a 2.5-hour drive from Auckland. In this blog post, I’ll give you all the information you need to visit and make the most of your time in this stunning region. So, here’s everything you need to know for the perfect visit to Cathedral Cove, New Zealand.
How to Get to Cathedral Cove
There are four official ways to reach the cove:
- Walking – The most popular and cheapest option. A moderate level of fitness is required, and you can choose from three different tracks.
- Kayaking – A unique way to visit, either on a tour or by renting kayaks. Tours start from 165 NZD per adult.
- Water Taxi – Runs from Hahei Beach, dropping you directly at the cove. No walking is required. 40 NZD each way per adult.
- Boat Trip – Several operators offer boat tours that not only visit the cove but also explore blowholes, and snorkeling spots, and offer wildlife encounters.
Cathedral Cove: A Brief History
I can’t talk about this stunning natural wonder without first giving you a quick history. Cathedral Cove, or in Te Reo Māori, Te Whanganui-A-Hei, is part of an area in Coromandel claimed by Hei, a spiritual tauria (meaning both teacher and pupil) who sailed to New Zealand (Aotearoa) on a waka (large canoe) around 1350 AD.
Hei and his tribe, the Ngāti Hei, settled in Mercury Bay. He claimed the island of Motueka (visible from the cove) and referred to it as Te kuraetangao-taku-Ihu—meaning “the outward curve of my nose.” This area remains spiritually significant, with Hei’s descendants (tangata whenua, people of the land) continuing their role as kaitiaki (guardians), preserving its rich natural resources.
Cathedral Cove Walk
Walking is the most popular way to visit Cathedral Cove, and there are three route options:
The original track
- Start: End of Grange Road, Hahei
- Duration: ~1 hour 30 minutes return (2.5 km)
- Difficulty: Moderate (steep sections and stairs)
- Access: The Cathedral Cove park-and-ride shuttle runs from Hahei to the track start.
- Shuttle Cost: 7 NZD return per adult (Children under 14 are free)
- Schedule: Runs 1st December – 30th April, 9 AM – 6 PM, every 15 minutes
- Tickets: Buy from a machine at the park-and-ride, no pre-booking needed
Note: Walking from Hahei town to the start of this track adds 30 minutes each way, uphill with little shade. Not recommended.
The longer track (my favourite)
- Start: Hahei Beach (left-hand side)
- Duration: Adds 15-20 minutes each way
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Why I Love It: Ends with a swim at Hahei Beach and it’s free!!!
Update (Feb 2025): Officially closed due to unstable land, but people still use it at their own risk. Consider taking the shuttle instead.
The shorter track
- Start: 150 Lees Road (private farmland)
- Duration: 30-40 minutes each way
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Cost: Paid parking required
- Best For: Those wanting a shorter walk
Cathedral Cove Kayak Tours
Guided tour
If you want a unique way to visit Cathedral Cove, enjoy being out on the water, hear some local history and Māori legends, and then enjoy a hot beverage on Cathedral Cove beach, then you should try a kayaking tour.
There is only one operator in the area, Cathedral Cove Kayaks. They’ve been in operation since 1999 and offer a chance to safely enjoy sea kayaking while exploring the natural beauty of this coastline.
I recently did the sunrise tour with Cathedral Cove Kayaks, and wow—what a cool way to start your day! We watched the sunrise over Hahei Beach from the kayaks, explored the marine life in Gemstone Bay, and saw stingrays in Stingray Bay before arriving at Cathedral Cove for a coffee and biscuit on the beach.
Tours typically run twice a day during summer (weather dependent).
- Cost: 165 NZD per adult and 95 NZD per child (aged 5 – 17 years
Renting Kayaks
In recent years, it’s now possible to rent kayaks from around Hahei Beach and do a self-guided tour to the cove. While this might be a more affordable option, it does come with risks if you’ve never done any form of sea kayaking before. If you have previous sea kayaking experience, you can find more information here.
- Cost: Starts from 75 NZD for a single kayak for 3 hours.
Cathedral Cove Water taxi
If you prefer a more direct route, you can take the water taxi from Hahei Beach to Cathedral Cove. This is a great option for those who want to avoid the walk and get straight to the beach.
Water Taxi Details:
- Cost:
- Adults: $40 each way
- Kids (3-17 years): $20 each way
- Family passes available
- Schedule:
- Departs every 30 minutes
- Operates from 9 AM to 5 PM daily during summer (weather dependent)
- Booking:
- Tickets can be purchased directly from the water taxi on the day
- Check the official website to confirm service availability before you go
Cathedral Cove Boat Trips
The final option for reaching Cathedral Cove is taking one of the many boat tours that operate in the area. The pros of doing a boat tour are that you typically get to see more of this stunning coastline. Some of the boat tours will take you to hidden blowholes, stop for snorkelling in the stunning marine reserve, and more. These boats will take you to Cathedral Cove, but unfortunately, they can’t land on the beach. You can either view from the boat or swim from the boat to shore.
Hahei Explorer:
The Hahei Explorer is a one-hour tour covering up to 14 km, taking visitors through the marine reserve’s coastal islands, reefs, towering sea caves, and scenic bays—including the iconic Cathedral Cove.
- Costs:
- Adults $125
- Children $75 (age 3-15yrs)
- (Children under 3 no charge)
Glass Bottom Boat:
A guided boat tour along a stunning volcanic coastline, exploring Cathedral Cove, towering cliffs, sea caves, and unique rock formations. This eco-tour lets you experience the marine reserve up close—view marine life through glass panels or dive in with a snorkel to swim among the fish. Equipment provided.
- Costs:
- Adults $140
- Children $85 (age 3-15yrs)
Ocean Leopard Tours:
Takes you up close to the iconic Cathedral Cove, famously featured in The Chronicles of Narnia. Also, you’ll also visit Lonely Bay, Cooks Beach, Shakespeare Cliff, and Hahei. Cruise through the Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve, home to diverse marine and bird life, and witness the dramatic geological formations of towering pinnacles, giant blowholes, and the massive Orua Sea Cave—one of New Zealand’s largest, accessible only by boat.
- Costs:
- Adults $140
- Children $80 (age 1-14yrs)
- Under 1 are free
Other options that cover roughly the same area and are similarly priced are the Cave Cruiser tour and Cathedral Cove Scenic Cruises.
Parting words
Cathedral Cove is a true natural wonder and should be on your New Zealand bucket list. This beach has become even more famous after its feature in The Chronicles of Narnia. The beauty of the Coromandel is unmatched, with crystal-clear waters, stunning coastlines, and of course, friendly locals.
The pandemic and closure of the Cathedral Cove track during 2023 have been hard on tourism in the area and locals who rely on visitors. I highly encourage you, if you have the means, to support this local area—whether that’s paying $7 for the park-and-ride service, grabbing a coffee and treat from one of the cafes, or jumping on one of the many tours in the area. Your support means a lot.
Most importantly, please enjoy this stunning area and take any rubbish and belongings with you when you leave.
Ngā mihi (Thank you)
Jess