Hahei

Travel Guide

Cathedral Cove Beach featuring a bay or harbor, rugged coastline and a sandy beach
Hahei Beach which includes a beach, a coastal town and a bay or harbor
Hahei Beach showing a bay or harbor, a sunset and island images
Hahei Beach featuring a bay or harbor, a sandy beach and rugged coastline
Whitianga featuring a bay or harbor, rugged coastline and a sunset
Known for its legendary Cathedral Cove, white-sand beaches and abundant marine wildlife, this charming spot fills with visitors every summer.

For typical New Zealand beach town experiences, visit Hahei on The Coromandel Peninsula. The town’s name comes from Hei, an ancestor of the Ngāti Hei people, who arrived here by canoe in the 1300s. Come for abundant ocean-oriented activities and a friendly, laid-back atmosphere.

Start at one of the peninsula’s top sights, Cathedral Cove, accessible only by boat or on foot. Walk along a clifftop path from Hahei Beach for about 1 hour then descend into the cove and its iconic, naturally formed archway. Appreciate the natural grandeur of a huge archway and cavern between two secluded coves, as well as the sandy beach and the pohutukawa trees providing shade. Gaze out toward Te Hoho rock, sculpted by nature to emulate the prow of a ship approaching the beach.

Delve underwater to meet local marine wildlife at Cathedral Cove Marine Reserve. This sponge garden and reef system has marblefish, butterfish, red moki, goatfish, trevally and snapper. Snorkel along the Gemstone Trail, a pathway of buoys, with interpretive panels showing pictures and information about the species you’ll encounter. Dive deep to view delicate corals, crayfish, black angelfish, brittlefish and underwater boulder fields near Motueka Island.

Dig a natural hot tub at Hot Water Beach. The water flowing from two fissures on the beach is up to 147 F (64 C). Access the hot springs at low tide and generally about 2 hours before or after. Buy a shovel at a local shop to dig your own spa, with warm water naturally infused with calcium, magnesium, potassium, fluorine, bromine and silica.

Beyond its sea-centered activities, Hahei offers art galleries, cafés, shops and the Te Pare Historic Reserve on the site of an ancient Maori village. Spend several days in this delightful place, particularly in summer, when it’s buzzing with life.

To access Hahei attractions, park at the lot at the Hahei Village entrance. From here, walk or travel by shuttle bus to access the beach, town center and Cathedral Cove.

Hahei Beach Resort
Hahei Beach Resort
4.5 out of 5
41 Harsant Avenue, Hahei Beach, Hahei
$79 nightly
The price is $91 total per night from Jul 2 to Jul 3
$91 total
Jul 2 - Jul 3
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury holiday park in Hahei. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Popular attractions Hahei Beach and Cathedral Cove are ...
9/10 Wonderful! (383 reviews)
"Perfect position to see the first sunrise"

Reviewed on Jun 19, 2025

Hahei Beach Resort
Tatahi Lodge Beach Resort
Tatahi Lodge Beach Resort
3 out of 5
9 Grange Road, Hahei
$113 nightly
The price is $130 total per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
$130 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star guesthouse in Hahei. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Hahei Beach and Cathedral Cove are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (163 reviews)
"Good value for money"

Reviewed on Jun 11, 2025

Tatahi Lodge Beach Resort
Church Accommodation
Church Accommodation
3.5 out of 5
87 Hahei Beach Road, Hahei
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$115 nightly
The price is $133 total per night from Jul 14 to Jul 15
$133 total
Jul 14 - Jul 15
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3.5-star cottage in Hahei. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Hahei Beach and Cathedral Cove are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (184 reviews)
"The hotel was in a convenient location, and most of all, the room was very cosy and warm, even in winter. The staff was very kind and welcoming. It was a truly great experience."

Reviewed on Jun 24, 2025

Church Accommodation
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.
Church Accommodation
Church Accommodation
3.5 out of 5
87 Hahei Beach Road, Hahei
Stay at this 3.5-star cottage in Hahei. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Hahei Beach and Cathedral Cove are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (184 reviews)
"The hotel was in a convenient location, and most of all, the room was very cosy and warm, even in winter. The staff was very kind and welcoming. It was a truly great experience."

Reviewed on Jun 24, 2025

Church Accommodation
Green Serenity.
Green Serenity.
Hahei
Stay at this vacation home in Hahei. Enjoy laundry facilities. Popular attractions Hahei Beach and Cathedral Cove are located nearby.
10/10 Exceptional! (6 reviews)
Really good experience
"Host was super helpful. House was clean and tidy."

Reviewed on Apr 21, 2025

Green Serenity.
Waterfront Apartments Whitianga
Waterfront Apartments Whitianga
3.5 out of 5
2 Buffalo beach Road, Whitianga, WKO
Stay at this 3.5-star beach aparthotel in Whitianga. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (199 reviews)
"Lovely view, easy walking distance to everything Chris the host was very obliging"

Reviewed on Jun 19, 2025

Waterfront Apartments Whitianga
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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Hahei

4.8
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
11
5 - Excellent 79%
4 - Good
3
4 - Good 21%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

David

Small town, quaint and a very relaxing vibe

4/5 - Good

A.M.

The town is small, so if you're looking for shopping or nightlife, you'll find very little. There are a few good dining options, though, and lots of friendly people. Easy access to beautiful beaches is the best thing about Hahei.

Cities near Hahei