Cathedral Cove Tours

Cathedral Cove Beach featuring 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.
Ali Motel
Royal Residency
Park Hyatt Auckland

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Cathedral Cove

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
Tatahi Cove - Hostel

Tatahi Cove - Hostel

2 out of 5
9 GRANGE ROAD, Hahei
Tatahi Cove - Hostel
At Cathedral Cove - Hahei Holiday Home

At Cathedral Cove - Hahei Holiday Home

Hahei
At Cathedral Cove - Hahei Holiday Home
Green Serenity.

Green Serenity.

Hahei
Green Serenity.
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

When visiting Cathedral Cove in Hahei, New Zealand, don't miss the stunning Cathedral Cove Walk, which leads you to breathtaking coastal views and unique rock formations. Join guided Cathedral Cove tours to learn about the area’s history and ecology. For those who enjoy nature, the coastal walk offers picturesque scenery, while the cove trail starts conveniently from the parking area, making it accessible for all visitors seeking adventure and beauty.

Shopping

At Cathedral Cove, you can explore unique gifts at The Coromandel Smoking Co., located 17 miles away. If you're up for a drive, head to the Goldfields Shopping Centre, 25 miles away, offering a variety of family and entertainment options in a vibrant atmosphere.

Recreation

Lost Spring Thermal Pools offers a rejuvenating body treatment experience, perfect for relaxation five miles from Cathedral Cove. For outdoor enthusiasts, Tairua Golf and Country Club and The Lakes Golf Course, both within 12 and 14 miles respectively, provide invigorating golfing amidst stunning natural landscapes.

Adventure

Embark on the Pauanui Tairua Trail, a scenic hike 15 miles from Cathedral Cove, offering breathtaking views and adventure. For a relaxing outdoor experience, check out Flaxmill Bay Camp Grounds, located 5 miles away, perfect for unwinding amidst nature. Lastly, explore the Hauraki Rail Trail, 25 miles from Cathedral Cove, ideal for cycling enthusiasts.

Nightlife

At Cathedral Cove, Combat Zone Paintball and Fun Park offers an exciting nightlife experience with its adventure-filled atmosphere, perfect for families and thrill-seekers alike. Located 9 miles away, this arcadeAdventureZone guarantees a fun-filled night with various activities to enjoy with friends and loved ones.

Find the best attractions near Cathedral Cove

Cathedral Cove in Hahei is a stunning destination known for its beautiful beaches and picturesque bays. Visitors can explore the iconic Cathedral Cove, enjoy the lovely scenery, and experience the unique Hot Water Beach nearby. Don't miss the magnificent cliffs and crashing waves that make this area so captivating. Whether you're seeking outdoor adventures or simply want to relax by the shore, Cathedral Cove offers a perfect blend of nature's beauty and recreational activities.

  • Hahei Beach: Located only 0.5 miles from Cathedral Cove, Hahei Beach offers a stunning stretch of golden sand and clear blue waters. It's the perfect spot to relax, soak up the sun, and enjoy the vibrant beach vibes. You can also indulge in swimming, beachcombing, or simply unwinding to the sound of the waves.
  • Stingray Bay: Just 0.3 miles away from Cathedral Cove, Stingray Bay is a picturesque gem where you can experience beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. With its tranquil waters and scenic views, it's an ideal location for swimming, snorkeling, or enjoying a peaceful picnic by the beach.
  • Mercury Bay Golf & Country Club: Situated 7 miles from Cathedral Cove, this golf course welcomes you with relaxing vibes and friendly locals. Enjoy a round of golf amidst stunning landscapes, or simply unwind at the clubhouse while taking in the beautiful surroundings.

Best time to go to Cathedral Cove

Visitor numbers around Cathedral Cove is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. 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.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
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 money on your trip to Cathedral Cove, visit during the off-peak months of July to September for lower accommodation rates. Book your hotel about a month in advance, and consider Tuesday for the cheapest stay. Use Expedia to find last-minute deals and customize your search for budget-friendly options. Joining the One Key membership can provide exclusive discounts and rewards. Don’t forget that Cathedral Cove has free entry, so take advantage of the natural beauty without spending extra. Combining hotel bookings with flights and activities can also help you save significantly.

  • 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: Expedia's search tool makes it easy for you to customize your travel experience by setting your budget, choosing your desired location, and more. You can arrange your results to display hotels from the most affordable to the most expensive, ensuring you find the best deals first. Additionally, you have the option to narrow down your choices by hotel category—if you check the "Eco-certified" filter, you'll be presented with sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are ready for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your Cathedral Cove hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.