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.
BK's Pioneer Motel
Horizon by SkyCity
Park Hyatt Auckland

Reviews of Cathedral Cove

4.8
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
65
5 - Excellent 90%
4 - Good
2
4 - Good 3%
3 - Okay
3
3 - Okay 4%
2 - Disappointing
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2 - Disappointing 3%
1 - Terrible
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1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Must do, but a walk to get there.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

A bit of a hike but so worth it!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

There is no parking at the Cathedral Cove overlook during most months (I think the sign said Oct-April). Many people walk up the longer, but gradual ascent along the sidewalk from Hahei, but there is also a footpath from Hahei Beach which is more pleasant, shorter, and not too steep.

5/5 - Excellent

Chris

Park at Hahei beach for free. It"s a great walk from there.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

This is kind of a long walk. It is well worth it but I didn’t realize how up and down the trail is. Make sure you wear the right clothes and shoes.

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveler

You have to park far away

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
Tatahi Cove - Hostel

Tatahi Cove - Hostel

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

Hahei Horizon - Hahei Holiday Home

Hahei
Hahei Horizon - Hahei Holiday Home
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
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.
Treetop Bach - Hahei Bach

Treetop Bach - Hahei Bach

Hahei
Treetop Bach - Hahei Bach
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

Explore the stunning Cathedral Cove with various activities including guided tours that showcase its beauty. Enjoy the scenic Cathedral Cove walk in Hahei, offering breathtaking views, or take a boat tour for a unique perspective of the coastline. For the adventurous, the coastal walk reveals the area's natural wonders, making it a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking unforgettable experiences in this picturesque part of New Zealand.

Shopping

For unique gifts and souvenirs, check out The Coromandel Smoking Co., located 17 miles away from Cathedral Cove. If you're up for a drive, the Goldfields Shopping Centre, 25 miles away, offers a variety of shops along with entertainment and family-friendly activities.

Recreation

Experience rejuvenation at Lost Spring Thermal Pools, just 5 miles from Cathedral Cove, offering natural thermal waters for relaxation and wellness. For outdoor enthusiasts, enjoy a round of golf at Pauanui Pines Golf Course or The Lakes Golf Course, both providing scenic views and invigorating sports activities within a short drive.

Adventure

The Pauanui Tairua Trail offers a stunning hiking experience 15 miles from Cathedral Cove, showcasing breathtaking views and lush scenery. For camping enthusiasts, Flaxmill Bay Camp Grounds, located 5 miles away, provides a perfect outdoor escape. Explore the Hauraki Rail Trail Thames, 25 miles distant, for scenic biking adventures.

Nightlife

At Cathedral Cove, the nightlife is vibrant and exciting. Combat Zone Paintball and Fun Park, located 9 miles away, offers an exhilarating arcadeAdventureZone experience, perfect for adrenaline junkies looking for adventure vibes after a day of exploring the stunning landscapes.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Cathedral Cove

Cathedral Cove in Hahei, Waikato, offers a stunning blend of beach, bay, and memorial attractions perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking beautiful scenery. Visitors can explore nearby beaches, enjoy the picturesque Hahei oceanfront, visit the local church, and take a memorable trip to Cathedral Cove itself. Whether you're looking to relax or explore, this destination has something for everyone to enjoy.

  • Hahei Beach: Just a half-mile from Cathedral Cove, Hahei Beach offers stunning beach vibes with its golden sands and clear waters. It's perfect for sunbathing, swimming, or enjoying a leisurely stroll along the shore.
  • Stingray Bay: Located only 0.3 miles from Cathedral Cove, Stingray Bay is a picturesque spot known for its calm waters and beautiful scenery. Ideal for a relaxing day, you can explore the beach or take in the breathtaking coastal views.
  • Mercury Bay Golf & Country Club: About 7 miles away, this golf course provides a relaxing atmosphere with friendly locals. Enjoy a round of golf surrounded by stunning landscapes or unwind in the club's welcoming environment.

Best time to go to Cathedral Cove

The best time to visit Cathedral Cove is dependent 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 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, consider visiting between July and September when prices drop. Book your hotel about a month in advance for the best rates, and aim for a Tuesday stay, as Sundays are the priciest. Utilize Expedia’s last-minute deals and the One Key membership for exclusive discounts. You can also save by bundling your hotel, flights, and activities into a package deal. Don’t forget to filter for eco-friendly hotels for sustainable options that often come at competitive prices.

  • 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: Booking a hotel around Cathedral Cove about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • 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 gives you the flexibility to choose your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can easily arrange your results by price, starting with the most affordable hotels. Additionally, you have the option to narrow down your choices by hotel type—selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Cathedral Cove 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.

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Explore a world of travel with Expedia