Cathedral Cove Walk 2026: Everything You Need to Know

2026 Update - The Cathedral Cove track was closed in late January 2026 due to a severe storm. As of 1st February 2026, it has reopened. Always check the official DOC website before travelling to see if sudden bad weather results in the track's closure.

Hahei is a stunning coastal area on the Coromandel Peninsula on New Zealand's North Island. It is a short drive from the famous Hot Water Beach and a great day trip from Auckland. It is also a fantastic destination to add to a 3-week New Zealand road trip itinerary.

Its sandy beach and the Cathedral Cove walking trail attract visitors to one of New Zealand's must-see attractions, a limestone arch that separates two white-sand beaches.

I stayed for three nights on the Coromandel Peninsula and decided to complete this walk, which is one of the North Island's most popular activities.

Please note: The track from the north end of Hahei Beach to Grange Road is permanently closed due to a major landslide. You must start from the Grange Road entrance or the Lees Road car park.

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Enjoy the stunning views along the Cathedral Cove Trail

The Cathedral Cove Walk attracts locals and tourists for its pretty scenery along the trail.

I loved the native pohutukawa trees and pampas grasses that lined the route, offering glimpses of the shimmering Pacific and golden sandy beach.

Where to park for the start of the Cathedral Cove Walk

The official Cathedral Cove walk (omitting the now-prohibited Hahei Beach element) starts at the Grange Road car park drop-off. This is a drop-off pick-up zone only—no parking is allowed here.

Park for free at the Hahei Visitor Car Park (Pa Road) and take the Hahei Park and Ride Shuttle. It costs about $8 return and drops you right at the Grange Road trailhead. You can also walk from Hahei village up Grange Road to the start. This adds an extra 20–30 minutes and is a steep, uphill climb with very little shade.

You can also pay to park at the Cathedral Cove Gateway Trail (Lees Road). This private farm track connects to the main track about halfway, cutting the total walking time to the cove.

Cathedral Cove Trail viewpoints and timings

The official Cathedral Cove walk features stunning views (though not of the cove, despite the name). You'll pass through a mix of open grassland, pine forest, and native New Zealand bush. Along the trail are fabulous views of the Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve and the Mercury Islands.

The return walk will take about 2 hours with stops along the way to rest and take photographs. It's a relatively easy walk on a paved path, but it is hilly in places, and the final descent to the beach involves a long, steep set of wooden stairs that can be tiring on the return leg.

At this point, you can continue for 45 minutes to Cathedral Cove or take a slight diversion to visit either Gemstone Bay (an excellent spot for snorkelling) or Stingray Bay (larger with giant boulders) and spend some time on the beach.

Cathedral Cove status update 2026: The side tracks to Gemstone Bay and Stingray Bay remain closed due to storm damage. Stay on the main marked path. Check the DOC website for more information.

When to Visit Mautohe Cathedral Cove

The best time to visit Cathedral Cove is between low and high tide. Here are the Cathedral Cove Tide Times

It is impossible to walk into Cathedral Cove at high tide, and at low tide, the water is way out, so if you are after one of those jaw-dropping pictures of the ocean gently lapping the beach in front of the famous arch, you may be out of luck.

Do not linger beneath the rock arch due to ongoing rockfall risks - that means no setting up picnics or expecting to set up for the day in there. Move through it quickly.

Summer sees the most visitors, so plan your trip wisely and always check the DOC website for unexpected closures.

Getting to Cathedral Cove by sea

Hahei is a popular destination for watersports. From swimming, diving, snorkelling, and kayaking.

If you want to visit Cathedral Cove but don't want to walk there, book a kayak tour departing from Hahei Beach.

Or you can hop on the Cathedral Cove Water Taxi from Hahei Beach for a 10-minute ride. Prices $40NZD each way.

Where to Stay in Hahei

If you like the look of Hahei (and let's be serious, who wouldn't), this seaside town has delightful accommodations, shops and restaurants to make it the perfect place to stay in the Coromandel Peninsula. It does get busy in the summer months, so booking accommodation in Hahei in advance is a must.

Luxury- Dulop Hahei Bach - This one-bedroom property is a short walk to Hahei Beach or a 2-minute drive to the top of the Cathedral Cove track.

Comfort - Hahei Bed and Breakfast - Located in central Hahei, this property features an outdoor swimming pool and is a 10-minute stroll to the beach.

Budget - Tatahi Cove - a four-star backpacker hostel with a shared kitchen and bathroom, and 450 yards from the beach. Private rooms and dorms are available.

Find the ideal place to stay in Hahei using this interactive map.

Final thoughts on the Cathedral Cove Trail

Hahei is like paradise, and for those living nearby, every day brings a smile to their faces. To be able to walk the Cathedral Cove trail is a bonus. Views of the turquoise ocean, golden sand, and stunning seascape make you want to stay forever. It is a destination that should be featured on every North Island itinerary.