Access Update
Safety Information
  • Rockfalls and landslides occur frequently along this coastline
  • If you wish to go under the arch, move quickly through it. Do not stop under the arch.
  • Stay back from the shadow of the cliffs.
  • Do not visit during or after heavy rain.
  • These are wild beaches with no lifeguards. Take care in and around the water
Before you go
  • Marine access is via boat, kayak or water taxi
  • There are no toilets on the beach. There are toilets at the start of the track at Grange Road, and a flushable toilet facility is located about 10-15 minutes from the end of the track.
  • Take food and water with you.
  • Take all your rubbish out with you, there are no bins

The Worlds 50 Best Beaches 2024Located on the edge of the great Mercury Bay, close to the village of Hahei, famous Cathedral Cove is one of the “must visit” places in The Coromandel and Aotearoa New Zealand and voted 46th in The World's 50 Best Beaches 2024

To feel the magic of this place and to discover the secrets of the volcanic coastline from which it is formed, jump on a local boat or in a kayak and approach the majestic cove from the water

Begin Your Journey Of Discovery Here.

Ngāti Hei / History of Cathedral Cove Te Whanganui o Hei is part of a special area first claimed by Hei, an esteemed spiritual tauira (authority), who sailed to Aotearoa on the waka Te Arawa, sometime around 1350 AD.

On a northbound voyage from the Bay of Plenty to Hauraki, Hei chose the area around Mercury Bay to settle with his people, Ngāti Hei. He proclaimed ownership by referring to Motueka Island as “Te kuraetangao-taku-Ihu” (the outward curve of my nose). It is said that he made this claim near the present-day town of Hahei.

Hei’s descendants, tangata whenua, have strong ancestral and spiritual attachments to the area and continue their role of kaitiaki (guardians) of the bountiful resources within it.

Virtually Explore Before You Visit

Find Out More

About Moutohe Cathedral Cove.

The famous bay is located in Hahei, just 10 minutes' drive from the famous Hot Water Beach. 

Mautohe Cathedral Cove is a gigantic arched cavern that passes through a rock headland to join two coves. The cathedral-like arch gives the whole area an air of grandeur. The area is characterised by turquoise waters, rocks stacks, and dramatic cliffs. Through the arch and just off the beach is a large pinnacle of pumice breccia rock known as 'Te Hoho'. Over centuries this has been sculpted by wind and water, giving it dramatic shape.

Te Whanganui-o-Hei/Cathedral Cove Marine Reserve, Te Whanganui o Hei, covers 9 square kilometres and is New Zealand’s sixth marine reserve. It is protected by the Department of Conservation and is the sole access point to Cathedral Cove.

Mautohe/Cathedral Cove and the Te Whanganui-o-Hei/Cathedral Cove Marine Reserve is part of the area first claimed by Hei, leader of Ngāti Hei, who arrived in 1350 AD on Te Arawa waka.

Ngāti Hei consider Mautohe/Cathedral Cove a significant site. Above the rock arch is the location of a historic pā (defensive settlement) and fortification ditches.

Explore Cathedral Cove via Marine Access

To get the most of your visit and hear the stories of the volcanic area, it is recommended that you go on a tour that will take you to dramatic scenery along the Pacific Coastline (including the impressive Orua Sea Cave, Champagne Rocks, Wai Ora Ana Blow Hole).

Boat Tours operate from the Whitianga Wharf and Ferry Landing. You can also do a 1-hour boat tour or 3-hour kayak tour from Hahei Beach. Tours offer an immersive insight into the history and fascinating geology.

For those wanting transport only with a beach drop off, Cathedral Cove Water Taxi can provide return transport from Hahei Beach to Cathedral Cove Beach allowing an hour stop over at Cathedral Cove.

Gemstone Bay and Stingray Bay

The walking tracks to Gemstone Bay and Stingray Bay are closed. They were damaged by Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023. Do not use these tracks.

Access is now via private boat access or with local guides. Cave Cruzer Adventure Tours, Mercury Bay Discoveries and The Glass Bottom Boat all offer the opportunity to snorkel and swim during your excursion. Cathedral Cove Dive and Snorkel and Dive Zone offer guided snorkel and dive trips every day throughout the summer season. Snorkelling gear can also be hired from Cathedral Cove Dive and Snorkel.

Hahei Explorer and Cathedral Cove Water Taxi may be able to drop off at Gemstone Bay.

Planning to Walk

Accessibility

  • The track has stairs and steep sections. It needs moderate to good fitness, plus sturdy footwear. It can be very hot in summer and there is no running water available, bring lots of water and sun protection. Visiting by boat or water taxi is a good alternative.
  • The Hahei Beach to Grange Road track (Hahei Beach Walk) is closed.

Duration

  • Depending on your level of fitness and the pace you walk – and how long you spend on the beach - it’ll take about 90 minutes return from the Grange Rd entrance. 
  • Walking from the Hahei Visitor Carpark adds an extra 30 mins each way. It has a long uphill section and there is little shade. 
  • You can also park at the Cathedral Cove Gateway Trail (paid parking) and walk to Cathedral Cove in 30-40 minutes.

Parking and Transport

Plan transport ahead of time - please note there is no parking available at the Grange Road track entrance. 

  • Free parking is available at the Hahei Visitor Carpark on Pa Road, at the village entrance. From here, visitors can walk or catch a shuttle bus to the Grange Road track entrance. 
  • Paid parking is available at the Cathedral Cove Gateway Trail, 150 Lees Road. From here you can take the private farm walk to the main Mautohe Cathedral Cove track.
  • There are also many different commercial tour options – including water taxi, kayaks and boats. 

The Cathedral Cove Park & Ride shuttle 

To reduce the volume of motor traffic through Hahei Village and Grange Road, there will be a shuttle operating from the Hahei Visitor Carpark to the Grange Road track entrance this summer. The Shuttle will operate daily, every 10-15 minutes from 9am to 6pm. 

  • Adult fare: $7 return 
  • Children 14 and under: Free 

Grange Road restricted access - Due to significant damage to the Grange Road carpark and the expected volume of visitors, DOC is restricting access. 

No buses will be allowed access to the Grange Road carpark, this is due to ongoing structural challenges in the lookout area. An alternative parking option for buses is the Hahei Visitor Carpark, along with the shuttle to take visitors up.

No vehicles will be allowed to park at the Grange Road carpark this summer – drop-off and pickup only.

Safety Information

Rockfalls and landslides

The Mautohe Cathedral Cove landscape is unstable. Rockfalls and landslides could cause serious injury or death. The risk is highest during or after heavy rain, but is still present in good weather.

Understand the risk before visiting and decide whether the trip is right for you.

To reduce the risk:

  • do not stop or sit near the cliffs
  • do not stop under the rock archway – move quickly through it
  • do not visit during or after heavy rain.

Water Safety

The beaches at Cathedral Cove are wild and are not patrolled by lifeguards. Many people have got into trouble in the water here. 

There are rip currents in the bay. There can be big waves. Boats, kayaks and jet skis sail in the bay and land on the beach. The archway and parts of the beach become impassable at higher tides or during big swells.

Stay safe in and around the water when visiting Mautohe Cathedral Cove:

  • Stay out of the archway when there is water in it
  • Watch for incoming tides. You could get cut off and not able to go back through the archway.  
  • Visit at low tide and when the seas are calm. You can check the tide times and the sea conditions. 
  • Supervise children at all times