Hahei Beach

The gateway to world famous Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach. Within these areas you can bathe in the natural thermal springs at Hot Water Beach, visit Cathedral Cove and explore the marine wildlife in the Hahei Marine Reserve. Whilst visiting the area, discover many of the fun activities on offer. Scenic adventure boat trips, sea kayaking, scuba diving, surfing, scooter rides and more... also on offer is a wide range of tantalising restaurants/cafes/ice cream parlours to satisfy your taste buds.

Art galleries and gift shops are spread across the areas as well as an exciting range of accommodation.

From the lookout of this attractive beach (named after the Maori Chief Hei) there is access to Cathedral Cove and the Marine Reserve.

CATHEDRAL COVE - Accessible only on foot or by boat, famous Cathedral Cove is one of the “must visit” sites on the Coromandel Peninsula. The track begins at the northern end of Hahei. Cathedral Cove Marine Reserve, Te Whanganui- A-Hei, covers 9 square kilometres and is New Zealand’s sixth marine reserve. It is administered by the Department of Conservation. This site was chosen for a marine reserve because of the rich and varied habitats associated with the coastline and outlying islands. Reefs of hard rock, soft sediments, intricate caves and underwater arches provide homes for complex communities of plants, crustaceans, molluscs and fish. Sheltered from the worst of the southerly winds Te Whanganui-A-Hei gives visitors an opportunity to learn from and enjoy an unspoilt marine environment.

CATHEDRAL COVE WALK - There are several scenic tracks on land adjacent to the reserve, including the 2hr return walk to Cathedral Cove track, which gives access to Gemstone Bay, Mares Leg and Cathedral Cove. Foot access to the Cathedral Cove car park is at the western end of Hahei Beach and vehicle access is up Grange Road (turn left past shops and go all the way to end of Grange Road).

Just around the corner is HOT WATER BEACH, There are two fissures at Hot Water Beach issuing water as hot as 64C (147F) at a rate as high as 15 litres/minute. This water contains large amounts of salt (NOT salt water), calcium, magnesium, potassium, fluorine, bromine and silica. There are other hot water springs nearby but the location of these two springs on the beach make them unique. The hot springs are only accessible at low tide, however more often than not two hours each side of low tide, will still provide you with an opportunity to dig your own spa. Spades are available for hire at a local store