Essential Guide to visiting Cathedral Cove, New Zealand

With its turquoise waters, towering cliffs, and unique geological formations, Cathedral Cove is a truly breathtaking sight. 

This stunningly scenic beach, with its iconic natural rock archway, is one of the most picturesque bits of coastline in New Zealand. 

Cathedral Cove is so well-known (and Instagrammable) that thousands of visitors travel there every year. 

Visitors can explore small caves at the edges of the beach and swim or kayak in the clear turquoise water of the bay.

If you’re visiting New Zealand from  halfway around the world and you want your trip to Cathedral Cove to be perfect, you’re in the right place. 

I’ve written this guide with up-to-date information to answer all your questions about visiting Cathedral Cove. 

We had an amazing time at Cathedral Cove, and I want to help you do the same.

Cathedral Cove is a must-see for anyone who loves to explore and immerse themselves in nature. This complete guide includes everything you need to know before you go to Cathedral Cove.

The Complete Guide to Visiting Cathedral Cove, New Zealand

Where is Cathedral Cove New Zealand?

Cathedral Cove is located on New Zealand’s Coromandel Peninsula, on the North Island. 

It is situated in the Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve on the eastern side of the peninsula, near the town of Hahei. 

The closest major towns to Cathedral Cove are Whitianga to the north and Tairua to the south. The smaller towns of Hahei and Cooks Beach are to the east and west, respectively. 

Is Cathedral Cove Closed?

Access to Cathedral Cove is typically via a walking track starting at the northern end of Hahei Beach.

However, on February 8, 2023, heavy rain caused a landslide that brought rocks, boulders, trees, and debris down on Cathedral Cove Beach. (Fortunately, no one was on the beach at the time.)

Soon after, Cyclone Gabrielle brought gale-force winds that inflicted significant storm damage on the main track to Cathedral Cove beach and making it unsafe for public access.

The NZ Department of Conservation (DOC) responded to these weather events by closing the Cathedral Cove trail and beach to ensure visitor safety.

Geotechnical engineers described the beach cliffs, especially those overlooking Cathedral Cove, as ‘particularly hazardous’ due to ongoing landslides and rockfall.

The walking trail used to reach the Cathedral Cove beach is closed indefinitely. 

Visitors are only allowed on the beach for brief stays as part of marine-based tours with commercial operators.

How To get to Cathedral Cove?

Currently, the only way to visit Cathedral Cove is by boat or kayak. The good news is that you have lots of tour options to choose from.

Here are nine Cathedral Cove tour options. Each one is different, so you can find the Cathedral Cove boat tour that works best for you!

Tours to Cathedral Cove

Spend a relaxed arvo (that’s Kiwi for “afternoon”) sailing along the coast in a catamaran.

On the Arvo of Goodness Chilled Out Sail, you’ll sail from Cooks Beach, then anchor at Cathedral Cove. You’ll also see Mercury Bay and Gemstone Bay.

You’ll be able to swim or snorkel, or just enjoy the views. (Snorkeling gear is provided.)

Chill out onboard with snacks and cold beer or a glass of wine.

This catamaran is powered by wind, so you’ll have minimal environmental impact.

This Cathedral Cove sailing experience begins and ends at Cooks Beach.

Enjoy sea kayaking through the Te Whanganui-A-Hi Marine Reserve to see beaches, islands, and sea caves.

This Cathedral Cove Kayak Tour is perfect for active travelers who would like to see local marine life. End your tour with cappuccinos, hot chocolate, and cookies!

Taking a Cathedral Cove kayak tour is a really special way to see this amazing coastline. The water really is crystal clear, so from your kayak, you’ll have the best view of the water.

This three hour tour begins and ends at Hahei Beach.

Taking a Cathedral Cove Glass Bottom Boat Tour is a really cool way to see Cathedral Cove by boat, because you also get to see the marine life below the surface of the water.

You can use the provided snorkeling equipment to snorkel. Or you can get an up close look at the rock formations and cliffs of Cathedral Cove from the boat.

This is a great tour if your group has people who prefer different activity levels.

The Cathedral Cove Glass Bottom Boat Tour begins and ends at the Whitianga Wharf.

For a different look at the coastline near Cathedral Cove, take the Sea Cave Adventures tour.

You’ll be able to go in caves and get up close to the area’s unique rock formations.

Snorkeling equipment is included, and you’ll have ample opportunity to swim.

The Sea Cave Adventures Tour begins and ends at Whitianga Wharf.

The One Hour Cathedral Cove Boat Tour is perfect for anyone who wants to see Cathedral Cove and the nearby sea caves, but doesn’t want to spend a lot of time in a boat.

This tour will take you to Cathedral Cove very quickly, like a Cathedral Cove water taxi.

You will not disembark from the boat at Cathedral Cove.

This tour is great for anyone with little children or limited time.

This tour begins and ends in Hahei, just a five-minute boat ride from Cathedral Cove.

This Cathedral Cove boat trip transports guests in a catamaran for smooth, stable, and energy efficient sailing.

On the Cathedral Cove Coast and Cave Tour, guests will have access to a toilet. Guests can snorkel, using the provided snorkeling gear, then take a warm, freshwater shower.

On this tour, you’ll see Cathedral Cove, sea caves, and isolated islands.

This tour begins and ends in Whitianga.

If you like traveling at speed, you’ll love this speedboat ride to Cathedral Cove.

The Cathedral Cove Jet Boat Ride will take you along the coast, where you’ll stop at Cathedral Cove and also see Gemstone Bay.

This tour is perfect for thrill seekers!

The Jet Boat Ride tour begins and ends at Whitianga.

Start your day with a spectacular, leisurely Cathedral Cove cruise.

On the Morning Glory Chilled Out Sail, you’ll explore tranquil beaches and dramatic rock formations. Snorkeling equipment is included, and you’ll have time to swim.

The tour will include Cathedral Cove, Mercury Bay, and Gemstone Bay.

Perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy the Cathedral Cove area at a relaxed pace, to soak in all the beauty.

This Cathedral Cove boat tour begins and ends at Whitianga.

This Private Trip to the Coromandel will take you to Cathedral Cove from Auckland.

The tour includes a boat trip to Cathedral Cove, plus a train ride on the Driving Creek Railway, with panoramic views of the sea. And you’ll go to Hot Water Beach to dig your own spa pool!

Lunch, snacks and water will be provided.

This is the perfect tour for anyone visiting Auckland, who wants to visit the Coromandel as efficiently as possible. It’s also perfect for anyone who doesn’t want to drive in New Zealand.

This Private Trip to the Coromandel begins and ends in Auckland. Transportation can be by van, charter boat, seaplane or helicopter.

What about the walk to Cathedral Cove?

The Cathedral Cove Hahei walk is currently closed due to damage inflicted on the Cathedral Cove walkway during the weather events in February 2023. 

Before the path to Cathedral Cove closed, it was completely paved, but hilly, with some ups and downs. 

The Cathedral Cove walk led walkers past two other bays – Gemstone Bay and Stingray Bay – which are perfect for swimming and snorkeling. 

Gemstone Bay is just a 5-minute detour from the main track and is the start of the Cathedral Cove snorkeling trail. 

Stingray Bay is about a 10-15 minute walk further along the path and offers stunning ocean views with white cliffs.

At the end of the walk, the path opened up to a large field and then wound through a dense forest before descending to Cathedral Cove Beach. The trail was steep in this final section. 

The walk took approximately 45 minutes to an hour each way. The walk was moderately difficult. 

Currently, the only way to reach Cathedral Cove Beach is by boat.

Can you drive to Cathedral Cove?

It is not possible to drive directly to Cathedral Cove. 

If you don’t want to rent a car in New Zealand and brave driving New Zealand’s windy roads to drive to the Coromandel Peninsula, you’ll want to book a tour that takes you from Auckland to Cathedral Cove.

In the past, visitors could drive to a visitor car park and then walk to Cathedral Cove. The start of the Cathedral Cove track was from the parking lot at the end of Grange Road in Hahei. 

Going forward, the Cathedral Cove Lookout Car Park, the start of the track, will be a drop-off only location, with no parking. From the Grange Road lookout point, visitors will follow the footpath to Cathedral Cove Beach. 

Visitors will be able to use free parking at the Hahei village car park, before taking a shuttle service to the Cathedral Cove Car Park for a small fee. In the summer months, this parking lot will fill up quickly!

Please note that the walk to Cathedral Cove is now closed. The only way to see Cathedral cove is by boat. Tours depart from Hahei, Cooks Beach, and Whitianga.

Is Cathedral Cove safe?

Because the cliffs surrounding Cathedral Cove beach are unstable, visitors should stay at least ten metros away from the cliffs.

Visitors should not stand or walk under Cathedral Cove’s arch, because rockfall can happen at any time.

Visitors should be aware of the weather forecast and avoid the beach during or after heavy rain.

If you are concerned about the risks, don’t go on the beach.

However, it is safe to view Cathedral Cove from the water. 

Before you plan your trip, you may want to check the Cathedral Cove tide schedule; there will be more beach area at low tide.

When is the best time of year to visit Cathedral Cove?

The best time to visit Cathedral Cove is between October and May, New Zealand’s spring, summer, and fall.

The warmest months to visit Cathedral Cove are December, January, February, and March.

Boat trips to Cathedral Cove run year-round, but they’re weather dependent. The rainiest months on the Coromandel peninsula are June and August, so if you’re booking during these months, understand that you might have to be flexible and reschedule if the weather doesn’t cooperate.

The coldest months at Cathedral Cove are July, August, and September, New Zealand’s winter. You won’t want to swim or snorkel then, but Cathedral Cove and the coastline will still be beautiful.

What should I bring to Cathedral Cove?

Here’s what to bring with you on a day trip to Cathedral Cove:

• A backpack or a tote bag (no plastic bags)
• Sunscreen
• Hat
• Swimsuit (or “togs” as the Kiwis say)
• Towel
• Coverup, sweater or sweatshirt (it can be breezy, even on a warm day)
• Extra water

Here’s my complete packing list of what to bring to New Zealand.

Is Cathedral Cove good to visit with kids?

The Cathedral Cove Beach is great place to bring kids because it’s so gorgeous and unusual. Kids who have seen the Narnia movies will enjoy seeing beach. 

Also, if your kids are anything like mine, they are going to love the idea of going somewhere that they can only get to by boat!

If you’re traveling with young kids, you might like the Glass Bottom Boat Tour (so they can see in the water) or the Coast and Cave Catamaran tour (because it’s a smooth ride and there’s a toilet on board).

If you are traveling with teens, consider the Cathedral Cove kayak tour or the Jet Boat tour.

Are there bathrooms at Cathedral Cove?

There are no bathrooms at Cathedral Cove. Previously, there was a simple drop toilet, which is no longer available for use.

Where to stay near Cathedral Cove?

If you’re looking for Cathedral Cove accommodation, you’ll have lots of choices. You must book in advance, particularly for stays during the summer months!

Hahei Accommodation

Cathedral Cove & Sunrise is just a six-minute walk from Hahei Beach. Enjoy the balcony with an ocean view!

McDonalds Rest is a three-bedroom beachfront property. The sea view are amazing here!

Hot Water Beach Accommodation

Hot Water Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park is located just feet from Hot Water Beach. There’s a pool and a playground. Some accommodations have kitchen facilities or are big enough for families.

Cooks Beach Accommodation

The Admiral is a two-bedroom apartment with a private beachfront and garden.

Bay Breeze Accommodation is just minutes from Cooks Beach and restaurants. This spacious rental is well-stocked!

Whitianga Accommodation

Waterfront Apartments Whitianga features apartments with sea views and kitchenettes. Guests have private access to the Lost Springs geothermal pools!

Esplanade Apartments are located in the heart of Whitianga. There’s a swimming pool, a spa pool, and an onsite restaurant.

Where to eat at Cathedral Cove?

There are several restaurants near Cathedral Cove:

Where to eat in Hahei

• The Church Bistro
• Little Blue Kitchen
• Hahei Beach Cafe
• The Pour House Bar and Brewery

Where to eat at Hot Water Beach

• Hotties
• Hot Waves Cafe

Where to eat in Cooks Beach

• The Vessel
• Go Vino

Where to eat in Whitianga

• The Harbour House Cafe
• Cooked
• On Fire
• Hula Restaurant
• Blue Lagoon
• Grace O’Malley’s
• Blue Ginger

What to do near Cathedral Cove?

Hot Water Beach

You can easily visit the famous Hot Water Beach and Cathedral Cove on the same day. Be sure to plan your day so that you’re at Hot Water Beach at low tide. 

To go from Cathedral Cove to Hot Water Beach, it’s a short and convenient drive, typically taking about 10-15 minutes, with beautiful views of the area.

Hot Water Beach is famous for its unique geothermal activity. Visitors often enjoy digging their own hot pools on the beach during the low tide. Like Cathedral Cove, Hot Water Beach is also a popular tourist spot, so it can get quite crowded.

Hahei

Hahei has a lovely beach and several cafes. Shops in Hahei include an art gallery, The Lawnmower’s Son. 

You can walk up to the Te Pare Point Historic Reserve, for an incredible view of Hahei and the Te Wanganui O Hen Marine Reserve (just an easy 20-minute walk each way), or just relax on Hahei Beach.

Cooks Beach

Cooks Beach has several cafes and a long, lovely beach, perfect for relaxing. Hike up to the Shakespeare Cliff Scenic and Historic Reserve for an amazing view of the bays.

Tour the local wineries: Mercury Bay Estate and Purangi Winery (specializing in liqueurs).

Whitianga

In Whitianga, you can tour the Mercury Bay Museum to learn about the voyage of Captain Cook to the area.

You’ll find lots of art studios and gift shops, perfect for finding the perfect New Zealand souvenirs!

What is Cathedral Cove known for?

Cathedral Cove is famous for its impressive natural arch that connects two beaches. Cathedral Cove Bay is surrounded by dramatic cliffs. 

Anyone who has used Windows 10 will recognize Cathedral Cove from the lock screen image.

What was filmed at Cathedral Cove?

Of course, New Zealand is a popular location for movies because of its breathtaking beauty and unique landscapes.

Cathedral Cove is well known as a location in The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian. 

This fantasy adventure film, based on the book by C.S. Lewis, features Cathedral Cove as one of its key locations.

The film showcases Cathedral Cove’s stunning beauty when Lucy, Peter, Susan, and Edmond return to Narnia and find the ruins of Cair Paravel.

Why is Cathedral Cove so popular?

Cathedral Cove in New Zealand is popular because of its breathtaking natural archway and pristine sandy beach, set against a backdrop of impressive cliffs and crystal-clear waters.

Cathedral Cove is part of the Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve, or the Cathedral Cove Marine Reserve.

Having national park status helps protect Cathedral Cove’s rich marine ecosystem. This makes the area an ideal spot for snorkeling, diving, and observing marine life in its natural habitat.

The area holds cultural and historical significance, particularly for the local iwi (Māori tribe) Ngāti Hei. It’s not just a natural wonder, but also a place of historical and cultural importance.

Despite its popularity, the cove currently can only be accessed by boat or kayak, which adds to its seclusion and tranquility. A visit to Cathedral Cove a unique and special experience.

How was Cathedral Cove formed?

Cathedral Cove in New Zealand was formed by a combination of wave action and weathering over thousands of years.

Waves eroded softer rock to create sea caves, and further erosion from wind and rain helped shape these formations.

Over time, parts of these caves collapsed, forming the cove’s distinctive arches.

Sand brought in by the waves accumulated to create the beaches. The area’s unique geological makeup influenced the erosion patterns and contributed to the cove’s stunning natural appearance.

Is Cathedral Cove worth visiting?

Cathedral Cove’s  stunning coastal archway is truly spectacular. Personally, I believe Cathedral Cove is one of the most beautiful beaches of the Coromandel region.

So I would say, yes, Cathedral Cove is absolutely worth visiting. 

It was at the top of my list of things to do in New Zealand, and we absolutely loved it.

Final thoughts on visiting Cathedral Cove

While the traditional Cathedral Cove park walking paths are currently closed, the beauty of the cove is several boat tours, which will give you a special perspective on the cove and its stunning surroundings.

I don’t think you’ll regret seeing Cathedral Cove’s main beach and spectacular arch from the water. 

Booking a boat tour in advance is essential to ensure you don’t miss out on this incredible experience.

As detailed above, tour operators offer many different types of excursions to Cathedral Cove, so you’re sure to find the best one for you. 

When there’s a reopening target date for the Cathedral Cove walking track, I’ll update this blog post. But for now, there’s still a risk of landslide, and any further significant weather could bring greater chance of more erosion. 

When our family visited Cathedral Cove, we found it to be an inspiring place. It’s the perfect spot to take in New Zealand’s gorgeous coast and stunning waters.

(If you want to share your gorgeous pictures of Cathedral cove, here are some fantastic outdoors captions and nature hashtags you can use!)

Put Cathedral Cove on your list of must-see places in New Zealand!