Cathedral Cove Tours and Activities

Cathedral Cove Beach showing 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 colourful rock gardens, encountering the local wildlife. The sunrise and sunset kayaking tours are an opportunity to enjoy the breathtaking colours on the water. There are full day tours for travellers 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
Royal Residency
Grand Millennium Auckland

Reviews of Cathedral Cove

4.7
Top destination
5 - Excellent
118
5 - Excellent 74%
4 - Good
35
4 - Good 22%
3 - Okay
6
3 - Okay 4%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
1
1 - Terrible 1%

5/5 - Excellent

WendyLR

One of the most beautiful places ever, nice walk,takes about 15-20 mins depending on fitness

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Don’t park in the free parking area, it’s over an hours walk to the cove. Park further down off Grange Road. Says it’s $15 parking all day, but most people I saw didn’t pay !!!!

5/5 - Excellent

MohammadALQ

The walk is not easy. lots of ups and down. I say that cause I have children with me. But the end was great. We didn't walk back, instead we used Water Taxi. Yes you pay a lot but saves you a lot of walking. I recommend to use Water Taxi both ways.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

We kayaked to Cathedral Cove and walked there from Hahei Beach on another day. Both are wonderful ways to get there - but leave early or go later in the day. We were at Coromandel in early to mid January during school holidays which is the busiest time. Cathedral Cove gets completely overrun from about 10am to late afternoon.

4/5 - Good

Robyn

Went on boat ride to view coastline and Cathedral Cove.

Popular places to visit


Top Cathedral Cove Hotel & Accommodation Deals

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
Hahei Island Outlook, Hahei Island Outlook on Grange Road

Hahei Island Outlook, Hahei Island Outlook on Grange Road

Hahei
Hahei Island Outlook, Hahei Island Outlook on Grange Road
Tutaritari Treehouse, Tutaritari Treehouse

Tutaritari Treehouse, Tutaritari Treehouse

Hahei
Tutaritari Treehouse, Tutaritari Treehouse
Hahei Beachfront Bliss, Hahei Beachfront Bliss

Hahei Beachfront Bliss, Hahei Beachfront Bliss

Hahei
Hahei Beachfront Bliss, Hahei Beachfront Bliss
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

At Cathedral Cove in Hahei, enjoy the scenic Cathedral Cove walk, which offers stunning coastal views and easy detours to nearby beaches. Consider joining a boat tour for a unique perspective of the cove’s natural beauty and impressive rock formations. Sightseeing activities abound, allowing you to explore the rich marine life and breathtaking landscapes, making it an unforgettable experience in this picturesque part of New Zealand.

Shopping

For unique gifts and souvenirs, visit The Coromandel Smoking Co., located 27.4km away from Cathedral Cove. If you're up for a drive, the Goldfields Shopping Centre, 40.2km away, offers a variety of shops and entertainment options in a vibrant atmosphere.

Recreation

Experience relaxation at Lost Spring Thermal Pools, where you can unwind in soothing thermal waters surrounded by lush gardens, just 8.0km from Cathedral Cove. For outdoor enthusiasts, enjoy a round of golf at Pauanui Pines Golf Course or The Lakes Golf Course, both offering stunning landscapes within 13 and 22.5km, respectively.

Adventure

Experience the vibrant outdoor atmosphere at Flaxmill Bay Camp Grounds, located 8.0km from Cathedral Cove. For a scenic adventure, tackle the Pauanui Tairua Trail, 18.0km away, where stunning views await. Don’t miss the Hauraki Rail Trail Thames, 28.0km distant, perfect for outdoor exploration.

Nightlife

For a lively night near Cathedral Cove, head to Combat Zone Paintball and Fun Park, an exciting arcadeAdventureZone located 14.5km away. Embrace the adventure vibes while enjoying thrilling activities that promise a memorable evening with friends or family.

*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, located in Hahei, Waikato, offers a stunning array of attractions, including beautiful beaches, scenic bays, and memorial sites, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy activities at Hahei Beach and explore local accommodation options like Cathedral Cove Apartments. For a touch of spirituality, the nearby church in Hahei adds to the charm of this picturesque destination, ensuring a memorable experience for all who visit.

  • Hahei Beach: Just a short stroll from Cathedral Cove, Hahei Beach boasts golden sands and a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for sunbathing and swimming. Its clear waters invite you to indulge in a refreshing dip while enjoying the stunning coastal views.
  • Stingray Bay: Located a mere 483m from Cathedral Cove, Stingray Bay offers a serene escape with beautiful scenery. This hidden gem is ideal for beach lovers and outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore its tranquil waters and rocky landscapes.
  • Shakespeare Cliff Lookout: About 6.4km from Cathedral Cove, this lookout provides breathtaking panoramic views of the coastline. Ideal for adventure seekers and romantics alike, it's a fantastic spot for capturing unforgettable sunset moments.

Best time to go to Cathedral Cove

The best time to visit Cathedral Cove is dependant 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 are lower. Book your accommodation at least one month in advance, or check last-minute deals on Expedia for potential discounts. Tuesday is the cheapest day to stay, while Sunday is the most expensive. Use Expedia to filter options by price and eco-certification for affordable, sustainable choices. Additionally, consider package deals that combine accommodation, flights, and activities to maximise savings on your holiday.

  • 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: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Cathedral Cove is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • 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: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your choices based on your budget, preferred location, and the type of accommodation you desire. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified option will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels currently available. To find the most affordable prices and deals, arrange the price filter from low to high.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your Cathedral Cove accommodation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Explore a world of travel with Expedia