Cathedral Cove Tours and Activities

Cathedral Cove Beach which includes a sunset, rocky coastline and general coastal views
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 colorful rock gardens, encountering the local wildlife. The sunrise and sunset kayaking tours are an opportunity to enjoy the breathtaking colors on the water. There are full day tours for travelers 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.
QT Auckland
Luminous on Anzac
Park Hyatt Auckland

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Cathedral Cove

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
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
Hahei Beachfront Bliss, Hahei Beachfront Bliss

Hahei Beachfront Bliss, Hahei Beachfront Bliss

Hahei
Hahei Beachfront Bliss, Hahei Beachfront Bliss
At Cathedral Cove - Hahei Holiday Home

At Cathedral Cove - Hahei Holiday Home

Hahei
At Cathedral Cove - Hahei Holiday Home
Tutaritari Treehouse, Tutaritari Treehouse

Tutaritari Treehouse, Tutaritari Treehouse

Hahei
Tutaritari Treehouse, Tutaritari Treehouse
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 a stunning coastal walk that showcases breathtaking views and natural beauty. This scenic trail leads you to the iconic Cathedral Cove, perfect for sightseeing and photography. Additionally, nearby golf courses offer a chance to relax and enjoy the outdoors while playing a round. Whether you're hiking or golfing, Cathedral Cove provides a memorable experience for all visitors.

Shopping

For unique gifts, visit The Coromandel Smoking Co., located 27.4km from Cathedral Cove. If you're up for a drive, check out Goldfields Shopping Centre, 40.2km away, offering a blend of family-friendly entertainment and diverse shops to explore.

Recreation

The Lost Spring Thermal Pools offers a rejuvenating experience with its soothing thermal waters, perfect for relaxation just 8.0km from Cathedral Cove. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Tairua Golf and Country Club and The Lakes Golf Course, both within 22.5km, provide fantastic golfing opportunities amidst stunning scenery.

Adventure

Experience the serenity of Flaxmill Bay Camp Grounds, located 8.0km from Cathedral Cove, perfect for camping and outdoor activities. For a scenic hike, the Pauanui Tairua Trail, 18.0km away, offers breathtaking views and adventure vibes. Explore the Hauraki Rail Trail, 40.2km from Cathedral Cove, for a delightful outdoor experience.

Nightlife

For a fun night out, visit Combat Zone Paintball and Fun Park, located 14.5km from Cathedral Cove. Enjoy the thrilling arcade games and family-friendly atmosphere, perfect for creating lasting memories with friends and loved ones.

Find the best attractions near Cathedral Cove

Cathedral Cove in Hahei, Waikato, offers a stunning blend of beach, bay, and cultural experiences for visitors. Key attractions include the picturesque Cathedral Cove Beach and the scenic Cathedral Cove Walkway, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Explore the beauty of the area through the various walking trails and immerse yourself in the local culture. Whether you're relaxing on the beach or hiking the trails, Cathedral Cove promises a memorable getaway.

  • Hahei Beach: Located a mere 805m from Cathedral Cove, Hahei Beach offers a stunning stretch of golden sand and crystal-clear waters. The relaxed beach vibes make it perfect for sunbathing, swimming, or enjoying a casual picnic while soaking in the beautiful coastal scenery.
  • Hot Water Beach: Situated 4.8km away, Hot Water Beach is famous for its natural hot springs that bubble up through the sand. At low tide, visitors can dig their own hot pools and enjoy a unique bathing experience right by the ocean.
  • Stingray Bay: Just 0.4.8km from Cathedral Cove, Stingray Bay boasts breathtaking scenery and outdoor adventures. With its serene beach vibes, it’s an ideal spot for swimming, snorkeling, or simply relaxing while surrounded by nature.

Best time to go to Cathedral Cove

Visitor numbers around Cathedral Cove is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Cathedral Cove can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Cathedral Cove falls in February, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Cathedral Cove falls in July and August. August has slightly low visitor numbers and mostly cloudy weather.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
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

Cathedral Cove is a budget-friendly destination, offering free access and nearby attractions like Hahei Beach and Cooks Beach. To save on accommodations, plan your visit between July and September, when prices are lower. Booking about a month in advance can help secure better rates, particularly on Saturdays, which are cheaper than Sundays. For the best deals, use Expedia to sort hotel options by price and consider package deals that include flights and activities. Don't forget to check for last-minute discounts to maximize savings during your visit!

  • 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: Book your hotel around Cathedral Cove about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Cathedral Cove is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay around Cathedral Cove is Sunday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to narrow down your options based on your budget, preferred location, and desired hotel type. To discover the most affordable prices and the best deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save some money by booking an Expedia package that combines your Cathedral Cove hotel stay with your flights and activities.