Brazil
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Guyana
French Guiana
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
Venezuela
Germany
Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Denmark
Spain
Finland
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Hungary
Ireland
Iceland
Italy
Luxembourg
Norway
Poland
Portugal
the United Kingdom
the Czech Republic
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
the United States
Mexico
the Dominican Republic
South Africa
Australia
Fiji
Beach · Hahei, Waikato
Cathedral Cove
Sea‑sculpted rock arch between two beaches, near Hahei, in the Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve, reached by coastal track or by sea.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Cathedral Cove
Cathedral Cove (Mautohe in Māori) is on the east coast of the Coromandel Peninsula, about 2 km from Hahei. The sea and wind have carved a large natural arch in the pale cliff that links two beaches: Mautohe, the actual Cathedral Cove, and Mares Leg Cove. Off the main beach stands Te Hoho, an isolated pillar-shaped rock.
The site is part of the Te Whanganui-A-Hei marine reserve, where fishing is prohibited. The main track, managed by the Department of Conservation (DOC), starts from the top of Grange Road in Hahei and follows the coastal hills through bush and pasture, with viewpoints over the bay and the islands. The final section descends by stairs to the sand.
The area is unstable: storms have caused slips and closed the track for extended periods. DOC marks areas where you must not stay, including under the arch, and may close access after heavy rain. Check the track status before you go.
You can also arrive by sea: water taxis run from Hahei beach and land on the sand, and there are boat and kayak tours from Hahei and Whitianga.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About an hour and a half return walk from Grange Road, plus time on the beach; allow 2 to 3 hours.
Best time
Early morning, before the groups, or late afternoon. From October to April the trail car park closes and a bus runs from Hahei entrance. After heavy rain, check whether the track is open.
How to get there
On foot, via the track that starts at the top of Grange Road in Hahei. In summer, park at the village entrance and use the bus to the track start. By sea, water taxi from Hahei beach or boat and kayak tours.
Tip
Take water, sunscreen and sturdy footwear: the final stairs are long. Respect signposted areas and do not stay under the arch when a notice is in place. There are no bins: take your rubbish back with you.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Cathedral Cove
Is the Cathedral Cove track open?
The main track is generally open, but DOC temporarily closes it after storms. Check the status on DOC’s website before you go.
How long is the track to Cathedral Cove?
About 45 minutes each way from Grange Road in Hahei, with stairs on the final section.
Can you get to Cathedral Cove by boat?
Yes. Water taxis run from Hahei beach and land on the sand, and there are boat and kayak tours from Hahei and Whitianga.
Where to park to go to Cathedral Cove?
From October to April, park at Hahei entrance car park, where a shuttle bus runs to the track. For the rest of the year there is paid parking at the start of the track.