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Cathedral Cove Walk

Walking Trail
-
Hahei, Coromandel

This trail has multiple entry/exit points - view map

Walking:
1 hr 30 mins, easy difficulty

About the trail
2.5 km one way. Start at either end. return.
Stunning views of the Coromandel coast guide you to the dramatic cliffs and iconic rock archway of Cathedral Cove. This is one of best short walks.


Dog friendly: No

Things to know

Be prepared, ensure you take: food and water good sturdy footwear. Seasonal restrictions: The car park is closed annually from 1 October – 30 April. A park and ride shuttle bus service operates from the visitor car park at the entrance to Hahei village. 

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Cathedral Cove closed

Cathedral Cove is closed due a landslip and the ongoing risk of rockfall and erosion. It is not safe for visitors.  

Do not use the track down to the beach, or use a vessel to land on the beach. 

Alert published on 9 February 

This popular track hugs the coast, providing dramatic views of spectacular coastal scenery along its length, finishing at the beach beneath an impressive rock archway.  A loop track at the north-western end offers an extension to the main walk with amazing views.

Getting there

The nearest towns are Hahei (2 km), Whitianga (35 km) and Coromandel (54 km). Tour operators/shuttles to/from Auckland are available. A privately operated water taxi is available from Hahei when sea conditions allow. The track begins at a drop-off area at the end of Grange Road or from the northern end of Hahei Beach (an extra 20 minutes each way).

Due to increased traffic in Hahei village over summer, the car park at the start of the track is closed from 1 October to 30 April. Free parking is available at the entrance to the village instead. From there walk via the beach to the start of the walk, or use the park and ride shuttle bus (although you will miss Hahei Beach and the beautiful cliff walk). 

History and culture

Significant to local iwi Ngāti Hei, the area around Cathedral Cove was first visited in the 13th century by Hei, who is remembered in the names Hahei and Te Whanganui a Hei or Mercury Bay.

Know before you go

Seasonal restrictions:

  • The car park is closed annually from 1 October – 30 April. A park and ride shuttle bus service operates from the visitor car park at the entrance to Hahei village. 

What to expect:

  • Elevation change: 80 m

Hazards

  • Rapidly changing weather conditions.
  • Potential for rockfall in and around the arch due to ongoing natural weathering and erosion – take care.
  • Danger of falling rocks at the north-western end of the beach at Stingray Bay – this area is closed.

Be prepared, ensure you take:

  • food and water
  • good sturdy footwear.

Source: Department of Conservation

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