Scenic walk to Cathedral Cove
Cathedral Cove, located on the east coast of the Coromandel Peninsula, is a superb destination famous for its stunning natural archway and picturesque beach. The Cathedral Cove Walkway is also a rewarding experience with fabulous coastal views and opportunities to explore nearby Gemstone Bay and native bush.
The Cathedral Cove Walkway
The Cathedral Cove Walkway begins at the top of Grange Road, situated at the northern end of Hahei. Due to parking restrictions on Grange Road, you will need to either take a bus from the bottom of the hill or walk up, which adds about 20 minutes each way. To walk, you can follow the road or a track from the north end of Hahei Beach. The walkway itself is well surfaced and mostly easy, with some short, steeper sections. It takes approximately 40 minutes to reach Cathedral Cove from the top. At the end, there are some steep steps down the side of the cliff to the beach.
While walking, you can explore one of two smaller bays, Gemstone Bay, with a short signposted side trip. You used to be able to also reach Stingray Bay as well, but that access is now closed. There is also a short side track leading to a mature grove of pūriri trees, which is worth a visit.
Alternative Access and Parking
An alternative access track also connects to the walkway three-quarters of the way along. This track leads from a private paid parking area on Lees Road, with a turnoff just before reaching Hahei. Although this route is less scenic than the main walkway, it takes a similar amount of time to reach Cathedral Cove and provides an alternative parking option during busy periods.
How to Get There
From State Highway 25, about halfway between Tairua and Whitianga, take Hot Water Beach Road north, then continue north on Link Road, then Hahei Beach Road. Parking for Grange Road and beach access is by the shops at the end of this road. The drive is about 30 minutes from Tairua and 35 minutes from Whitanga. From Auckland, it takes about 2.5 hours.
Other nearby places to explore include Hereheretaura Point at the southeast end of Hahei Beach, Hot Water Beach, Cooks Beach, Lonely Bay and Shakespeare Cliff.
