Discover Hahei's Coastal Charm
Situated on the Coromandel Peninsula, Hahei is a captivating beachside village known for its relaxed holiday atmosphere. The town is larger than the nearby Hot Water Beach and is known for its safe swimming conditions, thanks to the protection provided by offshore islands.
Hahei is also the gateway to the iconic Cathedral Cove and serves as an ideal starting point for boat tours exploring the coastal marine sanctuary extending north to Mercury Bay.
Accommodation and Amenities
In Hahei, you'll find a variety of accommodation options, including commercial camping facilities near the beach. The village also has a store, and several restaurants and cafes.
Exploring Cathedral Cove and Pā Sites
Hahei is the gateway to Cathedral Cove, which you can reach via the Cathedral Cove Walkway from the north end of the beach or from Grange Road. The walk is about 60 minutes from the beach, taking you through native bush, with stunning coastal views.
At the southern end of Hahei Beach, a short walk leads to the pā sites on Hereheretaura Point. These clifftop sites offer insights into the area's Māori heritage and present spectacular views of the surrounding coastline.
How to Get to Hahei
To reach Hahei from Whitianga, drive south on State Highway 25 and follow it to Hot Water Beach Road. Head north on this road, then continue onto Link Road, and finally onto Hahei Beach Road. If you're coming from the west side of the peninsula, take State Highway 25A (Hikuai Road) east, which connects with State Highway 25 south of Hikuai. Continue north on SH25 to Hot Water Beach Road. From Downtown Auckland, the drive takes about 140 minutes, while it's 90 minutes from Thames and 32 minutes from Whitianga.
Nearby attractions include Hot Water Beach, where you can dig your own hot pool in the sand, as well as Cooks Beach, Shakespeare Cliff, and Lonely Bay.
