Cathedral Cove
A breathtaking natural wonder on the Coromandel Peninsula, famous for its iconic rock arch and golden beach.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for photos & exploration
Cathedral Cove
Best Time
Best for photos & exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A breathtaking natural wonder on the Coromandel Peninsula, famous for its iconic rock arch and golden beach.
"This place was wonderful, very picturesque. It is well worth the visit, just might require a little patience."
🚶♀️ Hike or Shuttle?
Choose between a scenic 30-min hike or a shuttle service. Both offer great views!
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
There's a food trailer, but prices are high. Pack your own essentials!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iconic Archway
Cathedral Cove
The massive, naturally formed rock archway is the star attraction, offering breathtaking views and photo ops.
Golden Sands Beach
Cathedral Cove
A beautiful stretch of golden sand perfect for relaxing, swimming, and enjoying the stunning coastal scenery.
Scenic Coastal Walk
Path from Hahei Beach
The approximately 30-minute walk offers stunning ocean vistas and lush greenery, a journey in itself.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Hike & Shuttle Smart
Timing is Key for Photos
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Cathedral Cove walking track reopens after almost two years of repairs
🚶♀️ Hike or Shuttle?
Choose between a scenic 30-min hike or a shuttle service. Both offer great views!
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
There's a food trailer, but prices are high. Pack your own essentials!
Worth it to drive to Coromandel? (+Rate my itinerary)
Would it be worth the 3-4 hour drive just to experience the Hot Water Beach?
📸 Patience for Photos
It gets busy! Be patient with other visitors for your perfect shot.
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
The path has steep sections and stairs; good footwear is a must.
Where to stay and what to do in Coromandel?
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Hike or Shuttle?
Choose between a scenic 30-min hike or a shuttle service. Both offer great views!
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
There's a food trailer, but prices are high. Pack your own essentials!
📸 Patience for Photos
It gets busy! Be patient with other visitors for your perfect shot.
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
The path has steep sections and stairs; good footwear is a must.
🚗 Parking Fee
Expect a parking fee, usually paid online. Check current rates.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Cathedral Cove for its breathtaking natural beauty and the iconic archway, calling it a 'piece of paradise.' The scenic walk and the golden beach are major highlights. However, many note the significant crowds, especially during peak times, which can detract from the experience and make photography challenging. The parking fee and limited, overpriced food options are also minor drawbacks.
"This place was wonderful, very picturesque. The weather was great when we were there, which is important because where we came in you have to hike in at least a mile or so, and then back out again. It was a very nice walk, but towards the end it might be a little strenuous for some people with dozens of steep stairs. It wasn't difficult for the average person, I'd say, might just have to slow down a bit, especially if the path is wet.
We went during low tide and got lots of great pictures. The disappointment was how many people were there! Lots of photo bombers more than content just to sit down or play in the water right where everybody is obviously trying to take pictures. Even though there is plenty of room to do it out of the way. I guess that's just how they wanted to experience it though.
It is well worth the visit, just might require a little patience with other people. There is about a $6 USD parking fee that you pay online. You might want to take a little water, but before you descend closer to the beach, there is a food trailer with overpriced ice cream and other stuff."
Kelsey Peterson
"Now, here's a piece of paradise worth the extra effort. I walked from the car park to the Cove. I needed the exercise; more people than shuttle capacity, when I wanted to go. The scenic walk begins where the shuttle drops off. Path is sealed, does have two steepish sections, and a series of steps descending to beach. Enjoy the walk and the beach!"
David Vincent
"Amazing place with amazing view.
Tips
I park my car at Hahei Beach. Then I took the Grange Road to walk to the Cathedral Cove viewing deck. You cannot park near the viewing deck. After that, there is a walk with sometimes steep. However its worth it. You can have a nice bath in the beach as well."
Malitha Basuri
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can drive to the Cathedral Cove Carpark and take a shuttle bus, or park at Hahei Beach and enjoy a scenic 30-minute walk. The walk involves some steep sections and stairs.
Direct parking near the viewing deck is not available. You'll typically park at the designated carpark and then use the shuttle or walk.
The shuttle service is convenient and often free for children under 14, with a fee for adults. It drops you off for the final walk to the cove.
Yes, you can walk from Hahei Beach. It's a beautiful, albeit sometimes steep, 30-minute walk that offers great coastal views.
The walk is generally considered easy to moderate, with some steep sections and stairs towards the end. It's manageable for most people with average fitness.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While the cove itself is free to enter, there is a parking fee at the main carpark, which is usually paid online. Shuttle services may also have a fee.
Cathedral Cove is accessible year-round during daylight hours. The shuttle service may have specific operating times.
Tickets are not typically required for entry to Cathedral Cove itself. However, it's wise to check if advance booking is needed for the shuttle service, especially during peak season.
Access can sometimes be restricted due to weather conditions or track maintenance. Always check local advisories before your visit.
There is a parking fee for the main Cathedral Cove carpark, which is typically around $6 USD and paid online.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Visiting during low tide is ideal for capturing the best angles of the arch and beach. Early mornings or late afternoons can also offer beautiful lighting with fewer crowds.
Patience is key. Visit during off-peak hours or weekdays if possible. Be prepared to wait for a clear shot or try different angles.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the arch. Consider a polarizing filter to enhance the blues of the water and sky.
Drone usage is often restricted in national parks and protected areas. It's best to check with local authorities or the Department of Conservation for current regulations.
The main archway is a must-capture. Also, explore the smaller coves and rock formations, and the view looking back towards the beach from the arch.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There is a food trailer located before descending to the beach, offering ice cream and other items, but it can be overpriced.
Hahei Beach, a short distance away, has restaurants and cafes offering various dining experiences.
Yes, it is highly recommended to bring your own water and snacks, as options at the cove are limited and can be expensive.
Restaurants in Hahei typically offer a range of casual dining options, including seafood, burgers, and local New Zealand cuisine.
It's often more convenient and cost-effective to eat before or after your visit in Hahei, or to pack a picnic to enjoy on the beach.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Active Adventurers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Journey to the Cove
Alternatively, a shuttle service is available from the Cathedral Cove Carpark. This is a convenient option, especially for families or those who prefer to minimize walking. The shuttle drops visitors off at a point from which the final walk to the cove is relatively short. Be aware that there might be a fee associated with the shuttle service, and it's wise to check its operating hours.
Regardless of your chosen method, the journey is designed to be enjoyable, with the natural beauty of the Coromandel Peninsula unfolding around you. The effort is widely considered worth it for the reward of reaching the iconic cove.
Capturing the Magic: Photography at Cathedral Cove
To avoid the inevitable crowds and 'photo bombers,' consider visiting during weekday mornings or late afternoons for softer light and fewer people. Patience is key; sometimes waiting a few minutes can yield a much cleaner shot. A wide-angle lens is perfect for capturing the grandeur of the arch and the expansive beach.
Remember to bring your camera or smartphone, but also be mindful of the environment. Respect the natural beauty and avoid disturbing wildlife or vegetation. The walk itself also offers numerous picturesque viewpoints, so keep your camera ready throughout your journey to the cove.
Planning Your Visit: Practicalities and Tips
Comfortable footwear is a must due to the hike's steep sections and stairs.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit