One of my favourite walks in New Zealand is on the Coromandel Peninsula. Here you can take a picturesque walk to Cathedral Cove.
If you are arriving from Auckland, it’s about a 2.5-hour drive that’s well worth taking for a weekend away.
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If you get your timing right, another place to visit in the area is Hot Water Beach. Only 10 minutes from Hahei, at low tide, at a specific spot on the beach, you can dig a hot water bath in the sand. It’s a must-do if you’re in the area.
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The Walk to Cathedral Cove
The walk to Cathedral Cove is only one of two ways to reach this beach; the other is by boat.
You can park your car at Hahei Beach, then take the 2.5 km easy coastal path for a walk along the picturesque coast. You can also park further up the road at the start of the Cathedral Cove track.
Click here to check for more information on the track.
Walking to Cathedral Cove on an easy, undulating pathway will take about an hour. With views across the countryside and sea, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to photograph this beautiful area.
Are you planning to spend the whole day here? Then take the trails off the main track down to other coves to explore.
At the end of the walk to Cathedral Cove and the other bays, you must walk down a few wooden stairs. A reasonable level of fitness is required, although this is an easy walk with only stairs and a hilly section.
Cathedral Cove
Once you are down on the beach, you can see why this spot is so popular with tourists and locals.
The rock formations make great backdrops for your photography, and the cave/tunnel leads to the northern beach.
Remember to bring food and drinks to make a day of it. Also, don’t forget to apply sunscreen, as the New Zealand sun is very harsh and can cause easy sunburn.
This walk to Cathedral Cove is a pleasant stroll on a fine day to one of New Zealand’s best beaches.
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Some impressive scenery there! I am sure you had some fun with your Nikon.
Thanks, Alma, I certainly did.
I’m sorry we didn’t do this when we were in NZ…but we definitely plan to go back so can try and do it then. Hiking was so AMAZING everywhere we went in this gorgeous country. Thanks for the fresh new suggestion to add to my wishlist.
If you want more ideas, Laureen, you can read my blog on Walks in Tongariro National Park, which has everything from 20 minutes to 5-6 hours. WALKS IN TONGARIRO NATIONAL PARK
Stunning photos of a beautiful place.
Thanks, Bree, it certainly is.
Great photos! I didn’t make it to Cathedral Cove when I was in NZ but I definitely wish I had after seeing all these beautiful photos!
Thanks, Alanna. It’s always the way that places are missed when you leave a place.
This is a part of New Zealand I’ve never head of but it looks so beautiful! Thanks for sharing!
You’re welcome. It is the place to visit if you’re in the area.
What a flipping gorgeous cove! I am sad we missed this when we visited NZ as it looks like a gorgeous area to walk. I LOVE those rock formations.
That’s always the way, Josy, finding out about a place to visit after you’ve left. It is a hidden gem, although the rock formations are on New Zealand tourism advertising!
This is a nice hike, for sure. It’s a beautiful spot. Hot Water Beach is great too!
It is one of my favourite places, Melanie. I’m glad you enjoyed the area.
What a beautiful cove! I’ll be adding this place to my travel itinerary for New Zealand!
I hope you get there, Kelly. It is worth the walk in.
Gorgeous Photos ! New “To Go” place added to my list
Thanks, Karlisha. I hope you visit NZ and enjoy it.
Great photos of a gorgeous place. I would totally get into digging a hot spring for myself at that beach.
Thanks, Karen. I hope you get to get to visit one day.
Cathedral Cove is a magical place. In season, you need to park in town and take a shuttle bus to the drop off for the track. As such, time your visit so you have enough time before the shuttle bus stops for the day. Out of season, you can park right at the top of track. I like the boat option as you get to sea the cove from the water.
Thanks for the information, Rhonda. It is a very popular place and one of my favourites.
This looks like such a beautiful area to walk!
It is a fantastic walk, Sarinda, especially on a fine day.
Walking in a new place is one of my favorite things to do when I travel. This one is beautiful. I look forward to being able to do this whenever I go to New Zealand (hopefully sooner than later).
I hope that you get to visit and enjoy it.
This is absolutely stunning! Looks like such a beautiful walk.
The scenery is magical, Jess.