1 Picturesque Walk to Cathedral Cove New Zealand

One of my favourite walks in New Zealand is on the Coromandel Peninsula. Here you can take the picturesque walk to Cathedral Cove.

If you are arriving from Auckland, it’s about a 2.5-hour drive that is well worth a weekend away.

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If you are travelling around New Zealand, the best way is by car. Not only do you get to see more but you will find more hidden gems that the average traveller doesn’t see.

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If you want to book a car, you can try using one of these car rental websites, EconomyBookings.com, DiscoverCars, Expedia or RentalCars.

Need Accommodation?

Try using these accommodation websites to find a comfortable place to sleep after your day exploring, Booking.com, Agoda and Expedia.

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Get your timing right, and 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. A must-do if you’re in the area.

The Walk

Due to storm damage in late January 2023, the walk to Cathedral Cove is closed. Please check the DOC site for updates.

The walk to Cathedral Cove is only one of two ways to get to this beach, the other being 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.

Walk to Cathedral Cove.
The views along the track to Cathedral Cove.

It will take about an hour to walk to Cathedral Cove, which is an easy undulating pathway. With views across the countryside and sea, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to photograph this beautiful area.

Walk to Cathedral Cove.
Views across the bays along the track.

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 need to walk down a few flights of wooden stairs. Reasonable fitness is required, although this is an easy walk with only stairs and a hilly climb in the middle.

Cathedral Cove

End of Walk to Cathedral Cove.
Down to the beach at Cathedral Cove.

Once you are down on the beach, you can see why this spot is so popular with tourists and locals alike.

The rock formations make great backdrops for your photography and the cave/tunnel through to the northern beach.

End of Walk to Cathedral Cove.
Through the cave to the other side of the beach.

Remember to bring food and drinks to make a day of it. Also, don’t forget the sunscreen as the New Zealand sun is very harsh and it’s easy to get burnt.

This walk to Cathedral Cove is a pleasant stroll on a fine day to one of the best beaches in New Zealand.

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28 comments on “1 Picturesque Walk to Cathedral Cove New Zealand

Alma says:

Some impressive scenery there! I am sure you had some fun with your Nikon.

Thanks, Alma, I certainly did.

Laureen says:

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

Bree says:

Stunning photos of a beautiful place.

Thanks, Bree, it certainly is.

Alanna says:

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.

pinkcaddytraveloguegmailcom says:

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.

Josy A says:

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!

Melanie says:

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.

Kelly says:

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.

Karen says:

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.

Rhonda Albom says:

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.

Sarinda says:

This looks like such a beautiful area to walk!

It is a fantastic walk, Sarinda, especially on a fine day.

mcstaten says:

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.

Jess says:

This is absolutely stunning! Looks like such a beautiful walk.

The scenery is magical, Jess.

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