Outbound Collective logo

Hike to Cathedral Cove

Hahei, New Zealand

4.7/5
based on 6 reviews

Details

Distance

3.1 miles

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Josh Currie

Cathedral Cove is known to be the most beautiful and photographed beaches in all of New Zealand. A visit to this sanctuary is a must!

Cathedral Cove is an isolated beach on the Coromandel Peninsula in the small coastal town of Hahei. Being that this is one of the most beautiful places in all of New Zealand, you can expect some crowds. You can take your chances at finding a spot in the small lot, or there is a shuttle option that leaves from town. that takes about 5 mins.

The hike down to the beach is about 2.5 km and should only take about 35 mins. Make sure you bring some food and don't forget anything in your car cause it's entirely uphill on the return trek! You start along the ridge with unreal views of the ocean and the countless islands jutting out of the sea. You then dip into the forrest and eventually take some stairs down onto the sand. I would recommend wearing shoes though sandals are possible but your trip back up the mountain won't be as enjoyable.

There are two beautiful beaches separated by an massive rock arch easily big enough for a semi truck to drive through. The northern most beach is a bit bigger and has a huge pillar of rock standing alone on the sand, though the southern beach holds the sunlight better as it sets behind the mountain. That being said, I would recommend visiting the beach midday as that is when the sun is most present above the cove.

Properly photographing the cove is a bit tricky, being that there is uneven light both in the morning and at sunset. I suggest waiting for the sun to go down completely and for a night with some clouds which will illuminate the sky and give some color to your scene. I unfortunately did not get lucky with a proper sunset but it would definitely be worth waiting for. Enjoy!

Read More

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app

Features

Stand Up Paddle
Chillin
Photography
Kayaking
Swimming
Hiking
Beach
Family Friendly
Groups
Romantic
Scenic
Wildflowers

Reviews

This was a great walk with the kids and the destination was amazing. Recommend a backpack with drinks and snacks cause you don’t want to leave the beach in a hurry. Side note. There is a loo with a view further down the beach.

It is the perfect place to bring a group and spend the weekend boogie boarding, play sports on the sand, and climbing. Then settle down in the caves around a camp fire with some friendly penguins.

It's beautiful, but there are so many beautiful beaches around, so why bother with the crowds.

Nuff' said.

Featured in the Narnia films. Simply stunning location. Good walk in. Amazing spot to swim, hangout and picnic. Superb kayaking.

This place has it all: amazing water, white sand, fantastic views, good hikes, great sunsets...yeah, all of it and the surf around here is pretty incredible too. A must do if you are in NZed!!!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Surf at Tairua Beach

Hike the Kauaeranga Kauri Trail (Pinnacles Track)

Hike the Summit Track on Rangitoto Island

Sunset Hike Mount Eden

Hike to the top of Mount Maunganui

Explore Moturiki Island (Leisure Island)