Cathedral Cove, Hāhei | Top 100 Bikini Destinations
HĀHEI, COROMANDEL / NEW ZEALAND
Walk down to
Cathedral Cove.
Start in Hāhei, follow the ridge to the rock arch, and leave time for the climb back.
Plan your beach day ↘TOP 100 BIKINI DESTINATIONS / COROMANDEL
Go for
the walk.
On the east coast of the Coromandel Peninsula, a rock arch links two pocket beaches below the cliffs near Hāhei.
Plan around the tide and the latest track notice. In late summer the water is typically around 68°F (20°C), but swell, rip currents and rockfall can make conditions hazardous. You can see the arch from Mares Leg Cove.
ON THE WORLD MAP
New Zealand’s Coromandel coast.
Mautohe Cathedral Cove, Hāhei, Coromandel
01 / GETTING THERE
Start in Whitianga or Auckland.
Through Hāhei village
The main road leads into Hāhei. Check the visitor car park and track status before heading up Grange Road.
Photo: Krzysztof Golik · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Display cropGet around HĀHEI
Use the visitor car park near the village entrance. Grange Road is for drop-off and pick-up at the trailhead. The damaged short walk from Hāhei Beach is closed.
On the beach
The route has steep sections and steps. Use the toilets at the track entrance or trail junction and bring drinking water. Check DOC’s status before setting out. Beach status ↗
02 / THE BEACH
A day at Mautohe Cathedral Cove.
Te Hoho from the sand
The sea stack stands at the north end of Cathedral Cove.
Photo: Javier Sánchez Portero · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Display crop01 / BEFORE YOU GO
Check the track and tide
Use the Department of Conservation update before leaving Hāhei.
02 / ON FOOT
Follow the Grange Road track
Allow about 90 minutes round trip from the trailhead, plus time at the beach.
03 / AT THE ARCH
View from open sand
Keep away from cliffs and follow signs. Stay clear of the arch if water is flowing through it.
04 / HEADING BACK
Leave time for the climb
Return the way you came and get back to the trailhead before dark.
If the track is open and the forecast is suitable, walk from Grange Road and see the arch from Mares Leg Cove. If the track closes or heavy rain is forecast, make the Mercury Bay Museum in Whitianga your first stop instead.
NEARBY BEACHES
Four more beaches around Mercury Bay.
Start with nearby Hāhei, head west toward Cooks Beach and Whitianga, or go south to Hot Water Beach. Distances are straight-line estimates.
Hāhei Beach
A long sandy village beach with views toward the offshore islands.
- Best for
- A shore walk near the village
- Facilities
- Council lists beach toilets. Parking is limited, especially during busy periods.
- Good to know
- Check the beach conditions and any flags before going in.
Cooks Beach
A broad sandy shore between Shakespeare Cliff and the Pūrangi Estuary.
- Best for
- A walk along the bay
- Facilities
- Public toilets are on Marine Parade. Check parking and local food options before you go.
- Good to know
- The beach is unpatrolled. Check wind, waves and water quality.
Hot Water Beach
Geothermal water seeps through one stretch of sand near low tide.
- Best for
- A low-tide visit to the springs
- Facilities
- There are public car parks and toilets, and spades can be hired locally.
- Good to know
- Test the water temperature before stepping into a pool. Strong rips can form offshore, so check patrol status and swim only between flags when they are out.
Buffalo Beach
A sandy shore next to the Whitianga waterfront and its reserve.
- Best for
- A walk close to town
- Facilities
- The council lists public toilets, parking and picnic facilities along the reserve.
- Good to know
- Check local surf and water-quality guidance and keep clear of boating traffic.
Distances are straight-line from Mautohe Cathedral Cove. Facilities change by season, so check on the day.
03 / MUST-SEE PLACES
Three ways to see Mercury Bay.
01 / SOUTH HĀHEI
Hereheretaura Pā
Follow the signed track to Te Pare Point for views back over Hāhei Beach. Stay on the marked paths around the historic Ngāti Hei pā sites.
Hereheretaura Pā Short Walk ↗02 / COOKS BEACH
Shakespeare Cliff
Take the headland path for a view over Cooks Beach and Mercury Bay. The reserve also has a steep path down to Lonely Bay.
Shakespeare Headland Track ↗03 / WHITIANGA
Mercury Bay Museum
Visit the waterfront museum for exhibits on Kupe, Ngāti Hei and the bay’s maritime history. Check the museum’s current exhibitions and hours.
Mercury Bay Museum ↗EXPLORE THE AREA
Mautohe Cathedral Cove and the Hāhei coast.
The pin marks the beach by the arch. Pan southeast to find Hāhei or west across Mercury Bay to see how the villages and headlands fit together.
Open the interactive map ↗BEYOND THE BEACH
Around Mercury Bay.
Walk a headland, look out from Shakespeare Cliff, or spend an afternoon on the Whitianga waterfront.
Hereheretaura Point
The headland at the south end of Hāhei Beach holds two historic pā sites.
Photo: Krzysztof Golik · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Display crop
Mercury Bay
The lookout above Hāhei faces north over the bay.
Photo: Javier Sánchez Portero · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Display crop
Across to Whitianga
From Ferry Landing, look across the harbor to the Whitianga waterfront.
Photo: Ulrich Lange, Bochum, Germany · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Display crop
Pūrangi Estuary
The estuary meets Mercury Bay at the east end of Cooks Beach.
Photo: SmallBiologie · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Display crop04 / THREE HOTELS
Find your base.
HĀHEI BEACH
Tasman Holiday Parks Hahei
Choose this beachfront park for a cabin, villa or campsite close to Hāhei Beach.
Tasman Holiday Parks Hahei official site ↗HĀHEI VILLAGE
Tatahi Lodge Beach Resort
Stay near the village shops and restaurants. Choose from studios, cottages and self-catering units.
Tatahi Lodge Beach Resort official site ↗WHITIANGA
Oceans Resort Whitianga
Choose a self-catering apartment near Buffalo Beach if you want to walk to the Whitianga waterfront and town center.
Oceans Resort Whitianga official site ↗
WHEN TO GO
Choose the day you want.
December through February is the New Zealand summer. The Coromandel can get rain year-round, so keep a flexible day for the track and check the DOC status after heavy rain. The cove has no lifeguards. Climate normals ↗
05 / FOOD, LANGUAGE & LOCAL LIFE
From sand to table.
Fish and chips
Fish and chips photographed at Kaiaua, on the Hauraki Gulf.
Photo: Saintchanel · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Display cropWhat to order
Try fish and chips or ask about the catch of the day in Whitianga. Buy seafood from a shop or restaurant, since taking fish and shellfish is prohibited in the marine reserve.
Local habits
Use the toilets provided, pack out rubbish and respect signs at Ngāti Hei sites. Leave shells and other material in the marine reserve where you find them.
A LITTLE TE REO MĀORI
Useful on the beach and in town.
- Kia ora
- Hello or thanks.
- Tēnā koe
- Hello to one person.
- Mōrena
- Good morning.
- Ka kite anō
- See you again.
THREE RESTAURANTS
Where to eat.
HĀHEI
The Church Bistro
Book dinner in the former church building and check the seasonal menu for fish or the chefs’ Brazilian-influenced dishes.
The Church Bistro official site ↗WHITIANGA
Blue Ginger
Order dumplings or look for smoked kahawai wontons on the menu. Check the restaurant’s current service and booking information.
Blue Ginger official site ↗WHITIANGA WATERFRONT
Stoked Public House
Choose a table near the waterfront and check the menu for chargrilled seafood or vegetables.
Stoked Public House official site ↗MERCURY BAY AFTER DARK
Three bars.
The Pour House
Stop for a Coromandel-brewed beer or cider in the garden after the walk. The Pour House ↗
Grace O’Malley’s Irish Inn
Take a seat on the waterfront deck or stop inside for a pint. Grace O’Malley’s ↗
Smitty’s Sports Bar & Grill
Go for a casual evening with live sport on the screens. Smitty’s Sports Bar & Grill ↗
Choose a spot within walking distance of where you are staying. If you are crossing the harbor, check the last passenger ferry or arrange a ride before you go.
WHITIANGA EVENT CALENDAR & MONEY
Plan around the celebrations.
Whitianga Run Fest
The last edition took place on May 30, 2026, on courses around Buffalo Beach, the marina and the Waterways. Check the organizer for the next event and registration.
Whitianga Run Fest official site ↗Whitianga Oceans Festival
The last festival took place on September 19, 2026, on the Whitianga marina waterfront, with food vendors and live music. Check the organizer for the next edition and tickets.
Whitianga Oceans Festival ↗Currency / New Zealand dollar
New Zealand uses the dollar (NZD, NZ$). Carry a card and some cash for small purchases. Check fees before withdrawing money from an ATM.
New Zealand Consumer Protection ↗06 / WHAT TO WEAR
Pack for the track and the shore.
COROMANDEL / BEACH DAY KIT
Swim.
Walk.
Stay out.
On the sand
Wear the Cathedral Cove Blueberry bikini with a cover-up and a sun hat.
On the climb back
Wear shoes with grip for the steps and carry water, sunscreen and a wind layer.
In town
Change into dry clothes before dinner in Hāhei or Whitianga.
BEFORE YOU LEAVE
Good to know.
Which airport should I use?
Whitianga is the nearest scheduled airfield and Barrier Air serves it from Auckland. Arrange the onward transfer before flying. Auckland is the larger gateway for a road trip.
Can I swim at Cathedral Cove?
The beaches have no lifeguards, and swell and rip currents can be hazardous. Check tide and sea conditions, heed warnings and stay out if you are unsure.
Is the walk step-free?
No. The main trail has steep sections and stairs. If you are considering a boat trip, ask the operator about boarding and landing conditions.
Can I start on the Hāhei Beach short walk?
DOC lists that short walk as closed. Use the Grange Road entrance or the private Lees Road route if it is open, and check the latest notice before leaving.
Can I cross under the arch?
Stay on the near side if water is flowing through the arch or swell is reaching it. Follow signs and DOC advice, and never linger beneath the arch or cliffs.
FOG & FOUNDRY / SWIM
A blueberry print for the coast.
A deep-purple triangle top with aqua spirals pairs with an aqua, purple and cream striped tie-side bottom.
Explore the Cathedral Cove Blueberry bikini ↗
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