[2025 Hahei Attraction] Travel Guide for Te Whanganui-A-Hei (Cathedral Cove) Marine Reserve (Updated Apr)

Very nice scenery and a must visit place if you are visiting New Zealand

I recently took a trip to New Zealand and ended it with a roadtrip to the Coromandel - about 2.5 hours drive from Auckland. We stayed in cooks beach and it has to be one of the most naturally beautiful places I’ve very seen, it had everything. It’s built along a stunning beach but it also has an inland estuary and river that flows inland from the beach. There’s also lots of hikes into the surrounding hills and forests along with winding roads to drive off and explore the interior. The highlight for me was the estuary, it is calm enough to swim and is deep enough to snorkel and see local fish and even a few stingrays. You can also hire a kayak and pedal upstream and explore the various mangrove forests that help support the banks. We also took a hike up the main hill to the west to reach the Shakespeare cliff lookout which offers stunning views of the surrounding area - well worth the walk! The walk is easy and there are signs along the way for the various routes. You can also drive up as there is a small car park at the peak of the mountain ( along with a chemical long drop toilet) There is a small strip of amenities in the town mainly a cafe, pub, grocery store and ice cream parlour. They are very small and get busy so things do run out, we stocked up at a supermarket for essentials before we arrived and that really helped us! It’s an easy drive from Auckland but the roads do get busy on Friday / Sunday nights as people head there for the weekend. #roadtrip #travel #Coromandel #newzealand #northisland #hiking #nature #travel #myitinerary #explore #beach

During my recent new year trip to New Zealand I took a week long road trip to see some of the natural wonders of this beautiful country. We drove to the Coramandel which is one of New Zealand’s premier beach areas a I was blown away. It’s only a 2.5 hour drive from Auckland and the drive itself is stunning, snaking up and around mountains on narrow roads. The cathedral cove is a world famous rock formation and beach shaped by the coastal erosion. The sheer size of it is breath taking and the beaches around it are beautiful spots for swimming and relaxing. The cove is about a 30 minute walk from the car park but it’s an easy walk and there are toilets along the way, along with stunning views from the look outs. You can also take some of the longer hikes around the area, all are clearly signposted and well maintained. It’s a must do if you’re in the area! Just be very aware of the tides as they can change quickly, also be very aware of rockfall. There had been some big rockfall in the days before our visit. #celebrateit #travel #naturalwonders #newzealand #Cathedralcove #newyear #chinesenewyear

📍 Cathedral Cove is located near Hahei Beach on New Zealand's Coromandel Peninsula. It is famous for its naturally formed large rock arch, white sand beach, and turquoise waters, and is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in New Zealand! 🌊🏝️ It is also a filming location for "The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian." Walking through the arch feels like entering a magical world! ✨ 👍 Why we recommend it ✔ Filming location for "The Chronicles of Narnia" 📽️, a real-life magical world, truly stunning! ✔ Arch + white sand beach + turquoise waters 🌊, one of the most photogenic beaches in New Zealand! ✔ Plenty of water activities 🏊‍♂️, including snorkeling, kayaking, and swimming, to experience the charm of nature! ✔ A must-visit in Coromandel 📸, with beautiful scenery, hiking, and adventure, fulfilling all your expectations! 📅 Travel tips 🚶 1. Hiking (the most classic way!) 🚶‍♂️ Trailhead: Start from Cathedral Cove Car Park near Hahei Beach. ⏳ About 40–45 minutes one way, with beautiful scenery along the way, perfect for a leisurely walk and taking photos! 🌿 Trail features: Follow the cliff path, enjoy the stunning sea views, and finally pass through the mysterious forest to reach Cathedral Cove! Tips: 🚗 Self-driving visitors need to park their cars in the parking lot near Hahei Beach (arrive early during peak season). 🚣‍♂️ 2. Kayaking (the most unique way!) 🚣‍♂️ Start from Hahei Beach and kayak to Cathedral Cove, about 1 hour one way. 🌊 The whole journey is beautiful, and you can enjoy the cliffs and coastline up close, perfect for adventurers! 📌 Recommended rental shops: Hahei Explorer or Cathedral Cove Kayak Tours offer guided services! 🚤 3. Boat tour (the most relaxing way!) 🚤 Speedboat tour: Depart from Hahei Beach, Whitianga, and other places, directly to Cathedral Cove! 📌 Suitable for visitors who don't want to hike or want to experience different perspectives! 🚗 Transportation tips 🚗 Self-driving | About 2.5 hours (about 180 km) from Auckland. 🅿️ Parking | Due to limited parking spaces at Cathedral Cove Trail, it is recommended to park at Hahei Visitor Car Park and then walk or take a shuttle bus. 🚌 Bus | Take an InterCity bus to Whitianga, then transfer to Hahei Beach. 🎫 Ticket information 🎟 Free! (But parking, boat rental, and kayaking require additional fees) 💡 Other tips ✔ Best time to visit: November to April (summer) ☀️, with suitable temperatures and warmer sea water! ✔ The trail is sunny, so bring sunscreen 🧴, water 💧, and wear comfortable shoes 👟! ✔ Visit in the early morning or evening for fewer crowds, beautiful scenery, and better lighting for photos 📸! ✔ The waves are big, so be careful when swimming 🏊‍♂️, and stay close to the shore! 🌊✨ Whether hiking through the jungle, kayaking, or taking a boat to see the cliffs, each way offers different surprises! Explore this mysterious and beautiful New Zealand paradise now!

Hey guys! 👋 Coromandel is a hidden gem for travelers. Every photo you take here is like a masterpiece. Here's a fresh guide for you! 👇 Preparation - Documents: Don't forget to bring your passport and ID card. - Clothing: The weather in Coromandel is unpredictable, so remember to bring a light jacket and sun protection clothing. - Other: Download Google Maps in advance for easy navigation. Must-visit Attractions - Cathedral Cove: A natural archway with crystal-clear waters. Visit at sunset for a breathtaking view. 🌅 - Hot Water Beach: A fun experience where you can dig your own hot water pool and enjoy a unique hot spring experience. - Coromandel Lookout: Overlooks the entire bay with stunning views, perfect for photos. 📷 Food Recommendations - Seafood Platter: Fresh and delicious local seafood that will satisfy your taste buds. 🦀 - Ice Cream: Unique flavors with a rich milky taste that you'll fall in love with after one bite. Transportation Guide - Car Rental: Self-driving allows you to plan your itinerary freely and enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way. - Bus: Some attractions are accessible by bus, but there are limited services, so check the schedule in advance. Coromandel is definitely worth a visit. Grab this guide and start your journey! 💖

| Cathedral Cove. 🌍New Zealand Hidden Gems | Cathedral Cove: My Dream Island Adventure🏝️ 🚀Let's set off for New Zealand🇳🇿 and find the hidden dream island - Cathedral Cove. It is located on the Coromandel Peninsula📍Coromandel Peninsula, close to Hahei Beach. It is like a work of art carefully carved by nature, waiting for every traveler to discover its beauty. 🚗Depart from Auckland, the largest city in New Zealand, and drive about 175 kilometers to the east. The scenery along the way slowly unfolds like a scroll, and every turn seems to enter another world. When Cathedral Cove finally comes into view, the shock at that moment is enough to make people forget the fatigue of the journey. 🌊Cathedral Cove, a place of wonder known for its white arches and clear waters. Those stone arches, like masterpieces of nature, stand on the blue sea. Their shapes are unique, like the domes of a church, telling stories of thousands of years. The sea water is like a brilliant sapphire, forming a sharp contrast with the white stone arch, which is fascinating. 🚶‍♂️Step on this mysterious land, you can choose to walk through the original bushes, along the winding path, and feel the breath of nature. Every step is full of surprises, those lush vegetation, weird rocks, are telling the ancient and mysterious of this land. And when you stand under the stone arch and look down at the beach under your feet, the tranquility and beauty at that moment, as if the whole world is still for you. 🛶Or, you can choose to go out to sea by boat and admire the beauty of Cathedral Cove from another angle. The sea is sparkling, and the white beach and blue sea are intertwined into a beautiful picture. When you look up at those stone arches from the sea, you will find that they seem to become more majestic and more mysterious, making people can't help but sigh at the magic of nature. 📸️Of course, when you come to Cathedral Cove, how can you not leave a few beautiful photos? There are two small tips for taking pictures here: 1️⃣Grasp the light: The soft light in the morning or evening is the best time to shoot. At this time, the sun shines through the clouds and falls on the stone arch and the beach, forming a warm golden color, making the whole picture more harmonious and beautiful. 2️⃣Choose the angle: Try to shoot Cathedral Cove from different angles. You can stand in the stone arch and shoot the vast and magnificent beach; you can also look up at the whole landscape from the boat and capture the unique rock shape and white beach. Every change of angle can add a different charm to the photo. 🌍I found my dream island in Cathedral Cove, New Zealand🇳🇿. The beauty here cannot be fully expressed in words, it can only be felt and experienced with the heart. If you also yearn for a trip, then Cathedral Cove is definitely worth exploring.

Cathedral Cove, located on the Coromandel Peninsula in the North Island of New Zealand, is one of the country's most picturesque and iconic natural landmarks. Known for its stunning rock arch, crystal-clear waters, and beautiful surroundings, it is a must-visit destination for nature lovers, photographers, and beachgoers. Cathedral Cove is named after the large, cathedral-like rock arch that connects two secluded beaches, making it one of the most photographed spots in New Zealand. The arch and the surrounding white cliffs have been shaped over centuries by wind and water erosion, creating a dramatic and unique landscape.The cove is accessible by a well-maintained walking track that takes about 30 to 45 minutes each way from the car park at Hahei. The walk offers beautiful views of the coastline and passes through native bush. Along the way, you can stop at Gemstone Bay and Stingray Bay, both of which are great spots for snorkeling. Alternatively, you can reach Cathedral Cove by kayak or boat, which gives you a chance to explore the coastline from the water. Cathedral Cove is part of the Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve, which means the waters around the area are protected. The marine life is abundant, making it a great spot for snorkeling and swimming. Visitors can often see colorful fish, stingrays, and occasionally dolphins and seals in the area.Cathedral Cove gained international fame as one of the filming locations for The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian. The beautiful natural setting was used as the entrance to Narnia in the film, adding to its allure for visitors.The beaches at Cathedral Cove feature fine white sand and are perfect for relaxing, picnicking, or swimming. The clear waters are usually calm, making them ideal for swimming and paddling.The summer months (December to March) are the best time to visit Cathedral Cove, as the weather is warm and perfect for swimming and outdoor activities. However, it can get busy during peak tourist season, so visiting early in the morning or later in the day can help avoid the crowds.There are no shops or facilities at the cove itself, so visitors should bring their own food and water. However, Hahei, the nearby town, has accommodation, cafés, and other services. Exploring Cathedral Cove by kayak is a popular activity. Guided kayak tours are available from Hahei, offering a unique perspective of the coastline and the chance to explore nearby bays and coves. Boat tours are also available, providing an easier way to reach the cove while enjoying views of the surrounding marine reserve. Cathedral Cove is a beautiful blend of dramatic landscapes and serene beaches, making it one of the highlights of the Coromandel Peninsula and a must-visit destination for anyone traveling through New Zealand’s North Island.

#August2024 Cathedral Cove, New Zealand, is a famous natural landscape on the North Island of New Zealand. It is a cave-like bay formed by erosion, surrounded by towering white rock walls and shaped like a cathedral. This beautiful bay is full of the charm of nature. As soon as we arrived at Cathedral Cove, we were shocked by the scenery in front of us - towering rock walls, clear blue waters, and white sand beaches. Being in it is like being in a natural cathedral~

#springblossom Cathedral Cove is named after the amazing rock archway located on the beach in the Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve. From beautiful Hahei Beach you can walk to Cathedral Cove for about 45 minutes. Along the walk to Cathedral Cove, you will get to enjoy the scenic and panoramic view of the Coromandel Peninsula. It was one of the unique experience in New Zealand.