Cathedral Cove Walk from Hahei: Our Review, Track Status and Tips
Cathedral Cove is the photo everyone knows: a huge white rock arch opening onto a beach, with Te Hoho Rock standing in the water. The walk in from Hahei is short, the views are good the whole way, and the cove itself is worth every minute you can give it. It was the first thing we did in New Zealand, straight off a 14-hour flight, and it’s still one of our favourite afternoons of the trip.
Quick facts
- Where: Hahei, Coromandel Peninsula
- Our walk: 3.8 miles (6.1 km) return from Hahei Beach, 1,040 ft (316 m) of climb, about 1 hr 25 min of walking and just over 2 hours with stops (our Garmin track)
- Cost: free
- Difficulty: easy to moderate. The track is good, but there are steps and a steady climb back out of the cove
- Track status: it was officially closed when we went in March 2024. It reopened in January 2026 but still closes after heavy rain, so check the Department of Conservation page on the day
- Bring: water, sunscreen, swimwear and a towel
- Our rating: 9/10
Before you go: check for track closures and safety alerts on the DOC Mautohe Cathedral Cove Track page, and read recent trail reports on AllTrails. DOC advises not to go during or right after heavy rain, or in rough seas.
The walk in
We started from Hahei Beach rather than the car park at the top, which makes the walk longer and gives you the coastline for most of the way. It’s a steady up-and-down along the clifftops, with lookouts over the bays below before the steps drop you down to the cove.
What happened when we went (and why you shouldn’t copy us)
In 2024 the last section of the track was closed after landslides, with barriers across the path. Plenty of people were walking around them, and so did we. Honestly, the scrambles around the barriers felt more dangerous than the washed-out sections they were blocking. It isn’t something we’d do again, and it’s not advice. If the track is closed on your day, it’s closed.
The good news is that it has since reopened. Check the status before you drive over, especially after rain.
At the cove
Give the cove as much time as you can. Walk through the arch to the beach on the other side, swim if the sea is calm, and stay for the late-afternoon light. We reached the cove around 4:30 in the afternoon, and the late light made for the best photos of the day.
What we’d do differently
- Check the track status the day before. Closures here are common after storms.
- Go late in the day. The light is better and the crowds thin out.
- Pair it with Hot Water Beach. They’re 15 minutes apart, and the tide decides when you can do Hot Water Beach, so plan Cathedral Cove around it.
The bite after
We had a late lunch at The Pour House in Hahei before the walk. Get the pizza: thin crust with a bit of crunch. We ate outside in the sun. Afterwards, go round the corner for ice cream.
Verdict
9/10. One of the best short coastal walks we’ve done anywhere, and good for families. Skip it only if the track is closed, and if it is, don’t go around the barriers.
Cathedral Cove walk FAQ
Is the Cathedral Cove walk open?
The track reopened in January 2026, but it still closes after heavy rain and in rough seas. Check the Department of Conservation page on the day you go.
How long is the Cathedral Cove walk?
From Hahei Beach it is 3.8 miles (6.1 km) return with 1,040 ft (316 m) of climb. It took us about 1 hour 25 minutes of walking, and just over 2 hours with stops.
Is the Cathedral Cove walk hard?
It is easy to moderate. The track is good, but there are steps and a steady climb back out of the cove.
What is the best time to visit Cathedral Cove?
Late in the day. We reached the cove around 4:30 in the afternoon, the light was the best of the day and the crowds were thinner.
This was day 1 of our 10-day North Island itinerary. Next door: digging a hot pool at Hot Water Beach.
