ALERT – as of September 2024, Cathedral Cove Walkway and beach access is currently closed whilst DOC undergo maintenance work. It is expected to reopen by December 2024.
Yes, we’re talking about Cathedral Cove! This gorgeous spot on the Coromandel Peninsula is best known for being the backdrop in the Chronicles of Narnia’s Prince Caspian movie hit, filmed in 2008.
Cathedral Cove is one of the most popular places to visit in the area, and in fact, probably the entire North Island of New Zealand. Unlike many other hotspots, this stunning beach with the unique cave formations is well worth all the fuss, but be sure to beat the crowds and get to Cathedral Cove for sunrise!
Despite being a notoriously busy tourist destination, when we visited in 2021 we had the beach to ourselves. How did we manage it? Beat the crowds and visit Cathedral Cove in time for sunrise. And let’s face it, the pictures speak for themselves…
This has to be one for your New Zealand trip bucket list, so here’s all you need to know to plan your visit to Cathedral Cove.
Where is it?
Cathedral Cove is a marine reserve on the beautiful Coromandel Peninsula. It is approximately a 2 hour 15 minute drive from both the city hubs of Auckland and Tauranga.
The beach runs from Cook Bluff to the northern end of Hahei Beach and is part of the Mercury Bay.
Gemstone Bay, Hahei, Waikato, 3591, New Zealand
Hahei Beach, Hahei, Thames-Coromandel District, Waikato, New Zealand
Cathedral Cove, Hahei, Thames-Coromandel District, Waikato, New Zealand
Getting to Cathedral Cove
Unfortunately it’s not as simple as you think…
The beach itself is only accessible by foot or by boat, and the start of your walk depends on which time of year you’re visiting.
During the busy summer months, in an attempt to manage the crowds the Cathedral Cove carpark is closed. This doesn’t mean you can’t visit, you just have to be prepared to walk a little further, and battle the crowds!
You can park just down the road and walk up Grange Road, or during the summer months, there is a paid ‘park and ride‘ service which operates daily from 9am to 6pm.
But our recommendation is to walk the Cathedral Cove Walkway which starts at the nothern end of Hahei beach.
Cathedral Cove Walkway
The walk itself is pretty short and easy. There are some moments where it’s a little steep, but nothing the vast majority of people would struggle with. We’re talking 2.5km each way – set aside around 30-45 minutes to get to the beach.
Given the track is well signposted and well maintained, it’s easy to follow in the dark with a headtorch, and you can enjoy the pretty views of the walk itself on the way back instead!
There are two great stops to make the most of on your return trip as well. Gemstone Bay & Stingray Bay are beautiful smaller beaches which many people don’t bother to visit even though they’re along the same track, with a minute detour!
If I could provide you one piece of advice before starting the Cathedral Cove Walkway, it would be to bring a snorkel!
Once you arrive at Gemstone Bay, you’ll see an information panel bolted to the rock which leads you to a number of bouys marking the underwater trail known as Gemstone Bay (Te Whanganui o Hei) Snorkel Trail. Once in the water, there are information panels promoting the incredible marine wildlife below and letting you know what to keep an eye out for. I wish we’d known this before we visited, we definitely will be snorkelling on our next trip.
Cathedral Cove Beach at Sunrise
The beach itself is so much bigger than you think. The postcard pictures show just a snippet of the beach in all its glory.
Many people say look at your tide times before you go, I say it really doesn’t matter.
The water doesn’t really get deep enough that you couldn’t make your way through the cave to both sections of the beach.
Visiting at sunrise will mean the sands are clear of tourists, and the waters are peaceful in the absence of kayaks and boats!
What Else to See Around Cathedral Cove?
As beautiful as Cathedral Cove is, its only a place you really need a day to explore. So where else to visit near by?
The Church Bistro provides excellent, high-end food in the quaint settings of a refurbished village church.
Hahei beach is beautiful and a stone’s throw away, Hahei Beach Resort offers perfect accommodation for exploring the area with options for whatever your budget.
And just a 30 minute drive away, check out Hot Water Beach.
