- Please always check alerts and track updates
- Marine access can be experienced with various local operators.
To truly discover this magical place, we suggest you book a guided tour that will take through the dramatic scenery of the Pacific Coastline, including the Orua Sea Cave, Champagne Rocks and the Wai Ora Ana Blow Hole (if the tide is right).
Boat Tours operate from the Whitianga Wharf and Ferry Landing. You can also do a 1-hour boat tour or 3-hour kayak tour from Hahei Beach. Tours offer an immersive insight into the history and fascinating geology of this coast, formed by volcanic activity a long time ago. You also have the chance to see marine wildlife such as whales, dolphins, seals and penguins.
MARINE RESERVE: Te Whanganui o Hei Marine Reserve is a protected marine area of 23 square kilometres of coastline and outlying islands off Cathedral Cove on the Mercury Bay. Accessible from the water by boat or kayak, a day spent experiencing the rich and varied habitats of Te Whanganui o Hei offers unlimited opportunity for learning, fun and adventure. Download the Marine Reserve Map
Planning to Walk
Accessibility
- The track has stairs and steep sections. It needs moderate to good fitness, plus sturdy footwear. It can be very hot in summer and there is no running water available, bring lots of water and sun protection. Visiting by boat or water taxi is a good alternative.
- The Hahei Beach to Grange Road track (Hahei Beach Walk) is closed.
Duration
- Depending on your level of fitness and the pace you walk – and how long you spend on the beach - it’ll take about 90 minutes return from the Grange Rd entrance.
- Walking from the Hahei Visitor Carpark adds an extra 30 mins each way. It has a long uphill section and there is little shade.
- You can also park at the Cathedral Cove Gateway Trail (paid parking) and walk to Cathedral Cove in 30-40 minutes.
- Download a map of the area
Parking and Transport
Plan transport ahead of time - please note there is no parking available at the Grange Road track entrance.
- Free parking is available at the Hahei Visitor Carpark on Pa Road, at the village entrance. From here, visitors can walk or catch a shuttle bus to the Grange Road track entrance.
- Paid parking is available at the Cathedral Cove Gateway Trail, 150 Lees Road. From here you can take the private farm walk to the main Mautohe Cathedral Cove track.
- There are also many different commercial tour options – including water taxi, kayaks and boats.
The Cathedral Cove Park & Ride shuttle
To reduce the volume of motor traffic through Hahei Village and Grange Road, there will be a shuttle operating from the Hahei Visitor Carpark to the Grange Road track entrance this summer. The Shuttle will operate daily, every 10-15 minutes from 9am to 6pm.
- Adult fare: $8 return
- Children 14 and under: Free
Grange Road restricted access - Due to significant damage to the Grange Road carpark and the expected volume of visitors, DOC is restricting access.
No buses will be allowed access to the Grange Road carpark, this is due to ongoing structural challenges in the lookout area. An alternative parking option for buses is the Hahei Visitor Carpark, along with the shuttle to take visitors up.
No vehicles will be allowed to park at the Grange Road carpark this summer – drop-off and pickup only.
Safety Information
Rockfalls and landslides
The Mautohe Cathedral Cove landscape is unstable. Rockfalls and landslides could cause serious injury or death. The risk is highest during or after heavy rain, but is still present in good weather.
Understand the risk before visiting and decide whether the trip is right for you.
To reduce the risk:
- do not stop or sit near the cliffs
- do not stop under the rock archway – move quickly through it
- do not visit during or after heavy rain.
Water Safety
The beaches at Cathedral Cove are wild and are not patrolled by lifeguards. Many people have got into trouble in the water here.
There are rip currents in the bay. There can be big waves. Boats, kayaks and jet skis sail in the bay and land on the beach. The archway and parts of the beach become impassable at higher tides or during big swells.
Stay safe in and around the water when visiting Mautohe Cathedral Cove:
- Stay out of the archway when there is water in it
- Watch for incoming tides. You could get cut off and not able to go back through the archway.
- Visit at low tide and when the seas are calm. You can check the tide times and the sea conditions.
- Supervise children at all times
