Cathedral Cove Walk
Alert/Important notice
Access through Cathedral Cove archway closed.
A portion of 'Mare's Leg' the iconic Cathedral Cove archway collapsed over Labour weekend and there is no access through the arch until further notice. The Cathedral Cove track is still open and Stingray Bay and the snorkel trail at Gemstone Bay are still accessible.
Walking track
Time:
1 hr 30 min return
Distance:
2.5 km
Getting there
Near Hahei on the Coromandel Peninsula.
About the area
Join New Zealanders and tourists in enjoying the popular Coromandel Peninsula in the Waikato. There are numerous nature reserves here which help preserve our endangered species.
Te Whanganui-A-Hei/Cathedral Cove Marine Reserve protects the marine habitats around Motueka, Mahurangi, Motukorure, Moturoa islands.
Description
Cathedral Cove
A walking track from the car park gives access to Gemstone Bay, Stingray Bay and the beautiful sandy beaches at Cathedral Cove, separated by a natural rock arch.
This recreation reserve boasts some of New Zealand’s most spectacular coastal scenery.
Please note the north-western end of the beach at Stingray Bay has been closed for some time due to the danger of falling rocks and debris from the cliffs above. The closure is now permanent and visitors are advised not to use this end of the beach or adjacent waters. Signs and markers are in place to identify and warn people of the danger area.
Plan and prepare
What to expect on a walking track:
- Easy to moderate walking from a few minutes to a day
- Track is mostly well formed, some sections may be steep, rough or muddy
- Suitable for people with low to moderate fitness and abilities
- Clearly sign posted. Stream and river crossings are bridged
- Walking shoes or light tramping/hiking boots required