Mautohe Cathedral Cove is open for walking access, but the area is naturally unstable and can be affected by severe weather.
This means track closures may happen at short notice to keep visitors safe. If NIWA publishes an orange or red weather warning for Hahei, then the track will be closed and the shuttles will not run. Check the weather before visiting.
After major damage from 2022-23 summer storms and cyclones, walking access was restored in December 2024.
Updates on Waimata-Gemstone Bay Track and Hahei Beach Short Walk
June 2026
We received 33 submissions on our proposal to remove tracks at Waimata Gemstone Bay, and the Hahei Beach Short Walk.
It's clear the community's strong connection and sense of ownership to the tracks remain.
Our next step will be to consider the submissions and feedback. We'll post the summary of submissions, and our response to the feedback, on this page once it's complete. We aim to do this by 6 July.
May 2026
Recent efforts to reinstate the Waimata-Gemstone Bay Track and Hahei Beach Short Walk were undone by the January 2026 storm. Although DOC contractors were able to clear a large volume of debris from the main slip to reopen the track to Mautohe Cathedral Cove, responding to storm damage across the wider reserve in this way is not considered sustainable.
The situation has reached a tipping point and continued investment in the Waimata Gemstone Track and the Hahei Short Walk is not considered sensible or sustainable.
A proposal has been put forward to remove Waimata/Gemstone Bay and Hahei Beach Short Walk reroute. Submissions on this proposal closed 5 pm 19 June 2026.
Media release - DOC proposes track removals as iconic Mautohe Cathedral Cove prioritised
How DOC manages the site
We'll maintain overland walking access as long as it remains safe and practical.
Any rebuild or maintenance work is assessed against criteria such as visitor risk, technical feasibility, cultural and natural values, cost, and long term benefit.
Following the 2022-23 storm damage, a $5M International Visitor Levy investment enabled the restoration of walking access (reopened in December 2024) and a reset of the visitor experience to:
- enhance visitor outcomes
- address resilience issues
- manage tourism impacts
- make operating model improvements
Understanding the risks
Visiting outdoor places like Mautohe Cathedral Cove will always involve some risk.
DOC does not remove every hazard because this would damage natural and cultural values and limit how people enjoy the outdoors.
Instead, we aim to manage risks to an acceptable level.
Visitors should always:
- choose activities that match their skills and comfort level
- be responsible for their own risk decisions
- check site information (including weather information for the area) before visiting
What risks exist at Mautohe Cathedral Cove?
The main ongoing risks are geological – including landslides and rockfall.
To manage these, DOC:
- monitors weather and seismic data
- inspects the track when any of four "trigger" conditions are met
- provides clear on-site and online information
- closes the track when conditions become unsafe
If a closure is needed, we will update the DOC website and notify key stakeholders.
We urge visitors to respect track closures.