Cathedral Cove
Cathedral Cove (Te Whanganui-A-Hei) is a white-sand beach reached through a dramatic natural rock archway carved into the cliffs, with the offshore rock stack Te Hoho visible from the sand. It's one of the most photographed spots in New Zealand and featured in the first Narnia film, which only added to its popularity.
The walk in from the car park is genuinely worth it — through pōhutukawa forest with sea views most of the way — but it gets busy in summer, and the track has had repeated closures for slips since Cyclone Gabrielle, so checking current access before making the drive is worthwhile. Kayaking or a water-taxi trip from Hahei is a good alternative if the track is closed or you want to see the coastline's other coves and caves too.
Cathedral Cove FAQs
It has had intermittent closures for slip repairs in recent years — check the Department of Conservation website for Cathedral Cove Track status before you drive out.
About 45-60 minutes each way from the Hahei car park, roughly 2.5-3km, with a couple of moderate hill climbs.
No — the old roadside car park near the cove is permanently closed to vehicles; you park uphill in Hahei and walk, kayak, or take a water taxi.
Yes, the cove has a swimming beach, though there are no lifeguards, so take care with currents.
The track and beach are free; the Hahei car park charges a parking fee, and water taxis/kayak tours are paid separately.
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