Te Whanganui-A-Hei (Cathedral Cove) Marine Reserve — Attraction in Waikato

My advice: park at or near Hahei beach. The carpark lot at the top of Grange Road is closed annually. Then from Hahei beach there are water taxis available: adults 15bucks one way kids 10bucks cash or eftpos available. Its about a 5minute journey by water taxi, departs from Hahei beach, between the yellow flags, u cant miss it. Drops off directly at the big hole in the rock (Cathedral Cove) and operates every 30mins. Alternatively u can walk up Grange Road which has some nice views and lookouts however going uphill that way is quite a hike esp if u have children or elderly with u. It can take up to 30mins to walk up to the carpark itself, then another 40mins walking the track from the carpark that leads to the cove itself. Therefore I highly recommend the water taxi journey. If you want to save money for another trip back, you can walk the track to return all the way to Hahei beach and save 15bucks which is what I did and it worked out great. The track itself is up and down so take ur time and have water with you. The cathedral cove beach itself was slightly underwhelming. I assumed in photos it looked much more magnificent however once seeing it in person it was probably about two storeys high. The beach itself is also small, probably a 7mins walk from one end to the other. Also recommend to not go during the weekend as would probably b v crowded in a small space. Check the weather before u go. It is still a beautiful place, just smaller and less to do than expected. There are also some good water activities/tours that operate between the cove/Hahei beach/hot water beach/Whitianga so I recommend to search up those places as well if u r planning to spend a good days worth...

Cathedral Cove in the Coromandel peninsula is literally one of the most breathtaking places to visit. I would even say it is an unparalleled beauty. Our trip left us utterly enchanted, and since then we are planning moving to New Zealand or at least spend more time during vacations there. The journey to Cathedral Cove itself is an adventure filled with amazing landscapes (depends on weather conditions of course, haha) and scenic viewpoints. Azure waters of the Pacific Ocean, breathtaking views, birds, air… I would suggest spending more time in Coromandel to anyone who visit this country. Just drive through the Coromandel Peninsula is a treasure trove of lush greenery and dramatic coastlines, nice and friendly people. There is a walking trail (currently closed for maintenance, but you can take a water "taxi" $40 per person there) to Cathedral Cove, very pleasant and manageable trek, if you have little kids, take a stroller. The native flora and fauna birds signing at dusk, waves and winds creates feeling of untouched paradise. You can take kayak tour there, water is pretty chill but manageable, better to refresh yourself after a walk. There is iconic Te Hoho Rock, standing in the middle of the beach. It is a well known destination, but if you spend more time there you will be able to find more nice and barely...

Absolutely mind blowing experience, full stop!!!!!

No matter where you cast your eyes it’s amazing.

It’s a bit of a hike to get to the actual cove so be prepared for that. It’s not a rock up n look type of adventure.

So be ready for a 45 min hike on a paved track. It’s well maintained but there are some steep inclines & stairs,so good walking shoes are a must. You will regret Jandles for the hike. You will want them on the beach so pack a bag & some snacks. There are places to pull off the track to take a breather but no toilets so get that sorted before you head off.

There are toilets at the cove.

THERE IS ZERO PARKING AT THE TRAIL HEAD!!!!

So take one of the many shuttles or if you have a car....some of the locals on the road up to the trail head offer paid parking on their front yards. We did this & it only cost $10NZD. What a deal.

I also recommend getting there earlier!!!! We left the cove near to lunch time & it was getting very busy. The trail was packed with people on they way to the cove & all the “local” parking was as FULL!!!

So if you want to have a stress free adventure get there...