Hahei to Cathedral Cove | Coromandel Peninsula

Hahei is the epitome of being outdoors, aside from many a holiday home and a general store there isn't much you can do indoors, which is inevitably why Hahei is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the stunning Coromandel Peninsula. Warm weather is not necessarily needed but it does make it just that little bit more special. Haihei beach is that postcard beach of golden sand and turquoise blue water dotted with small rainforest laden Islands.

Cathedral Cove Wikipedia

Cathedral Cove is the other main attraction to the area. It's not often you can thank erosion and sandblows but in this instance we can. There are many ways to get to Cathedral Cove but the walk from Hahei beach is the perfect way to experience the New Zealand Coast. We are talking serious 100% Pure New Zealand here.

The walk takes roughly an hour and a half one way and can only really be described as roller-coaster like. It's up and it's down but it isn't strenuous and you can walk it in flipflops (jandals). The walk takes you along the coast and offers you a lookout (and ice cream) van at the top of the cliff for those all important views. After about half an hour you reach Gemstone Bay, a few minutes detour but if you have yourself a snorkel and mask you can jump in the water here for a really unique snorkelling spot.

The next minor detour is Stingray Bay which is rocky but a good place to perch on a rock and take in that New Zealand peace and quiet before the last final wander to the iconic Cathedral Cove. It is essential that you have a swim and relax on the beach before wandering back. The best part about this walk is that on the way back you will see something completely new to what you did on the way there.

The Hahei to Cathedral Cove Walk will easily take you half a day but it's well worth it to stretch it out for a whole day before ending your day in paradise with a good old fashioned New Zealand Barbecue in the Hahei sunset.