Hahei

Explore

Hahei

Cathedral Cove Walking Track

Alert: Closed due to severe weather events

This site is closed until further notice. It may be unsafe due to the risk from slips, flooding and fallen trees. It will take time for DOC to assess and repair damage.

Cathedral Cove is closed due a landslip and the ongoing risk of rockfall and erosion. It is not safe for visitors.

Do not use the track down to the beach. This alert will be removed when the cove is considered safe.

The rāhui placed by Ngati Hei has been lifted at Cathedral Cove and sea access has been granted. However DOC have advised that there is still clear risk associated with going to this site and have stated that people need to inform themselves properly about any risks before visiting. The Cathedral Cove walking track remains closed.

Famous Cathedral Cove is one of the “must visit” places near Whitianga.

Follow the signposted walkway which starts at the top of Grange Road. Note that from October to the end of April, the Grange Road car park is designated as drop-off only. Visitors should park at the Visitor Car Park at the entrance to Hahei and then either walk from there or take the shuttle bus.

2.5 km

1.5 HR return

Easy

Transport Options to Cathedral Cove

Water taxi

Cathedral Cove Water Taxi

Leaves from the beach in front of Hahei carpark to Cathedral Cove every 30 minutes. Look for yellow and black flags which mark the pick up and drop off points. Note the taxi does not operate during rough weather.

Cathedral Cove Kayak

Provides a variety of sea kayaking tour options to paddle to Cathedral Cove.

Useful Visitor Information

Local Tips for Hahei

Getting to Hahei

You can get to Hahei by car following SH25, near Whenuakite there is a major intersection which is well sign posted which will take you directly to Hahei.
View in map.

Must do

Pack a backpack with all of your beach essentials and take a magnificent walk to Cathedral Cove. You can take a detour along the way and visit Stingray Bay (20 minutes one way).
The intricate caves and underwater arches in the Te Whanganui a Hei Marine Reserve offer excellent diving and snorkelling. At Gemstone Bay you can enjoy the snorkel trail which is designed for all snorkelling abilities from novices to the experienced.
The annual April Hahei Tractor Bash has family fun activities including an impressive tractor parade. Set yourself up with a beach towel on Hahei Beach for the day and enjoy some unique beach time.

Hahei beach boat ramp

Accessible by tractor from Wigmore Crescent and trailer parking close by – note this ramp is swell dependent.

Parking Areas

Parking is at the Visitor Car Park on Pa Road, on the right as you enter Hahei.
During the summer period a shuttle service runs from the free visitor car park on Pa Road to the start of the Cathedral Cove track. Alternatively walk to the start of the track which will add an extra 25 minutes from the car park around the beach.

Things to do with kids

If you need an alternative from beach activities, Hahei Village Green playground including a basketball hoop is the perfect port of call adjacent to cafes, ice cream shops and a tennis court.

Tides

Check the low tide times before setting out – you need low tide to dig your hot pool.

Download and print our Tides PDF file for local tide times. It can be used for Hot Water Beach low tides throughout the whole year, to plan your soak in the pools months ahead of arrival.

Tide Times