A Local’s Guide to Cathedral Cove: that Stunning Beach in Narnia

☀️ If you ARE familiar with the 2005 film Chronicles of Narnia, then you’ll already be somewhat familiar with Cathedral Cove.  

A New Zealand icon, this destination is without a doubt at the top of the list for must see in the North Island.  And not just because it features in a Narnia film (AND a Macklemore music video) but because it’s straight up gorgeous. Following a challenging couple of years, Cathedral Cove has reopened its trail, which sees locals and tourists flocking back.

We also visited again, for like the 100th time, to see what’s changed and what to expect. In this post we explain the safety side of visiting Cathedral Cove. We’ll tell you the best snorkelling spots to see crayfish and large snapper. I’ve updated all the photos, so you know what to expect in terms of the trail and facilities. Basically from the carpark to the beach I’ll cover it all!

Perhaps what makes Cathedral Cove so unique and special, is that it’s not a simple drive and arrive to get to this magic spot.  You’ll need to put just a little more work into this adventure than that.  But I’m here to tell you how to get there, so that you don’t find yourself under prepared!

What Makes Cathedral Cove Special

If you’re NOT familiar with Cathedral Cove then I’ll paint a picture for you real quick!  

Imagine two little bays of white sand, one connected to another by a giant Cathedral like cave. These bays are surrounded by beautiful native Pohutakawa trees and sand coloured cliffs.  And if you visit during the summer months those trees flower a brilliant red. 

A few years back Cyclone Gabrielle tore apart the Coromandel, leaving Cathedral Cove inaccessible. Then with additional weather events hitting the region, the rock walls became unsafe, resulting in the closure of the Cathedral Cove trail for almost 2 years.

It’s now open again to public, after undergoing extensive repairs to trails and cliffs.

Cathedral Cove Iwi & Heritage

Cathedral Cove, or Mautohe in Maori, is a place of great cultural and ancestral significance to the kaitiaki and local iwi Ngāti Hei.

Historical records show, that the leader Ngāti Hei arrived by waka (canoe) in 1350. He claimed this region and land as Te Whanganui-o-Hei / the great bay of Hei. Consequently, this unique piece of coastline is rich in history, with Maori pā sites and fortification ditches, still present in the area.

Cathedral Cove, Narnia & Macklemore Music Video

As mentioned above Cathedral Cove has been famously featured in the 2008 film The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian. Then later in 2012 it was the backdrop to Macklemore and Ryan Lewis’ hit song “Can’t Hold Us.”

How to Get to Cathedral Cove

There are a number of options for visiting Cathedral Cove. These options include – walking trail, boat tour and kayak tour. We’ll explain each of these options in more detail below!

Walking into Cathedral Cove 

The most popular option for getting to Cathedral Cove is via the 40 minute walking trail. Note this is calculated from the upper carpark, not from Hahei Beach. However the upper carpark is closed during the busy season. Read below for more information on how to get to the Cathedral Cove trailhead.

The walking trail has received quite the upgrade and is now sealed most of the way. This is great if you are visiting with children and plan to take the stroller. But note the last decent down into Cathedral Cove is steep and the path turns to steps. Consequently if you take the stroller, you’ll be carrying it for a section of the trail.

⭐️ Top Tip:  If you want the beach to yourself get there first thing in the morning. In the golden hours of the early morning the cliffs light up providing a backdrop to drool over. And there is nothing quite like having Cathedral Cove completely to yourself.

Parking & the Cathedral Cove Shuttle Service

The carpark at the start of the trailhead is no longer open to visitors. That means the best way to get the trailhead is by Park and Ride shuttle which is located near The Church in Hahei.

Parking is free and there is plenty of it. Simply park up, and purchase your shuttle ticket at the shelter. This is where the shuttle picks up and drops off passengers. Payments are taken by card only, and return adult fare costs $7 NZD return, while children under 14 are free. The timings are May through to September 9:00am to 5:00pm and October through to April 9:00am to 6:00pm.

Alternatively, park at Hahei main beach and begin your walk from this point. It will take longer, as you need to walk from the main beach up the hill to the beginning of the track.  The path from the beach is a pretty one and shaded most of the way.

Alternative Parking & Walking Trail

There is a second walkway and access to Cathedral Cove through private farmland. This track is called the Gateway Trail and the access point is located on Lees Road. There is a $15 fee required to park a car at this entrance, which goes to the upkeep of the track.

Just note if you choose this option, there is less shade and the landscape is less scenic. I would prefer to take the original track purely for the native bush views.

Best Boat Tours to Cathedral Cove

If you are travelling with young ones, then check out the glass bottom boat tour. This is a very popular tour and also a well reviewed one. We have many friends who have done this tour with their kids and they rave about it.

The tours depart from Whitianga. So if you are staying in Hahei, Cooks Beach or Hot Water Beach, you’ll need to allow drive time to get to Whitianga. The glass bottom boat gets very busy in the peak season, so be sure to book well in advance.

Best Kayak Tours to Cathedral Cove

This is a great alternative way to visit Cathedral Cove and will give you the opportunity to explore some of the coastline from the ocean.

We recommend you book your 3 hour kayak tour with Cathedral Cove Kayak Tour. They are a super local tour company operating from Hahei.  Families are welcome, and they even include hot chocolates, cappuccinos and cookies!

Water Taxi to Cathedral Cove

There is also a convenient water taxi that runs between Hahei and Cathedral Cove during the summer months. In fact it’s the only boat that takes you right up onto the beach, with its amphibious wheels! Just look for the yellow flag.

Trips depart every 30 minutes, and it costs $40 per adult and $20 per child one way. However there are family fares as well. You have the option to stay as long as you like, but also to walk in, and then return by boat.

Snorkelling at Cathedral Cove

Cathedral Cove and the northern end of Hahei beach are part of a marine reserve. So if you have a snorkel and mask it’s a good idea to pack them.

On the trail leading to Cathedral Cove, you’ll pass two smaller trails leading to Crayfish Bay or Gemstone Bay. These pebbled and rocky beaches are far less visited, but the snorkelling is definitely worth while.

Otherwise, at Cathedral Cove, head out to the rock reef at the southern end of the bay.  If the tides are right you can climb into the rock pool on the ledge and check out all the crayfish lining the crevices. Look but don’t touch… don’t forget this is a marine reserve.

If you want to explore the area further by snorkel and mask, then consider a boat tour that includes a snorkelling trip. And need I remind… it is definitely a good idea to bring your Go Pro and your camera as there are many photo opportunities!

What to Do When You Get There

Swim out to the rock in the middle of the bay for a 360 degree view of the first bay.  This is also a great jumping rock, which attracts all the teenagers or visitors looking for an active experience.

There is a small (very small) waterfall, probably best described as a trickle really at the southern end of the beach. But fun for the kids, and a nice fresh water shower if you want to wash the salt off.

Walk through the cave, from one end of the beach to the other and lap up the sun!

Facilities

There is a toilet facility about half way between the start of the trailhead and the Cathedral Cove beach. In the same location you’ll find a small ice-cream truck luring in the kids on a hot sunny day.

Being Safe & Prepared

Following the fierce storms from a few years ago, you’ll now notice signage reminding visitors not to pause in the cave between the two beaches. You might also see signs attached to the more volatile cliff faces, reminding you to watch out for falling rock.

On the trail, it’s important to remember not to venture from the track. Protect our native forest and bush, by respecting the guidelines laid out by the Department of Conservation (DOC).

It’s also important not to underestimate how hot the walk can get, so don’t forget suntan lotion, plenty of drinking water, snacks for the kids AND a hat!

🥾 Visit the official DOC track guide for Cathedral Cove here and check for updates.

Getting to Cathedral Cove from Auckland

If you’re on borrowed time, then don’t despair. We can recommend a perfect option to get you from Auckland to the Coromandel on a guided day trip. Lock in a date and you’ll be picked up from your accomodation in Auckland and driven to Cathedral Cove. The first option includes Driving Creek and the second includes a visit to one of our kids favourites activities, Hot Water Beach.

The drive from Auckland to Cathedral Cove via the Kopu Hikuai (25A) takes 2 1/2 hours if the traffic is good. It’s an easy drive, but gets windy as you reach the Coromandel. It can be done in a day, but I would definitely recommend staying at least one night.

Where to Stay in Hahei – Cathedral Cove

There is a fantastic campground which we’ve stayed at just about every summer that we have been in New Zealand. However, we recommend the cabins… because they are beachfront, just a minute walk from the stunning Hahei beach and bay. They are perfect for a Cathedral Cove and Hahei getaway.

🛏️ Book a beachfront cabin at the Hahei Holiday Resort – one of our favourite family holiday spots in the Coromandel. This beach is world-class!

More on the Coromandel & Beyond

If you loved Cathedral Cove and its connection to the film Narnia, then you may also be interested in New Zealand filming locations for the Lord of the Rings. Get this guide on all the best places to visit in the North Island, with links to destinations such as Hobbiton and the WETA Studio in Wellington.

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