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Cathedral Cove, highlight of the Coromandel Peninsula:

By Claire, the Travel Planning Geek

If you plan a detour on the Coromandel peninsula, do not miss the highlight of Cathedral Cove: a beautiful walk down to the beach, a huge arch and a pinnacle.  Definitively worth the trip!

Travel Guide New Zealand - plan your trip to Cathedral Cove

Navigate back to the complete New Zealand Travel Guide


INFO & PLANNING TIPS - CATHEDRAL COVE

Just a short drive from Auckland, the coromandel peninsula offers subtropical native forest, pristine beaches and interesting ocean features. I could have stayed my 2 whole weeks discovering it. But with only one day my visit focused on 2 of its highlights. One of which was Cathedral Cove, an isolated beach with a huge arch and a rocky pinnacle (and the other was hot water beach).

TIPS FOR TRAVEL PLANNING ADDICTS 

Getting to Cathedral cove

  • The Coromandel is located on the Pacific Coast Highway – on the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island
  • It is within 1h30 from Auckland, Hamilton, Rotorua and their international airports.
  • Cathedral cove is located at the end of Grange Road at Hahei. Follow the sign, turn left just past the Hahei shops

Visiting Cathedral cove

  • Walking at leasury pace, the round tour can be done in 1h30 min. However keep in mind that the last part to the beach is quite steep and hard on the knees

For information on what to see, where to eat and more, check out the official Coromandel website


The Cathedral Cove walk

I really enjoyed the 45 min walk with coastal views and forest to reach the amazing sight of Cathedral Cove. It felt good to be back in nature, walk in a magnificent forest. The formations made by erosion are similar to a place I love near where I grew up called Etretat. But the fact that this one is so secluded, that you discover it after a walk like a ‘treasure hunt’, makes it very special.

Cathedral cove hike, Coromandel, New Zealand, photo 1
Cathedral cove hike, Coromandel, New Zealand, photo 2
Cathedral cove hike, Coromandel, New Zealand, photo 3
Cathedral cove hike, Coromandel, New Zealand, photo 4
Cathedral cove hike, Coromandel, New Zealand, photo 5

First beach

At the end of the hike, you arrive on a first beach, which is has nothing special… until you turn around.

Cathedral cove, Coromandel peninsula, New Zealand, Photo 1

Cathedral Cove: The Arch

But then you turn around and there it is, the big Rock Arch and the ‘tower’!

the Arch, Cathedral cove, New Zealand photo 1
the Arch, Cathedral cove, New Zealand photo 2
the Arch, Cathedral cove, New Zealand photo 3

Cathedral Cove: The pinnacle

And on the other side of the Arch is the pinnacle. Beautiful, ones and massive.

Pinnacle, Cathedral cove, Coromandel peninsula, New Zealand, Photo 1
Pinnacle, Cathedral cove, Coromandel peninsula, New Zealand, Photo 2
Pinnacle, Cathedral cove, Coromandel peninsula, New Zealand, Photo 3

​


Want to see more of NEW ZEALAND?

Discover more things to do with planning information and photos in my online New Zealand Travel Guide.

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HOT WATER BEACH

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Renuka says

    March 26, 2014 at 3:14 PM

    The last reflection shot is superb! Never heard of hot water beach. Looks good! Sounds like an exciting vacation.

    Reply
  2. Claire Robinson says

    March 27, 2014 at 12:54 PM

    Thank you. I saw this reflection on my way to the beach and when I realized I would not have anything interesting there, I run back to that tree!

    Reply
  3. NZ Muse says

    April 15, 2014 at 4:14 AM

    Ah lucky you! It was just me and my BF at Hot Water Beach and I think you definitely need a big group to stake a spot and dig a hole – we didn’t really manage it. I was also surprised at how freaking SCALDING the water was.

    Reply
    • Claire Robinson says

      April 16, 2014 at 9:19 PM

      LOL. Yes it was nice to see them do all the work. Yes the water is scalding as you said.

      Reply

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Hi! I’m Claire

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I am the Travel Planning Geek behind the ZigZag Travel Guides. My goal is to provide you with clear and practical information to help you plan unforgettable trips! Read more

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