A visitors’ guide to Mautohe Cathedral Cove

Visiting the incredible beauty of Te Whanganui o Hei Marine Reserve, Mautohe Cathedral Cove is not as simple as just turning up and winging it – there’s a few things you need to know before you go.

Mautohe Cathedral Cove is famous for a reason. It’s incredibly beautiful, and many visitors have had a fantastic experience there.

However, there are some things you need to be aware of before you go. We recommend doing some planning to get the best out of your visit.

This blog focuses strongly on risk and safety: not because we want to scare you, but so you can be fully informed and make safe decisions for yourself and your whānau.

With that said, let’s get into it.

Understand the risks: is this the right trip for you?

Here’s what you need to be mindful of: the Mautohe Cathedral Cove landscape is naturally unstable which means that rockfall and landslides can happen without warning.

While the risk can be reduced by not stopping near the cliffs or under the arch, and not visiting during or after heavy rain, not everyone will be comfortable going there.

If you’re thinking of visiting, you need to make an informed decision: know the risks, know what to do to keep yourself safe, and make your decisions accordingly.

As always, check for track closures or safety alerts at www.doc.govt.nz/cathedral-cove-walk before you visit and know the risks before you go.

Time your visit for low-tide and the right weather

The safest time to visit is during low-tide and when the seas are calm. Large swells or high tides can make the beach and archway unsafe.

Landslide and rockfall risk is highest during and after heavy rain so make sure you check the weather, and time your visit accordingly.

Check the tide times and the sea conditions to time your trip before you go.

Organise your transport

Getting to Mautohe Cathedral Cove requires a bit of planning as there is no public parking at the Grange Road track entrance.

There is a free public car park near the entrance to Hahei village.

To get to the track entrance from there, you can catch the park and ride shuttle bus which runs regularly. If you don’t wish to shuttle you can also walk from Hahei to the track entrance by walking up Grange Road. This is about 2kms and takes 30 minutes. Bear in mind though – it has a long uphill section and there isn’t much shade.

If you’d rather skip the walk and arrive by water, there are commercial operators who run boat trips or water taxis. There’s also the option of landing at the beach by private kayak or other vessel on the beach. The coves can be busy with boat traffic and swimmers, so go slow and watch out for other people.

As a third option you can choose to park at a private premises at 150 Lees Road, pay for the parking at the entrance to the walk, and then make your way through the farm on the Cathedral Cove Gateway Trail. This will connect you with main Cathedral Cove walking track.

In the spirit of no surprises: know that it’s a 1.5hr walk with steps and steep sections

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of arriving at a trail head ready for a short, flat 10-minute wander – and realising your mate lied to you and you’re in for a 3-hour uphill hike.

We aren’t that kind of mate, so here’s what to expect from the walk to the cove.

The walking track begins at the top of Grange Road and follows the coastal hilltops through both forest and open grass areas. It descends steeply as it approaches the Mares Leg Cove and Mautohe Cathedral Cove beaches.

The track ends at Mares Leg Cove beach, where you can view the rock arch through to Mautohe-Cathedral Cove beach.

While the track is well formed, there are some pretty steep sections and quite a lot of steps. On the way home, you’ll have a bit of a climb waiting for you. The track also has very little shade so be prepared for a hot walk! Stay hydrated and be sun smart.

It’s more than just a gentle stroll – moderate to good fitness, and sturdy footwear are needed to get down to the beach and back. Jandals just won’t cut it for this one.

The track typically takes 1.5hrs but may take longer for some. Remember to factor in the time you’ll spend at the beach into your timeline for the day, so you don’t end up walking back in the dark!

There are some magnificent views on this walk: plan well, so you don’t miss out on seeing them.

Note: the tracks down to Gemstone Bay and Stingray Bay are closed, as is the track from Hahei Beach to Grange Road track entrance. They were damaged by Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023. Do not use these tracks.

Take the right gear

You’ll have a much better and safer visit if you bring the right things with you.

Here’s what we recommend you wear:

• sturdy and comfortable footwear with good grip, like sneakers or light hiking shoes.
• clothes that provide protection from the sun.
• a sun hat.
• sunglasses.
• sunscreen.

You should also bring with you:

• plenty of water. There is no running water available on the track or on the beach.
• snacks.
• a raincoat and warm clothes.
• a fully charged mobile phone.
• a bag or container to take your rubbish away with you.

You can view our full packing list for day walks on our website.

Don’t underestimate the danger of rockfall and landslides

It’s easy to think rocks or landslides won’t happen while you’re there. Understandably, serious injury or death is not something that we want to contemplate happening to us.

But rockfall and landslides do happen in this area, so you need to be prepared.

All it takes is being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

The arch is a high-risk spot for rock fall, and it can happen at any time, even in fine weather. We know the arch is very photogenic – but please, don’t stop to take photos underneath it.

If you want to go through, move quickly through it.

There are plenty of safe selfie spots outside of the archway, away from the risk of rockfall.

The area has a lot of coastal cliffs made of soft stone – our advice is to stay 10 metres away from the base of these cliffs and make sure children are supervised at all times.

Taking a dip after a big hike is massively appealing

But just like on the rest of your adventure, you need to be safety conscious.

Strong rip currents and big waves can make swimming dangerous, and there are no lifeguards here.

Check out The Water Safety Code for more on how to keep yourself safe in the water.

The bay is very popular for boats, kayaks and jet skis, and they land at the beach often. Watch out for busy boat traffic in and around the water.

The archway and parts of the beach become impassable at higher tides or during big swells, and you don’t want to become trapped.

Don’t walk through the arch if there is water already in it and keep an eye on the changing tides while you’re there.

And remember to care for Mautohe Cathedral Cove while you’re there

Mautohe Cathedral Cove is a place of deep significance to Ngāti Hei, who are kaitiaki (guardians) of this rohe (area). When you visit, remember you are not just a guest, you also become a guardian.

Here are some top tips for being a good guardian:

• Make sure you use the toilets provided. There are toilets at the track entrance, and on the track, about 10-15 minutes’ walk from the beach. There are no toilets on the beach itself so use them when you see them!
• There are no rubbish bins at the beach, track and car park so make sure you take all your rubbish away with you, including your food scraps.
• The waters that border Cathedral Cove are a marine reserve, where the ocean and all life within it are fully protected. Fishing, shellfish gathering and the removal, introduction, or disturbance of any marine life or habitat, including feeding fish, is strictly prohibited in the reserve.

The bottom line

Make sure it’s the right trip for you, do your planning and know how to look after yourself in this special place.

Got it? Great. You’re ready for a trip to Mautohe Cathedral Cove this summer👍

You can find more information about visiting Mautohe Cathedral Cove on our website: https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/coromandel/places/hahei-area/tracks/cathedral-cove-walk/