One of the most gorgeous coastal areas of New Zealand, the Coromandel Peninsula is a must for beach lovers – especially the multi-hour walk to Cathedral Cove beach (or water taxi). It's a (sometimes overly) popular track, but we loved spending a sunny summer day enjoying the views and sweating it out on the trail.
Hike to Cathedral Cove Beach in the Coromandel
For those wanting a good workout and a beautiful beach (or three) as a reward, the five-kilometre round-trip hike to Cathedral Cove Beach with its iconic cave and rock formations is a fantastic option.
From Hahei Beach, plan for about an hour each way (2.5-km) to Cathedral Cove, plus time at the beaches along the way. There is also a water taxi available if the hike isn't for you – $15 each way for adults.
If visiting in the summer, make sure to consider the heat and tides before heading off. Mid-day is not ideal because it gets HOT with the limited shade. It is also highly likely that you will get burnt if you don't take precautions.
However, on a beautiful clear summer day, the views are absolutely stunning and make you forget just how hot you are.
As you make your way to Cathedral Cove, you'll eventually be able to catch views of it before you get your toes in the sand. It's absolutely stunning!
On the way there or back, consider taking a few side trips to the other viewpoints and beaches – Stingray and Gemstone Bay.
Bonus: Stop at Hotwater Beach
After all that walking, you may want to consider a soak at the famous hot water beach less than 15 minutes away. It's another one best visited in cooler weather, since the water is HOTTT in certain places. A unique destination for sure though!
