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Cathedral Cove
Natural Park

Cathedral Cove

New Zealand
4.7
(5,000 reviews)
21
Tours Available
$5
Adult Entry
4-5 hours
Recommended Duration
November-March
Best Time

Overview

Cathedral Cove is a stunning coastal gem featuring a natural archway and pristine beaches. It is a popular spot for hiking, swimming, and photography.

Iconic natural landmark and popular tourist destination in New Zealand.

Beach Hiking Photography

Location

Address

Hahei, Waikato

Neighborhood: Coromandel Peninsula

Coordinates

-36.770300, 175.916000

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday Closed
tuesday Closed
wednesday Closed
thursday Closed
friday Closed
saturday Closed
sunday Closed

Admission

Adults
$5
Children
Free

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

November-March

Best Time of Day

Early morning

fewer crowds and better light for photography

Duration Recommendations

Minimum
2 hours
Recommended
4-5 hours
Full Experience
full day

Seasonal Highlights

spring

mild

  • • wildflowers
  • • mild weather

summer

warm

  • • long daylight hours
  • • warm water for swimming

autumn

cool

  • • fall foliage
  • • cooler temperatures

winter

cool

  • • peaceful surroundings
  • • fewer visitors

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

  • Wear comfortable shoes
  • Bring plenty of water
  • Check tide times

What to Bring

essential

water snacks sun protection

recommended

camera swimwear towel

seasonal

jacket umbrella

not allowed

drones glass containers

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: moderate

  • • uneven terrain
  • • strong currents in water

Medical facilities: first aid available at visitor center

Payment Information

Accepted

cash, credit cards

Currency

New Zealand Dollar (NZD)

Typical Costs

entry $5
parking $10
food $15
souvenirs $20

Dress Code

casual, comfortable, hiking shoes, swimwear, sturdy walking shoes, inappropriate clothing

Booking Tips

  • • 1-2 weeks
  • • official website or local tour operators
  • • 48 hours
  • • available for guided tours

Amenities

Restrooms
Gift shop
Atm
Wifi
Lockers
Wheelchair rental
Stroller rental
On site restaurant
Cafe
Picnic areas
Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

Cathedral Cove Explorer

Size: 30 MB

Features: Map, Tide times, Audio guide, Tickets

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Visitor center

Charging Stations: Visitor center

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: Auckland International Airport

Distance: 180 km

Travel Time: 2.5 hours

car rental
$100+ 2.5 hours
shuttle service
$50 3 hours

From City Center

Distance: 15 km

bus
$5 30 min
taxi
$40 20 min

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: Stunning natural beauty and peaceful environment

Historical Significance: Used by Māori for fishing and gatherings

Insider Tips

  • Best spot for photos is the viewpoint before the arch
  • Avoid weekends for a quieter experience

Local Recommendations

  • • Visit nearby Hahei Beach
  • • Try local seafood at the cafe

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello Kia ora
thank_you Kia ora
where_is Kei hea
how_much He aha te utu?
beautiful Māhorahora
ticket Tikiti

Guide Languages: English, Māori, other languages depending on tour

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

Cathedral Cove Arch

Best Time: Golden hour

Tips: Wide angle shot from below

Result: Iconic arch shot

#CathedralCove #NewZealand

Photography Rules

allowed areas all outdoor areas
prohibited areas none
flash photography allowed
commercial photography permit needed
drone policy restricted, permit required
tripod policy allowed
selfie sticks allowed

Nearby Attractions

Hahei Beach

Distance: 500m

Walking: 10 min

Type: Beach

Hot Water Beach

Distance: 9km

Walking: not walkable

Type: Beach with natural hot springs

Reviews

4.7

Based on 5,000 reviews

Recent Visitor Tips

  • "Bring water shoes"
  • "Go early to avoid crowds"
  • "Don't miss the arch"

Contact Information

Related Tours & Activities (4)

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Quick Info

Available Tours

21

Rating

4.7 / 5.0

Reviews

5,000

Adult Entry

$5

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