10 October 2026
Fine spells. The odd shower, clearing this evening. Northerlies.
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1 / 31Hahei area
Mautohe Cathedral Cove Track
This popular walk has spectacular views over the pristine waters of Te Whanganui-o-Hei Marine Reserve. It ends at the iconic rock archway.
Distance
5 km
Walking time
1 hr 30 min return
Difficulty
Easy
Dogs
Not allowed
Wheelchair access
Not marked friendly
Current status
Alerts and track conditions
No active alerts found. Conditions can still change, so check again before leaving.
Weather outlook
Coromandel Peninsula forecast
Issued 10 Oct 2026, 4:55 pm
11 October 2026
Showers, possibly heavy, easing to the odd light shower by midday. Scattered rain developing late evening. Northwesterlies.
12 October 2026
Showers becoming isolated in the morning but remaining cloudy. Westerlies, turning northerly for a time in the morning and afternoon.
13 October 2026
Partly cloudy, with a few showers in the afternoon. Westerlies.
14 October 2026
A few showers clearing to fine in the afternoon. Northwesterlies.
Regional guidance only; elevation and terrain can produce different conditions.
Explore the area
Mautohe Cathedral Cove Track on the map
See the full route on the map
Explore the track route and surrounding area before you set out.
About Mautohe Cathedral Cove Track
The walking track, which was extensively damaged by Cyclone Hale and Cyclone Gabrielle i n early 2023, has been repaired and rerouted around a landslide , offering visitors the chance to explore this special part of Aotearoa again . The new 2.5 km track takes about 45 minutes for moderately fit walkers to reach Cathedral Cove. It follows cliff-tops before a steep descent to the iconic archway. Along the way, enjoy stunning coastal views and spot Te Hoho pinnacle rising from the sea near the beach. The track is well-formed but includes steep sections and steps, so sturdy footwear is recommended. For a shorter walk, take the Cathedral Cove Gateway Trail . This 30- to 40 - minute walk through farmland offers a less strenuous route to the cove. There is paid parking at the start of this track.
Essential information for Mautohe Cathedral Cove Track
There are toilets 10-15 minutes up the track from the beach, as well as at the track entrance. It is often very hot in summer, so take plenty of water and good sun protection, and take all your rubbish with you when you leave - there are no places to get water or rubbish bins to use on the track. Stay on the track and keep away from cliff edges. Supervise children carefully at all times. Expect strong winds. The repaired walking track is a temporary solution and DOC says it may not last through extreme weather events. As there will always be a risk of rockfall and landslides, visitors should always stay informed of the latest track and weather conditions. T he Cathedral Cove coastline is naturally unstable . R ockfalls and landslides can happen without warning , especially during or after heavy rain. To ensure your safety, DOC and MSC strongly advise v isitors to: Avoid the cliffs . Stay well back from the cliff edges to minimise the risk of falling debris. Move quickly through the arch . If walk ing through the arch, do not stop under it. Check the weather . Be aware of the latest weather conditions and avoid visit ing the area during or immediately after heavy rain, as this increases the chance of rockfalls and landslides. Be aware of water hazards. Visitors should s tay out of the archway when there is water in it , w atch for incoming tides and s upervise children at all times . The best time to visit the archway is at low tide and when the sea is calm.
Getting there for Mautohe Cathedral Cove Track
The track begins at a drop-off area at the top of Grange Road . There is currently no parking at the start of the track. Free parking is available at the Hahei Visitor Carpark , near the entrance to Hahei village. You can catch a park and ride shuttle bus from there. There is also the option of walking up Grange Road to reach the track entrance, which takes roughly 30 mins. It has a long uphill section and there is little shade. There is also the option pay to park at the Cathedral Cove Gateway Trail . The track from Hahei Beach to the Grange Road track entrance (Hahei Beach Walk) is closed due to ongoing land instability. For your safety, do not use this track.
Helpful resources
We encourage you to continue gaining the skills and knowledge required for a safe trip. The NZ Mountain Safety Council has lots of free resources and information you can use. These can be accessed via www.mountainsafety.org.nz . We recommend trying these online learning tools: Trip Planning Tramping / field Skills Basic Navigation River Safety Additionally, check out the range of helpful videos available from the NZ Mountain Safety Council YouTube channel .
Dog access for Mautohe Cathedral Cove Track
No dogs.
Before you walk Mautohe Cathedral Cove Track
Track information, access and weather can change. Confirm current alerts and land-manager information close to departure, tell someone your plans, and carry equipment appropriate for the route and conditions.