Cathedral Cove Walk
Cathedral Cove Walk
4.5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
2,423 reviews
Excellent
1,774
Very good
529
Average
83
Poor
27
Terrible
10
jenpar225
Reading, UK71 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
Inaccessible, path no longer there and rockfall still possible. Only access is by boat.
May not be fixed for a long time yet.
May not be fixed for a long time yet.
Written January 29, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cécé M
2 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
Due to the cyclone in january 2023, the path to walk to cathedral cove is damaged and too dangerous to do. It is closed. The only ways to get there is by boat (taxi who come and go pretty often) or boat tours. Beautiful scenery though
Written October 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TraceyC62
Burpengary, Australia156 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
Closed until further notice. Unfortunately, due to the cyclone earlier in the year the the walk and access have been closed. The only way to see it is from a boat, and our cruise was cancelled due to bad weather.
Written May 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Benjamin Moye
Norwich, UK400 contributions
Dec 2022
We used the park and ride service to get to the start of the walk. The walk itself is undulating but pleasant and the cove was pretty. However, it was very busy so come at dawn/dusk if you want tranquillity and good photos.
Written January 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ianlanceley
Faversham, UK103 contributions
Jan 2023 • Couples
Tremendous views and well looked after paths. The weather was extremely challenging but the condition of the paths meant that the walk was safe to do
Written January 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Farzana S
Somerset, NJ23 contributions
Dec 2022
Originally we intended to take a taxi but due to sea conditions, the taxi service was not available. So we decided to hike to the cove. I have knee injury so I could not enjoy but my children had a great time hiking back and forth. Lovely scenery, safe path and tons of IG-worthy look-out points.
The cove itself was clean, we went there during high tide and had a great time. Good to take extra clothes, a beach towel and some drinking water if you are going to hike to the cove.
The cove itself was clean, we went there during high tide and had a great time. Good to take extra clothes, a beach towel and some drinking water if you are going to hike to the cove.
Written December 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeff W
3 contributions
Oct 2022
We stayed in hahei and did the walk from the beach. Really well maintained track. We went in morning to get the morning sun effects with photos. We done it in 2 hours but would have loved to spend a little more time on beach but we had to go. Only tip is to get there around the low tides to get access to cave easier. Can walk back to town centre via carpark and get your coffee fix. About 45 mins walk from cove
Written November 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mosue
Perth, Australia108 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
THE TOP CARPARK IS CLOSED( only drop offs allowed). So, what we did was park at the big carpark on the left as you are about to enter the settlement. It cost $7 return for the bus to take you to the top carpark.- it saves you a BIG steep walk for 1/2hr. Well worth it for us as my wife has a bad back and steep slopes are very painful…..
Saying that the path walk to the cove is doable but quite tiring. A consistent pretty steep gradient up,screwed with the wife’s back in no time- but she progressed and got to the 100(?) stairs to get down to the beach.
In Summary!!- if you have injuries, make the decision, knees, back unfit…. Take your time and you’ll enjoy it.
Alternatively, if you continue to drive through the settlement to Hahei Beach carpark you can get a boat to the cove (???$20 each way) from the beach to see it from a different perspective.
In all honest it was ‘nice’ after a far bit of travel it wasn’t a ‘wow’ from us. But nice walk ( for me ha!).
Saying that the path walk to the cove is doable but quite tiring. A consistent pretty steep gradient up,screwed with the wife’s back in no time- but she progressed and got to the 100(?) stairs to get down to the beach.
In Summary!!- if you have injuries, make the decision, knees, back unfit…. Take your time and you’ll enjoy it.
Alternatively, if you continue to drive through the settlement to Hahei Beach carpark you can get a boat to the cove (???$20 each way) from the beach to see it from a different perspective.
In all honest it was ‘nice’ after a far bit of travel it wasn’t a ‘wow’ from us. But nice walk ( for me ha!).
Written October 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Roopleson
Auckland Central, New Zealand57 contributions
Oct 2022
The walk is quite lovely and everytime we visit Hahei we do the walk again. Great exercise and beautiful scenery. Cathedral cove is such a lovely spot.
Written October 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kaatyn
Bunbury, Australia374 contributions
Sep 2022 • Couples
Fitness isn't essential, but I think body fitness is... bit of a long trek if you have hip, leg or knee issues.
Steep long paths going up and down to get to Cathedral Cove. The steps at the bottom were the hardest. Some 90 steps, quite steep and narrow. A lot harder going back up.
My only suggestion would be to take your time.... stop and rest if you need to..... take water with you and enjoy the views, the hike will be well worth it.
Steep long paths going up and down to get to Cathedral Cove. The steps at the bottom were the hardest. Some 90 steps, quite steep and narrow. A lot harder going back up.
My only suggestion would be to take your time.... stop and rest if you need to..... take water with you and enjoy the views, the hike will be well worth it.
Written September 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Megha M
Bengaluru, India49 contributions
We will be travelling from Hamilton to cathedral cove . Is the route feasible for someone with motion sickness ?
Jamie S
Jacksonville, FL41 contributions
We drove Rotarua to Corumundel and the highways along the coast are very steep and winding. I don’t know the severity of your motion sickness so it’s hard to answer your question. It’s possible the drive from Hamilton to Waikato to The Cove has more straightaways. There are lots of activity options which you should be able to enjoy- hiking, hot water beach. There are ferries and kayak trips but don’t know how you do in those activities
Hi I’m from Auckland and just wondering do you have to pay to visit Cathedral Cave?
Claire M
York, UK257 contributions
No - not sure if this is too late
Kathy H
45 contributions
Want to catch sunrise at Cathedral Cove for photography. How long does it take to walk from car park, given it will be in the dark (have head torch)?
brala519
Dunedin, New Zealand50 contributions
We just did thid walk, I'd allow 90 minutes from Hahei. The top car park is not open so you need to park in Hahei, it's about 45 minutes to the first carpark/bus drop off and another 45 minutes to the cove
Amod_Indap
Auckland Central, New Zealand675 contributions
Hi. What's the recommended mode of transport from Whitianga town to Cathedral Cove (we don't have a car). Thank you.
Pat S
Middle Island, NY125 contributions
We rented a car and drove to all our destinations. We are used to going it on our own. But there are shuttles that will take you. Just ask your concierge desk.
Helene H
Oslo, Norway13 contributions
Hi! Did you walk from the village, or the old parking lot?
slightlywelton
York, UK49 contributions
We walked from the village as we were staying there. Overall it was probably 35/40 minutes more.
FrannieHK
Melbourne, Australia12 contributions
Hi where did you catch the shuttle from to go to cathedral cove?
luckys15
Christchurch, New Zealand250 contributions
Hi. It's definitely best catch he shuttle from the car park as you enter Hahei. You can either buy it from the little parking meter with your debit or credit card at the collection point or you can pay cash on the bus.
Tony H
12 contributions
Is this walk and beach dog friendly ??
Marina
Wellington, New Zealand7 contributions
It is very poor if it is. We are traveling in a campervan with our dog. So if we are going to see the cave we are facing the risk of leaving the dog in the vehicle in the heat or not visiting the cave. How come that dogs are banned in New Zealand from almost everything?((
Penne C
Hahei, New Zealand10 contributions
Parking. I got this from a local official.
There are only 40 parks at the start of the walk these are full from before 7am. From January 2018 the carpark will be closed and will be pick up and drop off only.
Use the visitors carpark at the village entrance which is signposted and free and either walk to Cathedral Cove and the Beach or take the shuttle which is very affordable.
Parking rules will be strictly enforced and the fines are a lot more than the shuttle service!!!
Canute12
London, UK3 contributions
That's correct. Don't waste your time time trying to find a park at the top of Grange Road. Enjoy the walk from the Hahei Beach
Jayjaytho
Hamilton & Waikato Region, New Zealand
Hi there, would love to know if this walk is suitable for pram?
hirschwrites
Chesterfield, MO637 contributions
The walk itself is well paved. At the end, though, is a series of stairs. You'd have to carry the pram/baby down those stairs. But the view is remarkable.
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Claim your listingCATHEDRAL COVE WALK: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Cathedral Cove Walk
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Cathedral Cove Walk:
- Morning Glory Chilled out Sail (3.5hrs) (From ₱4,210.47)
- Glass Bottom Boat Whitianga Cathedral Cove Cruise (From ₱4,912.40)
- Arvo of goodness Chilled out Sail (3.5hrs) (From ₱4,210.47)
- Private Trip to Coromandel (From ₱33,335.01)
- One Hour Cathedral Cove Boat Tour in Hahei (From ₱4,737.19)
- Hotels near Cathedral Cove Walk:
- (0.24 km) Tutaritari Treasure - Hahei Holiday Home
- (0.73 km) Tatahi Lodge Beach Resort
- (0.81 km) Hahei Horizon Bed & Breakfast
- (1.20 km) Hahei Bed and Breakfast
- (1.10 km) Hahei Beach Resort
- Restaurants near Cathedral Cove Walk:
- (0.03 km) Fusion Juice
- (0.73 km) The Pour House
- (0.77 km) Hahei Beach Cafe
- (1.27 km) The Church Bistro
- (1.18 km) Serial Griller
- Attractions near Cathedral Cove Walk:
- (0.32 km) Hahei Beach Walk
- (0.30 km) Gemstone Bay
- (0.84 km) Cathedral Cove Kayak Tours
- (1.47 km) Hahei Explorer Cathedral Cove Boat Tour
- (0.58 km) Stingray Bay