Is it safe to swim at Cathedral Cove?
Cathedral Cove on the Coromandel Peninsula., New Zealand The cathedral-like arch gives the whole area an air of grandeur. The beach is sandy with shady pohutukawa trees along the foreshore – a perfect place for a picnic and a swim. It is recommended that all visitors to Hahei Beach and Cathedral Cove use this car park.
Why is Cathedral Cove Famous?
With attractions such as a natural rock archway and neighbouring beaches at Cathedral Cove, the area is very popular with tourists, and receives around 150,000 visitors per year. The Māori name for Mercury Bay, Te Whanganui-A-Hei (meaning the Great Bay of Hei), refers to Hei, a tohunga from the Te Arawa waka.
How far is the walk down to Cathedral Cove?
This 2.5km (1.6 miles) coastal walk takes you past quintessential Coromandel scenery of pohutukawa trees and white sandy beaches. As well as Cathedral Cove itself, there are many beautiful places to explore along the way including Gemstone Bay and Stingray Bay (known for being wonderful diving and snorkelling spots).
How difficult is the walk to Cathedral Cove?
Cathedral Cove Walk Quick Details: The actual trail is 3.2 km or 2 miles from the trailhead. It’s an additional one-mile hike to the actual trailhead from the parking lot. It’s rated as an easy walk but it is steep.
Why is it called Cathedral Cove?
Because it is quite soft, it soon erodes, forming steep headlands between small sandy beaches. Cathedral Cove is named after the large triangular cave in the centre.
Is Cathedral Cove open today?
You can visit Cathedral Cove anytime. Due to increased traffic in Hahei village over summer, the Cathedral Cove Lookout car park (start of the track) is closed from 1st October to 30th April.
Is Cathedral Cove open?
You can visit Cathedral Cove anytime. Due to increased traffic in Hahei village over summer, the Cathedral Cove Lookout car park (start of the track) is closed from 1st October to 30th April. Free parking is available at the entrance to Hahei Village, on your right hand side.
Is Cathedral Cove Tidal?
Cathedral Caves access is available two hours before low tide and one hour after low tide. Plan ahead. Take note and check tide times well before your visit as cell phone reception in the area is limited. Prices for access to the caves is $10 per adult and $2 per child.
What is the best time to visit Cathedral Cove?
To avoid the crowds during high season, the best time to visit Cathedral Cove is either early morning for sunrise or in the evening and stay to watch the sunset from the beach. Sunrise and sunset are also the best times to take beautiful photos of this unique destination.
Are there toilets at Cathedral Cove?
Facilities. Along the track, there aren’t any facilities at all. While there are drop toilets once you arrive at the Cove, it’s a good idea to bring your own toilet paper just in case. In terms of food and water, you’ll need to bring your own.
Is Cathedral Cove free?
Yes, visiting Cathedral Cove is free. You can also park for free at the Hahei Visitor Car Park or at Hahei Beach.
How are tides caused?
The moon’s gravity pulls the ocean toward it during high high tides. During low high tides, the Earth itself is pulled slightly toward the moon, creating high tides on the opposite side of the planet. Earth’s rotation and the gravitational pull of the sun and moon create tides on our planet.
Where to find Cathedral Cove in New Zealand?
Cathedral Cove is located at Hahei, just 10minutes drive from the famous Hot Water Beach . Foot access to Cathedral Cove starts at the top of Grange Road. Parking is at the Visitor Car Park on Pa Road (turn right just after entering Hahei).
How long is the walk from Cathedral Cove to Hahei Beach?
From the trailhead, it is a 45 minute walk to Cathedral Cove (Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve) and a 30 minute walk to Hahei Beach in the opposite direction.
What to see and do in Cathedral Cove?
The cathedral-like arch gives the whole area an air of grandeur. The beach is sandy with shady pohutukawa trees along the foreshore – a perfect place for a picnic and a swim. Just off the beach at Cathedral Cove is a large pinnacle of pumice breccia rock known as ‘Te Hoho’.
Which is the most beautiful beach in New Zealand?
Cathedral Cove New Zealand is often listed in the Top 10 of the most beautiful beaches in the country. Located on the Coromandel peninsula, it is definitively a picturesque place with forest, cliffs, beaches and a giant archway.