Going to Cathedral Cove? Plan your parking before you arrive in Hāhei
Published on 05 December 2024
With walking access restored to Mautohe Cathedral Cove, our Council is recommending visitors to the iconic coastal arch plan their parking before they arrive in Hāhei.
The car park at the top of Grange Road in Hāhei where the walkway begins remains permanently closed to parking. It’s available for drop-off and pick-up only. There is no parking along Grange Road itself. Parking elsewhere in Hahei village is extremely limited except for at the very large, and free, Council-run visitors car park at the entrance to the village.
View the parking map here.
From here, visitors can catch a shuttle or walk to the track entrance.
Paid parking is also available at the Cathedral Cove Gateway Trail on Lees Road, a little bit out of Hāhei.
People are asked to make use of these parking options to avoid congestion and safety risks from trying to find parking within the village itself.
For those who prefer a sea approach to the Cove, commercial tour options such as kayaks and boats are also available.
The Department of Conservation has made great efforts to reopen walking access to Cathedral Cove in time for summer, but caution is still required: rockslides and landslides can still occur as the landscape is naturally unstable.
People are asked to exercise caution by moving quickly under the arch, if they choose to go under it, and to stay back from the shadow of the cliffs, and not to visit during or after heavy rain.
People are also reminded at the beach at Cathedral Cove is remote. There are no toilets, freshwater or rubbish bins – people are asked to leave nature as they find it. Walking conditions can be very hot in summer, and the track requires moderate to good fitness. People also need sturdy footwear, plenty of water and sun protection.
Cathedral Cove is one of New Zealand’s most recognisable landmarks and early this year, the attraction was named as one of the world’s best beaches.
In its placing as no. 46 for the 50 Best Beach List, Cathedral Cove was described as “pristine and tranquil”.
“The beach itself is made of golden sand and is lined with native pōhutkawa trees, enhancing its scenic beauty.”
For more information on Cathedral Cove, and to stay up to date with any changes to access, visit the DOC website (www.doc.govt.nz).
