Cathedral Cove by Campervan: Hahei, Hot Water Beach and the Coromandel

Quick summary: Cathedral Cove is one of New Zealand’s most photographed places, a towering rock arch between two white-sand beaches on the Coromandel Peninsula, and an easy campervan trip from Auckland. For campervan and motorhome travellers, the key is planning the approach: parking near the walking track is restricted, so most visitors park in Hahei and walk or take a shuttle, or see the cove from the water on a boat or kayak tour. Nearby Hot Water Beach, where thermal water seeps up through the sand at low tide, completes one of the North Island’s best road-trip days.

At a glance
Where	Near Hahei, Mercury Bay, on the eastern Coromandel Peninsula
From Auckland	Around 175 km, about 2 hours 30 minutes
Getting to the cove	On foot or by shuttle from Hahei, or by boat or kayak; check DOC for current access
Parking	Restricted near the track; use the visitor parking in Hahei
Nearby	Hot Water Beach, around 10 km away
Tours	Cathedral Cove tours, featured tours

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Why visit Cathedral Cove by campervan?

Because the best moments here come early and late, when the day visitors have gone. With a campervan, you can stay at a holiday park in Hahei or Mercury Bay, reach the cove at first light, dig a hot pool at Hot Water Beach at low tide, and spend a few days exploring the marine reserve, sea caves and beaches without rushing back to Auckland.

What is Cathedral Cove?

A huge natural arch carved by the sea through a headland, linking two sheltered beaches of pale sand. The cove, known in Māori as Mautohe, lies within the Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve, where the sea is protected and fish life is abundant. A large rock stack stands offshore, and the cliffs are lined with pōhutukawa trees.

How do you get to the cove?

Option	What it involves	Guide
On foot from Hahei	A coastal walk, with a shuttle option for part of the way	Getting to Cathedral Cove
Boat cruise	Trips from Hahei and Whitianga, viewing the cove from the water	Cathedral Cove from the water
Kayak	Guided paddles from Hahei Beach	Cathedral Cove from the water

Access arrangements have changed in recent years after storm damage, so check the Department of Conservation’s current information before you go.

What else is there around Mercury Bay?

Place	Why go	Guide
Hot Water Beach	Dig your own thermal pool around low tide	Hot Water Beach
Hahei	The village closest to the cove	Hahei village
Whitianga	Mercury Bay’s main town, with sailing and cruises	Whitianga and Mercury Bay
The marine reserve	Snorkelling and diving	Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve
Tairua and Pauanui	Beaches and Paku summit	Tairua, Pauanui and the east coast

Where do you park an RV for Cathedral Cove?

In Hahei, not at the top of the track. Parking close to the walking track is restricted, and the roads above the cove are narrow, so visitors park at the visitor parking areas in and around Hahei and walk or take the shuttle. Better still, stay at a holiday park in Hahei and walk from your campsite. See where to park near Cathedral Cove.

Which itineraries are available?

See our Cathedral Cove itineraries, from a weekend from Auckland to a five-day Coromandel loop. For the wider Coromandel route, see our sister site’s Coromandel by campervan.

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Frequently Asked Questions