Hahei by Campervan: The Village Closest to Cathedral Cove

Quick summary: Hahei is the small beach village closest to Cathedral Cove, and the best campervan base for exploring it. The village sits behind a long, pale-sand beach facing islands in the marine reserve, with a holiday park, a handful of cafés and shops, and the start of the walk and kayak tours to the cove. Stay a night or two in your campervan or motorhome, and you can reach the cove at first light and Hot Water Beach at low tide without moving far.

At a glance
Where	Mercury Bay, on the eastern Coromandel
From Auckland	Around 175 km
To Cathedral Cove	On foot or by shuttle from the village; or by water
To Hot Water Beach	Around 10 km
Services	Holiday park, cafés, a small store; supermarkets in Whitianga and Tairua
Tours	Kayak tours, small-group tours

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Why stay in Hahei?

Because it puts you within walking distance of Cathedral Cove and the marine reserve. Day visitors arrive mid-morning and leave in the afternoon, but staying in Hahei means you can walk to the cove early, swim at the village beach in the evening, and watch the sun rise over the islands. It’s a quiet, relaxed place, especially outside the summer holidays.

What is there to do in Hahei?

• Walk to Cathedral Cove, with side trips to Gemstone Bay and Stingray Bay. See getting to Cathedral Cove.
• Kayak to the cove on a guided tour from the beach. See kayak tours.
• Walk to the pā site on Te Pare Point, at the southern end of the beach, for views over the bay and islands.
• Swim and relax on Hahei Beach.
• Visit Hot Water Beach, a short drive south.

Where can you park an RV in Hahei?

At the holiday park if you’re staying, or at the visitor parking areas set aside for Cathedral Cove visitors, which have more room for large vehicles than the village streets. The streets near the beach are narrow and fill quickly in summer, so avoid parking there in a large vehicle. Overnight stays outside campgrounds aren’t permitted. See where to park near Cathedral Cove.

Where can you stay?

• The Hahei holiday park, beside the beach, with powered sites and facilities.
• Hot Water Beach, with a holiday park near the beach.
• Cooks Beach and Whitianga, with more holiday parks.

See campsites in Mercury Bay.

Where are the supplies?

Hahei has a small store and cafés, but no supermarket or fuel station. Stock up in Whitianga, Tairua or Thames before arriving, and fill the water tank at your last stop.

Can you visit Hahei without a campervan?

Yes. Day trips from Auckland and small-group tours include Hahei and Cathedral Cove. See small-group tours and day trip or campervan?.

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Frequently Asked Questions