Access to the iconic Cathedral Cove has been restored just in time for the busy summer months, following extensive damage caused by severe weather.
A temporary walking track is now open, allowing visitors to once again reach the renowned beach during the holiday season.
The original 3.8-kilometer track had been obstructed by landslides triggered by last year’s Cyclone Hale and Cyclone Gabrielle. On 1 Dec 2024, Conservation Minister Tama Potaka officially reopened the track, calling it a crucial milestone in the region’s recovery from the cyclones and the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“This reopening is a significant boost for the local tourism sector,” Potaka said, noting that Cathedral Cove attracts around 250,000 visitors annually and is expected to generate approximately $12 million for the region each year.
The track’s restoration was funded by a $1.4 million grant from the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy, marking the initial phase of a larger $5 million project aimed at enhancing long-term access.
“To ensure the track is ready for this summer, we’ve implemented a temporary solution,” Potaka explained. “The next phase will focus on creating a more resilient pathway capable of withstanding future weather events and land movement.”
The track had been closed since February 2023, following Cyclone Gabrielle, with sea access being the only option for visitors. Along its length, there were up to 180 slips, some dating back years and others caused by recent storms.
The Department of Conservation (DoC) faced significant challenges in reconnecting the track, particularly in navigating the largest landslide. A new boardwalk now links the unaffected sections, and the steps leading to the beach have been rebuilt.
Despite the reopening, DoC may still advise against using the track during periods of high weather or geological risk.
Last month, DoC highlighted ongoing difficulties as tourists attempted to bypass barriers to access the beach, leading to daily turnaways and some visitors even climbing over safety fences.
Cathedral Cove, renowned for its striking rock arch, was recently named one of the world’s top 50 beaches, reaffirming its status as a must-visit destination.