Cathedral Cove (Mautohe)
Mautohe
A giant arch carved by the sea links two white-sand bays, with the Te Hoho rock pillar standing offshore, making it New Zealand's most iconic coastal scene.
The archway lies within the Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve. The clear water in the bays on either side of the rock arch is good for snorkeling and fish spotting, and nearby Gemstone Bay has a snorkel trail. After a storm-triggered landslide in 2023, the land track was closed for a long period. The newly built track has since reopened, so check the latest DOC notices before setting out. In summer the top car park is closed, and visitors must transfer from Hahei by shuttle. You can also reach it from Hahei by kayak or water taxi.
Opening hours
All day (per DOC notices)
Nearby sights
- Hahei Beach
- Cooks Beach
- Shakespeare Cliff Lookout & Lonely Bay
- Hot Water Beach
- Whitianga
- Opito Bay
- Otama Beach
- Matarangi Beach