It was about a 30 minute walk/hike down to the beach which was well worth it. The water is so blue and the cove makes for an amazing view. We lounged around on the beach the whole day and saw many people get drenched by the tide coming in which was the only thing we had to watch out for. It was a sunny day so there was a lot of people but I think that's expected. Parking in the beginning was a pain so if possible I recommend going early in the morning because by noon it gets pretty busy.
Was well worth the hike in, the start from HaHei beach can be a bit hard to find. We packed a picnic lunch and sat and enjoyed the great views. There are bathroom facilities on site but no food. I would recommend going early before it gets too crowded. Nice to get a picture without hundreds of people in th picture. Would not recommend doing the walk in flip flops, would also take some water.
This beach is iconic New Zealand! It is a great beach with clean sand and clear blue seas and the famous "cathedral" hole in the rock. Do be prepared for a testing hike down to the beach and back again to the car park though.
This is a beautiful beach, with an iconic arch. You can take a tramp to the beach, it is shortish but up and down hike. I saw plenty of younger people huffing and puffing up the hills. You can also take the water taxi from Hahei beach, $15 each way. You can walk one way and take the water taxi back. Worth the trip either way. Not wheel chair accessible that I could tell.
This place is amazing and is a must. Prepare to hike some so wear comfy shoes. We loved this place. Bring a camera and make sure you watch out for the rising and unpredictable tide. Also don't forget to sit back and take in the scenery because it's one of a kind. There is also some short hikes off the main one so lots of things to explore . Bring plenty of water and sunblock . It can get hot and sunny. I would plan for at least 4 hours return . Great place. Try to catch the sunrise. It gets crowded around noon and parking spots are little to none. Not too far away from hot water beach
Great walk down to the cove. However to see it at its absolute best check the tides. Take water. Worth while trek
Couldn't find a car park anywhere near this cove, missed being able to walk down to see the attraction
beautiful view from carpark of electric blue sea and dotted islands, it seemed a long hot walk down to the cove but so much easier and quicker coming back, the cove is breathtaking, a beach like id never seen before, caves and sharp pointed rocks compliment eachother, the turquiose sea and white sand, a romantic spot for sure, not too many there concidering hear it gets pretty hectic, pack a lunch and make a day of it, you can go by boat but the walk is great meeting people into their 70s, carpark can fill quickly and some eager people walked from Hahei Beach! go when tide is out, we just flucked that and was able to walk thru the hole in the rock, the photos are good but dont show the full beauty, my teen and me 'high five'ed at the top as we threw ourselves on the lawn at the top in the hot searing sun, a day well spent
Highly recommend the walk to Cathedral Cove but remember your sun screen and take some water as there is no cafe until back in Hahei
Make sure you have time to enjoy the walk from Hahai then you can reward yourself by relaxing on the beach. Use your imagination and be transported to the scene in the film Prince Caspian as you walk through the arch. You can even take a water taxi back if you don't want to walk.