We visited Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach on the same day since they are located close to each other. Both place are somewhat tide dependent, but Hot Water Beach more so than Cathedral Cove. So beware of the tide schedule and make sure you are at Hot Water Beach at low tide or you will miss out on digging your own hot tub!
Cathedral Cove is nestled within the breathtaking Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve on New Zealand’s Coromandel Peninsula. The Cove is a captivating destination that beckons visitors. Don’t expect to have this beach to yourself unless the weather is bad. This renowned site is celebrated for its awe-inspiring natural splendor, pristine beaches, and iconic rock formations.
There are a couple ways to access the cove. The easiest way is to take a water taxi from Hahei Beach. If you take this option you are going to pay $20 NZD/person each way! So it is a bit pricey. The next cheaper way is to park at the Cathedral Cove Park and Ride and then take a bus to the start of the hiking point which is $7 NZD/person. The cheapest way and what we did was park at Hahei Beach and then walk from there. The trail goes all the way from Hahei beach to Cathedral cove, but adds and extra .8 KM (.5 Miles) to the walk. It is a picturesque trail, winding its way through verdant native bush and unveiling stunning vistas of the coastline and neighboring beaches. The leisurely 45- 60 minute hike to Cathedral Cove is a delightful experience in itself, if you enjoy walking.
As you meander along the path, the captivating beauty of Stingray Bay and Gemstone Bay will greet you. You’ll come to Gemstone Bay first, where the opportunity to explore vibrant underwater life through snorkeling awaits. Pause and soak in the tranquility of Stingray Bay, where calm waters occasionally reveal graceful stingrays. This beach tends to be less crowded if you are looking for smaller crowds. Refer to the Google map below to see the locations of the points referenced above.
After passing the first two bays Cathedral Cove reveals itself in all its glory—an idyllic sandy beach framed by towering cliffs and adorned with crystalline turquoise waters. The crowning jewel of this spectacle is the magnificent rock arch that stands proudly, resembling the entrance to a grand cathedral. It is a sight that leaves visitors in awe. You can bask in the sun’s warmth on the sandy shores, dip your toes in the inviting waters, or embark on a voyage of discovery, exploring the fascinating rock formations and hidden nooks along the beach. The ambiance of Cathedral Cove is serene and captivating—a place where nature’s wonders unfold before your eyes.
The walk to Cathedral Cove is mostly exposed, so it is wise to come prepared with sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable footwear. New Zealand’s weather can be unpredictable, so dress in layers and carry a waterproof jacket to ensure your comfort. An interesting fact that we were unaware of before our visit to New Zealand is that the Sun is stronger there than many places in the world. This is due to New Zealand’s longitude and the low air pollution leads which means UV radiation is less likely to be scattered by airborne-pollution and more UV radiation reaches the ground. So make sure you cover up or use a lot of sunscreen. We had to learn the hard way!
Visiting Cathedral Cove offers a remarkable opportunity to witness the unspoiled beauty of New Zealand’s coastline. Whether you seek solace on the beach, aim to capture stunning photographs, or simply wish to immerse yourself in the majesty of nature, Cathedral Cove promises an unforgettable experience—a testament to the awe-inspiring wonders that the world has to offer.
After Cathedral Cove we zipped over to Hot Water Beach (only about a 10 minute drive). This is no ordinary beach. Oh no, it’s a geothermal wonderland! But don’t forget a shovel or some other digging tool since you’ll have to get under the surface to uncover bubbling and steaming hot springs? If you don’t have one you can rent them at the parking area which is nice for those that have to travel with a suitcase. The price was around $5 NZD for four hours.
Here’s the drill: Head to the beach within two hours either side of low tide—this is critical or you will be sorely disappointed. Armed with your shovel/spade, it’s time to dig your very own hot tub in the sand. When was the last time you were excited to dig a hole, I can tell you it had been a while since I was so motivated to dig in the sand and it was quite satisfying.
But wait, there’s more (because life loves a little challenge, doesn’t it?). You must find the sweet spot—the magical spot where the underground spring flows. It should be pretty easy to find because there will be swarms of people digging in the area. It is just to the North of a little rock formation out in the water. The hot springs lie just beneath the sand, ready to reward your efforts. After digging for a big as if by magic, warm water starts to seep into your sandy creation.
Indulge in the ultimate DIY spa experience. Close your eyes and let the warmth soothe your muscles, melt away your worries, and transport you to a state of blissful relaxation. It’s a moment of pure serenity, a communion between you, the Earth, and the rejuvenating powers of geothermal energy. Don’t forget to let some ocean water into your tub as the straight hot water will most likely be too hot for you to sit in.
So, my adventurous friend, prepare for a day of sandy excavations, laughter-filled camaraderie, and the sweet reward of soaking in your very own hot tub. Hot Water Beach is nature’s invitation to play and unwind—a place where imagination meets Earths natural heat source and memories are etched in the sands of time. And I wish you the best of luck and better experience than I had since Unfortunately after all my hard work I didn’t get to experience my own hot tub because we didn’t get there at the right time for the tide! But at least the beach was beautiful.
Have you ever missed out on something due to poor planning? Tell me your story!
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