Cathedral Cove (Mautohe)

The famous arch links two white-sand coves on the Whanganui-a-Hei marine reserve. The main Mautohe track starts at the Grange Road trailhead, and most people park in Hahei and take the shuttle or walk up the hill. Go early or late in the day to share it with fewer people.

Good to know

• Free parking at the Hahei visitor carpark, then a paid park-and-ride shuttle to the trailhead
• There is no parking at the Grange Road trailhead itself, only drop-off
• Some side tracks (Gemstone Bay, Stingray Bay, the Hahei Beach walk) were closed at last check, so look at the DOC alerts first
• Take water, there is little shade

Best time

Early morning or late afternoon, outside school holidays

Getting there

Sealed to Hahei, then a 5 km return track (about 90 minutes) from Grange Road. Steep in places.

Vehicles

Campervans fine

Facilities

• Toilets

Data: Roadtrip. Things change: check opening times, prices and rules before you go.