Cathedral Cove Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience Cathedral Cove. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Glass Bottom Boat Whitianga Cathedral Cove Cruise

• One Hour Cathedral Cove Boat Tour in Hahei

• Cathedral Cove & Coromandel Peninsula Small-Group Day Tours

• Cathedral Cove Coast and Cave Activity

• Arvo of Goodness Chilled out Sail (3.5hrs)

It’s free to visit Cathedral Cove, but many travelers choose to take a guided tour and reach the cove from the water. Short boat tours from Whitianga start at US$83 per person, while full-day tours of the Coromandel Peninsula and Cathedral Cove from Auckland start at US$155.

Yes, Cathedral Cove is one of the most photographed spots along the Coromandel Peninsula, famous for its white-sand beach and dramatic coastal arch. Make an early start if you're driving there, as parking spots fill up fast—or for the ultimate views, take a hike along Cathedral Cove Track or access the beach from the water on a boat cruise or kayaking tour.

Per one customer who booked the Glass Bottom Boat Whitianga Cathedral Cove Cruise, "A great couple of hours on the water! We enjoyed seeing fish up close, touring around Cathedral Cove and other nearby spots, swimming/snorkelling off the boat, and learning about local history. The staff (Caitie and Aliza) were awesome, including when 2 of us got a bit seasick. Highly recommend the trip!"

To reach Cathedral Cove from Auckland, it’s best to drive. Take State Highway 1 to Thames, then take State Highway 25 along the Coromandel Peninsula. Follow the signs to Hahei Beach, where you can park and access the walking trail that takes you directly to Cathedral Cove.

The best time of year to visit Cathedral Cove for good weather is during the summer months, from December through February. During these months, you can expect sunny weather and warm temperatures, which make it the perfect setting for exploring the coastline, swimming, kayaking, and spending time on the beach.

The walk from the parking lot to Cathedral Cove beach typically takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour. The trail is around 1.5 miles (2.5 kilometers) each way, and there are some interesting stops along the way, including viewpoints and bays perfect for taking a quick swim.

Facilities are limited at Cathedral Cove, so it’s best to bring your own supplies. Pack your own snacks and bottled water. You won’t find any shops or restaurants directly on the beach. There are drop toilets at the cove, but it’s recommended to bring your own toilet paper.

Yes, visitors can swim and snorkel at Cathedral Cove; however there are no lifeguards on duty, so it’s always advisable to explore with a group or on an organized tour. Gemstone Bay, known for its abundant marine life, is a popular snorkeling spot along the Cathedral Cove trail.

At Cathedral Cove, you can look for diverse marine life, such as dolphins, penguins, whales, and seals—or colorful fish if you decide to go snorkeling. The area is also home to native birds, so bring binoculars for a chance to spot fantails and yellowhammers, among many other species.

There are tons of fun things to do when you're done visiting Cathedral Cove. According to travelers, these are some of the top attractions on the North Island:

• Hobbiton Movie Set

• Waitomo Caves

• Auckland Harbour Bridge

• Te Puia

• Government Gardens Rotorua

View Viator's guide to all the best attractions on the North Island.