CATHEDRAL COVE SUNRISE SNORKEL & PADDLE

Jo Taylor
Apr 20
4 min read

Updated: May 1

Mautohe Cathedral Cove is an absolute must visit in the Coromandel Peninsula, and its even more special to escape the crowds and arrive at this landmark by stand up paddle board. This is one of those paddles that makes you feel like you are in paradise, with crystal-clear waters, rugged volcanic coastlines, big caves, and snorkelling spots along the way.

And want to know how to make this 6km round trip paddle even more memorable? Launch at sunrise from Hahei beach, a stunning long, white, sandy beach that glows up as the sun comes up.

Paddle board to cathedral cove in the coromandel

The iconic cathedral cove

I stayed right on the beach front at the Hahei Beach Resort (highly recommend – more on that below!) so I could literally roll out of bed and launch straight onto the sand with my paddle board. Hahei is a sleeping rustic little spot where time stands still and your worries wash away! I set off at sunrise when the beach was quiet and the water was glassy calm and the sun was coming up – absolute magic.

Paddling north along the coastline, the golden light hit the cliffs and I could see straight through the clear water to the kelp forest below. Hugging close to the coast, there are some cool beaches (Gemstone Bay and Stingray Bay) and caves to stop at. It was pretty flat the day I went out but but be wary of the swell, it can be big around this area.

Arriving at Cathedral Cove was something else – it looks just as beautiful in real life as it does in the postcards! Cathedral Cove is a cathedral like arched cavern that passes through a rock headland joining two coves. Pull your board up onto the sand, walk through the archway and explore the cove, or just sit back and enjoy your coffee with a view. The large pinnacle rock known as 'Te Hoho' is quite a dramatic shape, eroded by the wind and water, framed by the cove arches.

Paddling at hahei with kelp forests with my red paddleboard

Getting there so early in the day meant I had the beach and stunning spot to myself to enjoy! Just me and my board, it felt super special for an hour before people started arriving by foot. It does get busy later in the day, so paddling early is a must.

On the way back, I stopped off at Gemstone Bay for a snorkel in the Te Whanganui o Hei marine reserve. This is a great safe spot to snorkel, with buoys with info about the fish you’ll spot and handles for those snorkelling to hold onto in the water. Marine life levels have increased a lot since it became a marine reserve and it felt abundant with wildlife. Expect lots of friendly snapper cruising about in this great little spot. I loved getting in for a mid paddle swim once the day started warming up. And then I had to get my head down and get back to base, hugging the coast for shelter as the wind picked up for the day. I would love to have paddled to Mahurangi Island but the wind had picked up for the day so save that one for next time!

route

campervan spot at hahei beach resort in the coromandel

PADDLING INFO for cathedral cove

RATING

Beginner Friendly

ROUTE & conditions

The swell can be very big on this coastline around Hahei so make sure there is no swell, and this can get big at high tide. Wild weather can come from the east so keep an eye on the forecasts before setting off.
As always, in summer, watch for the sea breeze picking up as the day picks up.
This paddle is accessible at all tides without too many strong tidal flows affecting your paddle.

WHERE TO PARK & LAUNCH

If you’re staying at Hahei Beach Resort, you can launch directly from the beach right in front of your accommodation – couldn’t be easier.
Otherwise, there’s public parking available in Hahei, a short walk from the beach via designated paths. It’s a popular spot, so aim to arrive early, especially in summer or on weekends.
You can launch by walking into the water from the beach, which is accessible at all tides. No permits are needed for non motorised crafts (paddlesports).

WHERE TO EAT & DRINK

The Pour House in Hahei is a great post-paddle refuel spot – tasty food, chilled vibes, and their own craft beer brewed on site.
Hahei Beach Café is another goodie for coffee or brunch if you're heading out early.
Don’t forget to pack a snack for Cathedral Cove – it’s a lovely place to perch on the sand and soak it all in.

WHERE TO SLEEP

Hahei Beach Resort – unbeatable location right on the sand, with a range of accommodation from campsites to cabins, top notch facilities, cracking pizzeria, bar and even hot tubs to enjoy under the stars.
There are also a few bachs and AirB&Bs around Hahei if you’re looking for something a bit more private or luxe.

LOCAL INFO

Rockfalls and landslides can occur at Mautohe Cathedral Cove as the landscape can be unstable, so there is a risk of injury, especially after heavy rain. Therefore, be careful moving through the arch if you do want to go under it, and do not stop.
Cathedral Cove is only accessible by foot or by the water, there are no toilets or bins so take all your rubbish out with you.
If the weather isn't playing ball for a paddle, I highly recommend a boat tour with the Hahei Explorer, taking you to the highlights of this incredible coast with brilliant, knowledgable tour guides and epic views!