One of the Coromandel’s Most Iconic Views

One of the most Instagrammed spots on New Zealand’s Coromandel Peninsula is Mautohe Cathedral Cove. It’s easy to understand why — it is truly spectacular.

With its dramatic rock arch, golden sand, and turquoise water, the cove feels almost unreal. The towering, cathedral-like opening carved into the white rock gives the beach its name and creates one of the most photogenic coastal scenes in the country.

A Famous Film Location

Cathedral Cove also claims fame as one of the best-known filming locations from The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian. The recognisable rock formations were used to depict the Pevensie children discovering the ruins of Cair Paravel. For film lovers, it adds an extra layer of magic to an already cinematic landscape.

Track Closures – Check Before You Go

As of late January and February 2026, the walking tracks to Mautohe Cathedral Cove are closed due to fresh slips, rockfalls, and damage caused by severe weather. Following heavy rain, the Department of Conservation (DOC) closed the tracks for safety assessments, reversing a reopening that had occurred in December 2024.

The DOC website is not always updated promptly, so it’s worth checking for the latest information before planning your visit.

Our Route: Cathedral Cove Gateway Trail

When we visited, we opted to park at the privately owned Cathedral Cove Gateway Trail, which starts at a paid car park at 150 Lees Road, Hahei.

The walk from this location takes you through native bush and farmland. It was a lovely, peaceful alternative to the main route — no crowds and a cool selection of local “natives” (sheep) along the trail.

When the path joined the main tarmacked trail from Hahei, there was a coffee shop and toilet facilities — a welcome sight for many hikers.

The Descent to the Beach

From there, the trail continued downhill, eventually turning into a series of fairly steep steps. Then suddenly, we found ourselves on Cathedral Cove Beach — and it was stunning.

The beach was spectacular. We could immediately understand how so many people make their way down to this hidden slice of sandy paradise. The vast archway, the crashing waves, and the dramatic cliffs make it feel both grand and intimate at the same time.

It was slightly crowded, but we got the photos we came for — after all, we Instagram too. After some lunch and a couple of juice boxes, we began the climb back up the hill.

Is It Worth It?

The Cathedral Cove hike was a great experience. Although we generally prefer less crowded beaches, it was undeniably cool to stand beneath the enormous, cathedral-domed rock arch.

I imagine the place must feel truly magical if you arrive first thing in the morning and catch the rising sun streaming straight through the cave. If you can time it right — and the tracks are open — it’s absolutely worth the effort.