New Zealand

Cathedral Cove

Cathedral Cove Beach, situated in the northern part of New Zealand, is renowned for its rocky arch and picturesque scenery. The beach boasts crystal-clear waters that are ideal for swimming for the majority of the year and teeming with fish.

It is worth noting that Cathedral Bay has no shops or other facilities, and certain activities such as fishing, building fires, and littering are forbidden. Despite this, the beach is a popular destination for a diverse range of visitors, including surfers, nature enthusiasts, families with children, and solo travelers who appreciate the natural beauty of the area.

Discover accommodation options near Cathedral Cove Beach and enjoy its crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming.

For those planning a trip to this beach, the optimal time to visit is during the local summer period from December to January. So, pack your swimsuit and immerse yourself in the splendor of Cathedral Cove Beach!

Visitor Reviews

Visitor reviews highlight the beautiful and magical swimming spot with clear paths and easy walking access. Visitors recommend going early to avoid crowds and taking a picnic. However, visitors complain about limited parking and dirty drop toilets. Some visitors warn that the hike to and from the beach can be challenging due to the constant incline and stairs.

Where to Stay near Cathedral Cove?

If you're planning a trip to Cathedral Cove, consider staying in Hahei, a nearby town that provides easy access to the beach. Most visitors choose accommodations in Hahei due to its proximity and the availability of various lodging options, from holiday parks to cozy bed and breakfasts.

The following map shows available accommodations and their prices. See the full list of accommodation options here.

Where is Cathedral Cove?

Latitude: -36.8287083 / Longitude: 175.7906293

Cathedral Cove is located in New Zealand. The following map of Cathedral Cove shows the exact location.

Cathedral Cove: Weather Today

📅 Friday, August 29, 2025
Today is not ideal for the beach at Cathedral Cove. Expect some rain showers. The wind will be strong, so be prepared for blustery conditions. The sea is choppy with moderate waves. The air temperature will reach a high of 15.1 °C, and the sea temperature is 14.9 °C, making it too cold for swimming. The cloud cover will be considerable, limiting sunshine. The UV index will only reach 5, so sun protection isn't a major concern today.
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Air

Low / High11.6°C/15.1°C
Feels Like (High)12.1°C
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Sea

Sea Temperature14.9 °C
Wave Height1.6 m
🌧️

Rain

Rain Chance93%
Rainfall0.7 mm
Rain Duration3 h
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Sun

Sunrise / Sunset06:42/17:53
Sunshine Hours9.8 hrs
UV Index5.05
Cloud Cover66%
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Wind

Speed27.8 km/h
Gusts64.8 km/h
DirectionW

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