Put Hahei Beach New Zealand on the Reserve List

Considered one of the most beautiful in the Coromandel Peninsula, Hahei Beach New Zealand– a 1.5 km. unspoiled stretch characterized by white sands, pohutukawa trees, drifts of pink shells, and warm, clear crystal waters sheltered by offshore islands – is one of three beach bay access points to Te Whangaunui A Hei Marine Reserve. The name translates from Maori to “Cathedral Cove.” The beach itself is named after Maori Chief Hei.

Cathedral Cove Beach and Stingray Bay offer alternate access. The bay of islands and coastal waters make up the marine park offering great diving, snorkeling, and surfing. Reserve boundaries, marked by outer island white posts, contain larger numbers and size of snapper than those that exist beyond these points.

New Zealand vacation tourism is represented by a number of tour operators here. Breathtaking coastal kayaking, fantastic diving, and scenic boat adventure trips at the marine reserve await exploration. Cathedral Cove offers guided sea kayak tours and dive trips through volcanic coastline, offshore islands, and sea caves.

When the tide’s right, Hahei Explorer’s scenic adventure boat tours capture great photo opportunities at an underground blowhole, as well as areas visited on the kayak and dive tours, plus snorkel stops.

A designated snorkeling trail points explorers to marine life, outlined by educational panels posted on buoys in Gemstone Bay. Photos and information illustrate fish, seaweed, and crustacean populations in their habitats.

The eastern end of Hahei Beach leads to several New Zealand walks on land that adjoin the the marine reserve, including Te Pare Point Historic Reserve (on the north end of Hahei Beach Rd.) and Cathedral Cove track (on the south end). These attractions are accessible only by foot.

Archaeological remains of Mautohe Pa, a fortified war refuge built by Maori at Te Pare Point Historic Reserve, shows terracing that evidences the old Maori method of fortification.

Another nearby coastal walk that shouldn’t be missed leads to Hot Water Beach, where a shovel is needed to dig up unique hot water baths found below the sand at low tide.

Many lodging options are available in nearby Hahei. Hahei Holiday Resort offers a range of accommodation from camping, cabins, and deluxe villas to backpacking and motor home sites. Tatahi Lodge Hahei New Zealand is another excellent Coromandel Peninsula accommodation.

Cathedral Cove Lodge Villas offers the only beachfront accommodation on Hahei Beach. For New Zealand vacations on a budget, Cathedral Cove Backpacker has economy facilities for independent travelers, recommended by Lonely Planet travel guide book.