Cathedral Cove New Zealand

Cathedral Cove is arguably one of the most picturesque spots (and there are many) in The Coromandel Peninsula.From beautiful Hahei Beach you can walk to Cathedral Cove where a naturally formed archway deserves photographic attention.From the north end of the beach a one hour walking track leads along the cliff top and then descends to the Cove. Here a gigantic arched cavern passes through a white rock headland to join two secluded coves. The cathedral-like arch gives whole area an air of grandeur. The beach is sandy with shady pohutukawa trees along the foreshore - a perfect place for a picnic and a swim.Just off the beach at Cathedral Cove is a large pinnacle of pumice breccia rock known as Te Hoho. Over centuries this has been sculpted by wind and water - it now looks like the prow of a large ship steaming into the beach.If you prefer a slightly shorter walk (about 1.5 hours return) start from the car park at the end of Grange Road in Hahei - turn left just after the Hahei shops.For snorkellers and scuba divers Cathedral Cove Marine Reserve provides a visual feast of sponge gardens reef systems and marine life to observe.