Hahei is a sleepy beach town on the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island and a beloved local vacation spot. Despite its small size, this idyllic village is home to one of New Zealand’s most iconic landmarks, Cathedral Cove, a soaring chalk-white stone archway. In addition, Hahei offers a myriad of activities for vacationers, from lounging at the local beach and wine tasting at Mercury Bay to digging for geothermal pools at Hot Water Beach or kayaking out to Cathedral Cove.
Check out these eight essential activities to make your next visit to Hahei unforgettable.
Hike out to Te Pare Point
This stunning short walk beginning at either Hahei Beach or Pa Road features spectacular views of Te Whanganui-o-Hei/Cathedral Cove Marine Reserve and the surrounding coastline. Te Pare Point is home to two pā sites (fortified villages), which protected the local Ngāti Hei people from invasion.
It only takes about 20 minutes to walk on the well-established trail from either starting point to the headland overlook. Enjoy views of Mahurangi (Goat) Island, Motueka (Pigeon) Island, Hahei Beach, and the sparkling azure waters of the marine reserve.
The track is suitable for most abilities and is the perfect place to stretch your legs while sunbathing or swimming at the beach. The trail begins at the end of Pa Road, or the southern end of Hahei Beach. It is about 1km in total.
Wine and dine at Mercury Bay Estate
Situated on the hillside overlooking sloping vineyards and the sandy Te Whanganui-a-Hei (Mercury Bay), Mercury Bay Estate is the perfect spot to kick back and relax over a glass of wine and wood-fired pizza.
This family-owned vineyard produces wine from grapes grown on their Mercury Bay and Hawke’s Bay estates, resulting in authentic flavors that showcase the beauty of the Coromandel. Gaze out over the golden sands of Cooks Beach while sipping a glass of Pinot Noir made from grapes on-site, or savor Neopolitan perfection with one of the restaurant’s wood-fired pizzas. The kitchen also offers expertly curated cheese and antipasto boards brimming with local and international flavors.
For the latest opening times or to make a reservation, visit their website.
Relax on Cooks Beach
This 3-kilometer expanse of white sand is the perfect spot to relax on a summer afternoon. The Purangi River estuary to the east creates a tranquil swimming area, protected from swells. The sandy shoreline of Cooks Beach is the perfect place for an afternoon stroll. Also in the distance are beautiful views of the lush foliage and white chalk slopes of Shakespeare Cliff.
Māori settled in this harbor in the early 14th century, making it one of the earliest settlements. However, the coast gained its contemporary name from Captain Cook. Cook anchored in the bay in 1739 to observe the transit of Mercury, resulting in Cooks Beach and Mercury Bay.
Take in the views at Shakespeare Cliff Lookout
Overlooking the sweeping white sand of Cooks Beach is the Shakespeare Cliff Lookout. The observation deck is a short drive from the beach, and the dirt road ends at a culdesac. After parking, it’s just a few meters walk to the viewpoint.
The wooden viewing deck features plaques explaining the various geographical features, including islands and coastlines.
Dig deep at Hot Water Beach
As indicated by the name, this beach is famous for its geothermal waters hidden below the sand. To take advantage of the geothermal water at Hot Water Beach, bring a shovel and arrive at low tide.
The geothermal water is only present in one rocky area of the beach where there’s a large boulder offshore. It’s easily recognizable at low tide, crowded with shovel-yielding beachgoers. Follow the crowds to engage in the child-like joy of digging a hole in the sand. Then, hunker down and enjoy bathing in the warm water that bubbles up.
Surf, play, and sunbathe at Hahei Beach
Hahei Beach is one of my favorites in New Zealand. The sprawling golden-pink sand is shaded by pohutukawa trees and protected by offshore islands, making for tranquil swimming conditions. On the odd day when the swell is pumping, it’s the perfect spot for bodyboarding in the crashing waves.
Dine at the Church Bistro
For food so good it’s almost a religious experience, visit the Church Bistro. Located a short walk from the town center, this 20th-century wooden church now houses an exceptional family-operated restaurant with a laid-back ambiance and modern cuisine.
The kitchen is led by the Souza father-son duo from Brazil, creating dishes that blend flavors from their heritage with travel, including inspiration from India, Portugal, the Netherlands, and New Zealand. The restaurant has an excellent selection of wine, beer, and cocktails to complement its seasonal menus.
For the latest offerings and to make a booking, visit their website.
Marvel at Cathedral Cove
Hahei’s crown jewel and top attraction is the iconic archway of Cathedral Cove. This sweeping stone arch served as a sacred space and meeting ground for Māori and is now one of New Zealand’s most-photographed landmarks.
Unfortunately, the walking track to Cathedral Cove was closed when I visited due to Cyclone Gabrielle. So, be sure to visit the DOC website before trekking from Hahei. Thankfully, there are many ways to appreciate the grandeur of this archway by sea despite the walking track being closed.
Water Taxi
The simplest alternative is to take the Cathedral Cove Water Taxi. The water taxi departs from Hahei Beach and drops visitors on the beach at Cathedral Cove. The cost is 80 NZD for adults and 60 NZD for kids. We visited Hahei several times during the high season (summer), and the water taxi was never operating. Thus, visit their website to check operation times and confirm the water taxi is going when you plan to visit.
Hahei Explorer
The second option is to tour the coastline by boat with the Hahei Explorer. The boats are limited to just ten passengers and follow the dramatic volcanic coastline, touring the offshore islands, hidden coves, and the magnificent Cathedral Cove. The guides are friendly and knowledgeable, sharing facts and history about the beautiful Te Whanganui-a-Hei (Cathedral Cove) Marine Reserve.
The boat trip lasts 1 hour and costs 125 NZD for adults and 75 NZD for children. However, the boat does not land at the Cathedral Cove beach but offers spectacular views of the arch from the water. Therefore, I recommend booking around high tide when the tour makes an additional stop at Blowhole, a cylindrical sea cave that’s 80 feet tall and opens to the sky.
Cathedral Cove Kayak Tours
If you’re keen on exercising while sightseeing, take a tour with Cathedral Cove Kayak Tours. This is my favorite option to visit Cathedral Cove; you’re kitted out in lifejackets and rain skirts and launched from Hahei Beach in banana-yellow double kayaks.
The guides are engaging, exuding the laid-back vibes you’d expect from professional sea kayakers as they guide you around the marine reserve. The tour culminates with a beach landing at Cathedral Cove, where the guides whip up cappuccinos and hot tea over bunsen burners while guests snap their photos in front of the legendary ignimbrite archway.
The tour begins and ends at Hahei Beach with all equipment provided, including dry bags for cameras and phones. The excursion lasts around 3 hours with instructional time, paddling, and the landing at Cathedral Cove with snacks. This tour is suitable for most abilities; the double kayaks are very stable, and the guides provide excellent instruction before setting out.
Visit their website for the latest prices and schedule.
