The must-do Cathedral Cove Gateway Trail is a popular 4.5 km walk on the Coromandel Peninsula, in the Mercury Bay region, on the North Island of New Zealand. A spectacular shorter walk suitable for most levels of fitness, this route offers a path through farmland before joining the main walkway, for a steady descent on forest track with some stairs, as it winds down through lush vegetation to reach the beach for views of the impressive natural rock cave forming an archway that connects the beaches. Cathedral Cove and its stunning cliff-lined white sand beach can only be reached on foot or by boat. This route is a private walkway which means there is an entry/parking fee of around $10 NZD per vehicle. Alternatively, shuttles and tours operate to and from Auckland, and there is a private water taxi available from Hahei (weather/sea conditions dependant). All visitors are advised to take caution as there is the danger of rock fall, and to be prepared with appropriate footwear, food and plenty of water, as well as extra layers and/or a wind or waterproof jacket in case of changeable and hazardous coastal weather conditions. Based on our data, the trail is graded as easy. For information on how we grade trails, please click here. Also, check our latest community posts for trail updates. This trail can be completed in approx. 2 hours. Caution is advised on trail times as this depends on multiple variables. For more info, click here.
