This is now one of the must-do New Zealand tourist destinations, for good reason. Google Cathedral Cove and Narnia and you’ll get lots of great footage, including the wonderful scene from The Chronicles of Narnia. Don’t expect to experience this beach alone - unless you pick a weird time, like the dead of winter. Even though there is quite a walk to get there, be prepared to follow the crowd.
First up, park at the Hahei Beach town entrance – it’s free. There is no longer parking near the walk start (lookout); there are some enterprising neighbours who let you park on their lawns for about $10. From there it is a ten minute walk to the beach to begin your walk; don’t take the road to the lookout (it is hot, steep and boring in comparison). Another option is to pay for a shuttle to the lookout. The walk to the lookout is about half an hour, and you will arrive at Cathedral Cove within another hour. Some parts are exposed, so protection is important if it's sunny.
Looking back at Hahei Beach.
Fantastic place for a swim, despite the crowd!
On the way, there are quick detours to Gemstone Bay and Stingray Bay. We had a nice swim at Stingray Bay, but there was a lot more seaweed and sand in the rougher water. Gemstone Bay has a snorkel trail, and is all rocks.
Stingray Bay.