Mautohe Cathedral Cove Track

Ngāti Hei holds mana whenua or customary authority over this special place.

Landslide risk Mautohe Cathedral Cove has a history of major landslides and rockfall. To reduce risk: Do not visit during or immediately after heavy rain. Move quickly through the rock archway. Do not sit directly under the cliffs. Make sure you know the risks and are comfortable with them before you visit. How DOC manages risk at Mautohe Cathedral Cove Tidal access: At high tide, Mautohe Cathedral Cove beach can be cut off from the track. Keep an eye on the tide and do not enter the rock archway if it’s underwater. Dangerous waves: In rough seas, waves surge through the rock archway and onto the beach. They can cut off the beach or make access unsafe. Unpatrolled beaches: Beaches have rip currents and big waves. They are not patrolled by lifeguards. Supervise children and if in doubt, stay out. Boats and watercraft: There are no boat lanes to separate boats, jet skis and kayaks from swimmers. Stay alert in and around the water. Steep drops: The track to Tokawhakairo McHands Lookout has sheer drops and gets very windy. Stay on the track and away from cliff edges.

At low tide, there’s more room on the beach and it’s easier to stay clear of the cliffs. In summer, Mautohe Cathedral Cove gets very crowded and hot. There is little shade on the track or beach. Do not visit during or immediately after heavy rain. Do not visit in rough seas. Before you go: Check this page for track closures. Check for heavy rain warnings. View weather forecast Time your visit for low tide. View tide times Check for coastal warnings. View marine forecast

Bookings are not required for Mautohe Cathedral Cove Track. Non-flushing toilets and an accessible toilet are located at the track entrance. There are flush toilets (non-accessible) on the track 10–15 min walk from the beach. Drinking water is not available on the track or at the beach. There is a drinking fountain and water bottle refill station at Hahei Visitor Car Park. Seating is provided at the lookout by the track entrance and at viewpoints along the track. Food and petrol can be found in Hahei.

Sturdy footwear with good grip – lightweight sandals and jandals are unsuitable Sun protection including sunscreen, sun hat, sunglasses and a long-sleeved top Portable shade such as an umbrella or beach tent 1 to 2 litres of water per person Food and snacks Warm and waterproof clothing Mobile phone Rubbish bag or container For a complete list, see Day Hikes gear list .

Ngāti Hei have an enduring cultural responsibility to care for Mautohe Cathedral Cove. Your care supports Ngāti Hei in their role as kaitiaki or guardians of this special place. Rubbish bins are not provided. Take your rubbish with you. Graffiti on rock surfaces is illegal and deeply disrespectful to Ngāti Hei. Use the toilets provided. Mautohe Cathedral Cove is part of Te Whanganui-o-Hei/Cathedral Cove Marine Reserve . All marine life is protected. Protecting nature in Aotearoa No drones Flying a drone without a permit is strictly prohibited. Drones on conservation land