Access to Cathedral Cove by water only this summer

The Department of Conservation (DOC) announced this morning that an independent report confirms the risk of potentially harmful rockfall and landslides at Cathedral Cove and its adjacent bays and tracks.  The level of risk to visitors' safety is at the top end of the scale that DOC can effectively manage, therefore DOC will not reinstate the current walking routes down to the beach for summer 2023-24.

However, within the next few weeks access to Cathedral Cove from the sea will be restored and visitors will be able to return to the beach via Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve. Ngāti Hei, the local iwi to which Cathedral Cove is highly significant, will lift its rāhui over the area, in place to protect visitor safety while assessments were made.

DOC will work with Ngāti Hei and stakeholders and include community consultation to develop a longer term sustainable plan for the site and to "take action for nature" in line with conservation goals and strategies.

Read the DOC media release here

Cathedral Cove is one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s iconic attractions and undoubtedly the leading attraction for Hauraki Coromandel. The prolonged closure has been another damaging effect of storms that ravaged the region earlier in 2023, and this decision is extremely difficult for our industry and local communities.

The health and safety of our visitors remains the primary concern.  DOC will provide safety information, both online and at the site, which can be communicated to visitors.

While nearby commercial operators will now be able to resume some regular tours over summer, the walkway is a major drawcard for the entire region.  The economic impact will be felt widely, not just by businesses that depend directly on access to the cove for a large part of their revenue.

For more information on DOC next steps and the independent risk assessment report:
https://www.doc.govt.nz/news/issues/cathedral-cove-and-hahei-updates/

Nga mihi
Destination Hauraki Coromandel