Mautohe Cathedral Cove Information Pack

Please find attached a stakeholder information pack prepared by the Department of Conservation in readiness for the re-opening of Mautohe Cathedral Cove in early December.

This pack includes a PDF document with all the links and resource material you should need to help guide our manuhiri (guests) in experiencing the cove this summer. A link to a map of the area, which outlines the two track options, toilets, and parking information is also supplied.

The Department of Conservation has updated its website, which is visible now and should be your first point of contact for day-to-day updates on the track.

Stakeholders Pack

•    Summary pdf
•    Plan before you leave flyer
•    Map (toilets, parking & walkway options)

You will see below, and for those who listened to the DOC update at our workshop, you will recall that there will be a national safety campaign for Mautohe this summer, which aims to help protect both Mautohe Cathedral Cove and our manuhiri visiting the area. This is also available in the pack and downloadable here:

•    Safety poster
•    Digital safety message
•    Caring for Mautohe (Tiaki Promise) poster

Key Information

While we recommend you download all the attached resources, please find a few key points to note below;

• Plan your transport: as there is no parking at the Grange Road track entrance. 
  • Free parking is available at the Hahei Visitor Carpark, at the village entrance. From here, you can walk or catch a shuttle bus to the start of the track. 
  • Paid parking is available at the Cathedral Cove Gateway Trail.
  • There are also many different commercial tour options – including kayaks and boats. 
• Duration: 
  • Depending on your level of fitness and the pace you walk – and how long you spend on the beach - it’ll take about 90 minutes return from the Grange Rd entrance. 
  • Walking from the Hahei Visitor Carpark adds an extra 30 mins each way. It has a long uphill section and there is little shade. 
  • You can also park at the Cathedral Cove Gateway Trail (paid parking) and walk to Cathedral Cove in 30-40 minutes. 
• Accessibility: While the walking track contains stairs and steep sections, you can view or reach the cove by water. Some commercial boat operators offer accessible tours so you can experience the magic of the Coromandel and Mautohe Cathedral Cove. 
• Toilets are not available on the beach: There are toilets at the start of the track, and part-way along, about 10-15 minutes from the end of the track.  The nearest available to the beach is at the main walking track junction with the Cathedral Cove Gateway Trail from Lees Road.
• There are no rubbish bins: take all rubbish away with you, and bring a refillable water bottle.
• Visitor safety: Rockfalls and landslides occur frequently at Mautohe Cathedral Cove and other parts of this coastline, as the landscape is naturally unstable. These could cause serious injury or death. The risk is highest during or after heavy rain, but there can still be landslides and rockfall in good weather. To reduce the risk: 
  • If you do want to go under the arch then move quickly through it. Do not stop under the arch. 
  • Stay back from the shadow of the cliffs. 
  • Do not visit during or after heavy rain. 
  • These are wild beaches with no lifeguards. Take care in and around the water.