Ever been to any of Windows’ wallpaper locations? The Cathedral Cove Walk is one of the most public accessible spots for the famous Windows 10’s background photo!
Cathedral Cove is located in the southern part of the Coromandel Peninsula, New Zealand. You will find stunning views along the Coromandel Coast, during the 30-40 minutes walk to the iconic rock archway of Cathedral Cove.
Getting There: Parking & Entrances
Grange Road Car Park and Entrance to Cathedral Cove
There are several ways to start your walk to the Cathedral Cove. The main entrance is at the end of Grange Road with paid parking (one off payment of 15.50NZD for 4 hours max) available only from May to September. During the peak season from October to April, the car park is closed to limit the traffic.
Free Parking in Hahei Village
For the cheaper option, you may park for free at Hahei Visitor Car Park, and walk via the beach to Grange Road entrance to Cathedral Cove Walk. You may also opt for the Cathedral Cove Park and Ride shuttle bus services that cost 7NZD per adult for a return bus trip.
Lees Road Cathedral Cove Carpark
There is an alternative paid car park (10NZD per two adults) and entrance to the Cathedral Cove Walk via Lees Road. This path takes about 20 minutes from the car park halfway of the main track, and another 25 minutes to Cathedral Cove from the main track.
The Walk to Cathedral Cove
There are some awesome coastal views from the beginning section of the track.
The path is of well paved track and stairs, with slight to moderate inclinations toward the cove.
There are several sidetracks you can do on the way, such as a 1km return loop to a viewing platform, and several short sidetracks to different bays but I didn’t find them very interesting.
Reaching the cove, the first thing you see is the beach.
Look back and you’ll find the iconic Cathedral Cove archway behind you.
The cove can be busy with tourists or “professional photographers” who will try to recreate that recognizable Windows 10 wallpaper.
The ceiling under the rock archway.
Walk through the cove to the other side to discover a whole new scenery.
A unique triangle rock on the other side.
On your way back, you won’t regret stopping by Johnny’s Tairua for their amazing tacos and LIFE-CHANGING real fruit ice cream!
Have this guide helped you? Tag @meowtainpeople in your hiking stories & posts!
*Captain Planet passing by* Remember, please take care of our environment, and please don’t destroy the Nature. Leave no trash behind and take back only photos and memories (and also some trash if you can). Walk on the designated path and stay in the middle as much as you can, so that the exposed soil doesn’t spread/corrode further. BE ONE WITH NATURE *flies away*
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