Cathedral Cove Day Trip from Auckland

Overview

Available languages

English

10 hours

Mobile ticket

Your day will begin with a pick up from your central Auckland hotel in an air conditioned minivan. Then there is a scenic 2-hour drive to the small Coromandel town of Tairua.

From here, take a 15-minute guided hike to the summit of Mt. Paku, a small volcano with amazing views of the Coromandel coastline. Then after a short drive, proceed with your small group to complete a 1.5-hour walk to the magnificent Cathedral Cove, with the option of visiting the other coves along the way. You will spend at least 30 minutes enjoying the beach and coastline at Cathedral Cove.

After the walk back and another short drive, spend some time dipping your toes in the unique natural hot springs at Hot Water Beach (exact timing depends on the tide schedule). Lunch will be from a boutique café at Hot Water Beach or Hahei Beach (own expense) before returning to Auckland around 6pm.

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What To Expect

Hot Water Beach

Dip your feet in the natural hot spring water that comes out onto the beach.

30 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Cathedral Cove Walk

After a short 30 min walk, enjoy the spectacular scenery of Cathedral Cove. White cliffs, off shore islands, and soft sand.

45 minutes • Admission Included

What‘s Included

Bottled water

Hotel or port pickup and drop-off

Driver/guide

Transport by minibus

Air-conditioned vehicle

Food and drinks

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

Options

Cathedral Cove Day Trip from Auckland

Pickup included

Reviews

5.00

11 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Cathedral cove
Tour48951013587,,Jan 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I was unfit took my time walking back was hard next time I would take boat When we got there the sight was worth the walk we rested and we walked back
This was an incredibly...
Hannah L,,Nov 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
This was an incredibly special day for my partner and I. Harriet picked us up and we instantly hit it off with her. She is a fantastic person to chat with, hike next to and an awesome driver (lots of windy roads) The beaches themselves are stunning. The day was the perfect length for what we did. It might be the best day we have had in New Zealand so far. Please do not hesitate to book this tour!
Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach
Monique M,,Nov 2, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Cathedral Cove is a great spot that you should definitely see. Probably one of the best spots we saw on our trip. Hot Water Beach was fun too. It’s a bit of a drive getting there, but it’s worth it. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes for the trek up and down the hill.
The BEST day of my trip!
Kasey J,,Mar 18, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
I loved everything about this tour! Harriet was so friendly and also very knowledgeable. We had the best day walking to the beaches, playing in the water, eating delicious food, and taking in the amazing New Zealand scenery. Voltours will be my go-to for future trips!
Auckland holiday
Jose G,,Jan 21, 2020
- Review from Viator
5.00
Great experience. Guide was knowledgeable and made it a fun day. Recommend this guide. Also went to hot beach. Interesting nature phenomena
Paku point, Tairua, Cathedral cove, Hot Beach
drgomie1,,Jan 18, 2020
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Mike was very knowledgeable of the history of the people and the area. He was also a very good conversationalist which made the trip interesting. It was a long day and we’ll worth it. Highly recommend. The views were amazing.
Breathtaking Views
WalkieTalkie,,Jan 1, 2020
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This is a review of a day trip to Cocomandel Peninsula offered by Voltours in Auckland. Cathedral Cove is a long way from Auckland, but the gorgeous views are worth the long travelling time. Our guide and driver, Mike, was right on time picking us up, and we had a great day visiting Hot Water Beach (quite an experience), Cathedral Cove and Mt. Paku (walked up to the top for breath-taking views). Thank you, Mike!
see cathedral cove , gem cove and stingray bay(steep)
angecharlie,,Jul 4, 2018
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Storms knocked out the glass bottom boat but the hike to the destination while not easy was easily worth the ups and downs. As seen in the Narnia Movie, a nice warm spot for a winter day. Double up with a hot water beach after if you can. Pretty romantic even with your college age children.
Worth the drive and walk down
pascale L,,Jun 27, 2018
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
It says 45 minute walk, but really it may be 20 - 25 minutes. It is worth it. The view and walk is spectacular. Bring your bathing suit if you want to swim as the water is so clear and it would be a nice day to swim there. We did not as we did not know you could swim. I loved this walk. There is a longer walk after this that you can do. I did not do this. If you are there in the NZ winter, remember that the day is shorter. There were people starting to head down at about 430pm and it was going to get dark. This would be a waste of time. Definitely a must.
The most beautiful beach!!!
Annie K,,Feb 22, 2018
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This beach is amazingly beautiful! It's a bit of a trek getting down there but so worth it. I loved it and wished we could have stayed longer but we were on a limited time schedule.