TE WHANGANUI-o-HEI

Cathedral Cove Marine Reserve

This is the first marine reserve established on the Coromandel Peninsula (est. 1992) and is officially named Te Whanganui-o-Hei (Cathedral Cove Marine Reserve). Access to the Cathedral Cove walking track and snorkel trail is free of charge however donations to the Department of Conservation are graciously accepted.

PLEASE NOTE: The Cathedral Cove Walk is currently closed while work to repair the track is underway. The track remain closed to ensure the repairs can happen. Stay off the track.
DOC expects the track to be open in December 2024. For more information please refer to the DOC website: click here

Gemstone Bay Snorkeling Trail

Only a 5-10 minute walk from the main Cathedral Cove car park – Walkway is Presently CLOSED, please come by boat
Marker buoys with handles and information panels on the sides have been anchored 50 to 150 metres off the boulder shoreline of Gemstone Bay. This makes it easy for snorkelers to explore the marine life
This area boasts an abundance of contented snapper, with large rays in the summer and oversized crayfish lurking under the shadowy ledges. Maximum depth is around 5-6m and the bay is sheltered from most wind

Stingray Bay:

A further 10 minutes walk from Gemstone Bay, this bay offers superb snorkeling – walkway is presently CLOSED, please come by boat
A small sandy beach. Excellent for beginners and families
Lives up to its name in the summer!! The rays love this bay.

Cathedral Cove

White sandy bays with the archway accessible at most tides
Snorkeling is best at either end as the marine life enjoy a boulder terrain

All marine life is protected. Do not collect specimens.
Department of Conservation