Timing

At high tide, Stingray Bay is nearly submerged and to pass through the arch at Cathedral Cove will mean wet feet. Go Kiwi and take off your shoes.

Access

From Hahei shops take the signposted road to the lookout carpark.

Parking is a nightmare. If there’s nothing available at the main carpark, which is highly likely during the busy summer months, return to the beach at Hahei. Access is from a metalled coastal path that leaves from the northern end of Hahei Beach carpark (allow an extra 25 minutes each way).

Track

The path is metalled, well-maintained and comprehensively signposted. It undulates between the bays, all of which form worthwhile detours. The path through the puriri grove is unmetalled and uneven.

The walk to Cathedral Cove also has options to visit Gemstone Bay, Stingray Bay and Mare’s Leg Cove.

Toilet facilities are available near the carpark and at Mare’s Leg Cove.

There is also a magnificent lookout platform at the carpark.

Geology

Cathedral Cove is so named because of the natural rock arch joining it to Mare’s Leg Cove. Sea caves such as this are formed by the continuous erosion of waves exploiting a weakness in the rock. This process enlarges a cave on both sides of the headland until they eventually meet to form an arch. In time, this arch will collapse to form an offshore stack such as 30-metre high Te Hoho Rock at the northern end of Cathedral Cove. The present sculpture perches on a pedestal, carved by the undercutting power of the waves. It will eventually collapse to form a reef.

Much of the rock in the region was ejected by a fierce volcanic eruption around 8 million years ago. This loosely bound matrix of ash and pumice is now exploited by rain and wind to form a weathering pattern resembling honeycomb. You can see the lattice on Te Hoho Rock and the headlands. This form of honeycomb weathering is manifested by salt crystals expanding with wetting, levering apart the fine grains of the granulated ignimbrite rock. Wind then eddies around the hollow and enlarges it to form the cavity. When similar patterns emerge in close proximity, the effect produces a honeycomb lattice, hence the process’ name – honeycomb weathering.

Semi-precious stones such as jasper were found at Gemstone Bay, hence its name.

Mare’s Leg Cove was formerly dominated by a rock formation jutting out from the end of the headland. This resembled the hind leg of a mare, but collapsed due to natural causes in the 1970’s.

Flora

Because the puriri tree is forever-flowering, there will always be a carpet of pink flowers on this shortcut. These trees are thought to be 150 years old. In places their graceful, yet gnarled branches almost touch the ground.

Most of the vegetation alongside the track is regenerating scrub.

Fauna

This stretch of coastline forms part of the Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve. All marine life is protected. Established in 1992, the reserve aims to help restore the rich and varied marine habitats that exist within its boundaries. Respect the information concerning restrictions posted on signs. Do not feed the fish.

The graceful form of the stingray can sometimes be seen feeding from the rocks at Stingray Bay.

Polynesian History

The many offshore islands are sacred to the local Maori, who arrived here in around 1350 A.D.

At the southern end of Hahei Beach is Hereheretaura pa, evidenced by the remains of the defensive ditch and hollows, which were used as food storage pits.

On sighting the beautiful coastline, the sail master Hei called out. He thought the outward curve of a headland on one of the offshore islands resembled the shape of his nose. The area was thus named Te-O-a-Hei, meaning the exclamation of Hei. After burial at Hereheretaura pa, his bones were removed to Tokatea (Castle Rock).

European History

The area was originally farmed by the Wigmore Family.

Feature

The magnificent lookout platform at the carpark not only offers panoramic views of greater Mercury Bay, offshore islands and Te Whanganui A Hei Marine Reserve, but provides interpretive panels introducing the region’s geology and history.