Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Hahei
POP 270 (7000 IN SUMMER)
A legendary Kiwi beach town, little Hahei balloons to bursting in summer but is nearly
abandoned otherwise - apart from the busloads of tourists doing the obligatory stop off at
Cathedral Cove. It's a charming spot and a great place to unwind for a few days, espe-
cially in the quieter months. It takes its name from Hei, the eponymous ancestor of the
Ngati Hei people, who arrived in the 14th century on the Te Arawa canoe.
Sights
Cathedral Cove
Beautiful Cathedral Cove, with its famous gigantic stone arch and natural waterfall
shower, is best enjoyed early or late in the day - avoiding the worst of the hordes.
From the car park, a kilometre north of Hahei, it's a rolling walk of around 30 to 40
minutes. On the way there's rocky
Gemstone Bay
(which has a snorkelling trail where you're
likely to see big snapper, crayfish and stingrays) and sandy
Stingray Bay
. The walk from Ha-
hei Beach to Cathedral Cove takes about 70 minutes. Another option is a 10-minute ride
in a water taxi (
Click here
)
.
BEACH
Hahei Beach
Long, lovely Hahei Beach is made more magical by the view to the craggy islands in the
distance. From the southern end of Hahei Beach, it's a 15-minute walk up to Te Pare, a
pa
site with splendid coastal views.
BEACH
Activities
Cathedral Cove Sea Kayaking
( 07-866 3877;
www.seakayaktours.co.nz
;
88 Hahei Beach Rd; half-/full day $95/160; 9am & 2pm)
This
outfit runs guided kayaking trips around the rock arches, caves and islands in the Cathed-
ral Cove and Mercury Bay area. The Remote Coast Tour heads the other way when condi-
tions permit, visiting caves, blowholes and a long tunnel.
KAYAKING
Cathedral Cove Dive & Snorkel
DIVING
