Overview
Hahei is a tiny seaside town on the Coromandel Peninsula where fewer than 300 residents transform into thousands during peak holiday periods. The main draw is Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve, home to Cathedral Cove with its famous limestone rock arch separating two sandy beaches.
Beach · Day Trips · Diving · Family Travel · Nature
Before you go
Accommodation
Book summer holidays months ahead as the town swells to 9x its 300-person population and all lodgings fill completely.
Money
New Zealand dollars (NZD) accepted everywhere; card payments widely available at most establishments.
Safety
Hot Water Beach water reaches 64°C at the springs—always dig your pool away from the source and test temperature before bathing.
Transport
No public buses serve Hahei—rent a car or rely on the summer-only park-and-ride shuttle for Cathedral Cove access.
Weather
Summers are warm and busy; shoulder seasons offer fewer crowds with still pleasant weather for outdoor activities.
