Things to do in Hahei

Hahei is a tiny village with a big heart, and we’re proud to be part of it. Cove. is a local shop first: we love our loyal locals, the bach owners who come back every summer, and everyone just passing through. This community is why we do what we do.

Here’s our local’s guide to making the most of Hahei, starting with a few places the Cove. team love. Support local, and say hi to the people behind them. They’re our neighbours and friends.

Staff faves

The Cove. team’s picks

The Little Blue Kitchen

Takeaway food in the Hahei village centre, just like us. Grab something and head to the beach.

Hahei Explorer

An hour-long boat trip from Hahei Beach around Cathedral Cove, the sea caves, the offshore islands and the marine reserve. Bookings are needed. haheiexplorer.co.nz

Cathedral Cove Dive & Snorkel

Our go-to for snorkelling and diving adventures in the marine reserve. A local PADI dive centre in Hahei running family-friendly snorkel trips, dive trips and courses, including a Try Dive for first-timers. cathedralcovedive.co.nz

The Church Accommodation & The Church Bistro

A lovely place to stay at the entrance to Hahei, with its own bistro for dinner. Stay · Eat

Beaches and walks

Cathedral Cove: Hahei’s most famous spot, a huge natural rock arch between two beaches. You can walk there from the village or see it from the water by boat or kayak.

Hahei Beach: a beautiful long beach at the end of the village. Perfect for a swim, a paddle or a sunset walk.

Hot Water Beach: about 10 minutes’ drive away. Dig your own hot pool in the sand, best two hours either side of low tide. Bring a spade.

On the water

Boat tours: see Cathedral Cove, sea caves and the islands from the water (our pick is Hahei Explorer, above).

Sea kayaking: guided kayak tours along the coastline.

Snorkelling and diving: Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve sits just off Hahei, and dive and snorkel trips go out to explore it (our pick is Cathedral Cove Dive & Snorkel, above).

Eat and drink

In the village you’ll find The Little Blue Kitchen, Hahei Eatery & Ice Cream, Walnut & Fig, Hahei Beach Cafe and The Pour House (home of Coromandel Brewing Co). The Church Bistro is at the entrance to town. A short drive away there’s Mercury Bay Estate Winery and The Hive at Purangi.

Many places close or shorten their hours over winter, so check before you go.

Art and events

The Coromandel is full of makers. Look out for the Mercury Bay Art Escape open studios in March, and local galleries like The Lawnmower’s Son.