Hahei

Coromandel Peninsula, New Zealand

A smaller beach town closest to Cathedral Cove, with limited but charming accommodation and a relaxed atmosphere.

Places in Hahei

Hahei beach town eateries Charming dining options in the small beach town closest to Cathedral Cove.
Hahei beach bars Bars in the smaller, charming beach town closest to Cathedral Cove.

Best time to visit: December to February offers warm summer weather for Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach, though book accommodation 3-6 months ahead for this peak season.
Getting around: Whitianga is the largest town and main base, close to Cathedral Cove, Hot Water Beach and Cook's Beach, with Hahei a smaller, closer alternative right next to Cathedral Cove itself.
Currency: New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
Language: English and te reo Māori.
Timezone: NZST (UTC+12, UTC+13 in summer)
Current trends: The Coromandel Peninsula's hospitality scene continues to balance Whitianga's larger-town infrastructure against Hahei's charming, limited, hard-to-book accommodation, with The Pinnacle Backpackers and On the Beach Backpackers Lodge reflecting a strong hostel network built around Cathedral Cove and the Pinnacles hike.

Whitianga — One of the largest towns on the peninsula, close to Cathedral Cove, Hot Water Beach and Cook's beaches.
Coromandel town — Home to Coromandel Tui Lodge and charming towns with fascinating mining relics.