TE WHANGANUI A HEI
(Cathedral Cove Marine Reserve)

This is the first marine reserve established on the Coromandel Peninsula (est. 1992) and is officially named Te Whanganui A Hei: (Cathedral Cove Marine Reserve). Access to the Cathedral Cove walking track and snorkel trail is free of charge however donations to the Department of Conservation are graciously accepted

Gemstone Bay Snorkeling Trail

• Only a 5-10 minute walk from the main Cathedral Cove car park
• Marker buoys with handles and information panels on the sides have been anchored 50 to 150 metres off the boulder shoreline of Gemstone Bay. This makes it easy for snorkelers to explore the marine life
• This area boasts an abundance of contented snapper, with large rays in the summer and oversized crayfish lurking under the shadowy ledges. Maximum depth is around 5-6m and the bay is sheltered from most wind

Stingray Bay:

• A further 10 minutes walk from Gemstone Bay, this bay offers superb snorkeling from a small sandy beach. Excellent for beginners and families
• Lives up to its name in the summer!! The rays love this bay.

Cathedral Cove

• White sandy bays with the archway accessible at most tides
• Snorkeling is best at either end as the marine life enjoy a boulder terrain

Entrance to the Cathedral Cove track and Gemstone Bay Snorkel Trail Marine Reserve is FREE!