Impressive view and great place for photos. Water is cold outside summer, so don't expect to swimm between April/November There is only drop off area at the top of the hill, parking is at the entrance of the city. You can use shuttle service to go there. It is about 35 minutes walk in a easy pace. Some areas are step and have stairs.

Beautiful scenery! Easy walk down - tougher coming up the steep stairs if you’re not so fit. We left from the Cathedral Cove Gateway car park which is an enjoyable walk in. We were very grateful for an icecream on our way out at the top of the incline to get back. Was quite busy when we were there, a lot of ignorant tourists with no concern for anyone but themselves which was disappointing. But overall a beautiful spot and worth the walk down to see 🧡

Cool cove. Nice walk. Good to see the screen saver photo live and in person. Headed early so less people if this matches the tide id recommend early bird. 1 hour before lowest tide was still good. Walk was more hilly than expected. More ups and more downs than I imagined. I thought id walk up to the bus stop (took us 20mins) then down to the beach. Instead you go back up a hill, round the ww1 memeorail then back down, and back up, then down. Overall to get there took 45mins. 15mins there and then 45min return. (No rush)

Absolutely stunning, truly a wonder of God. Went with the kids at start of Sept school holidays and pleasantly not too crowded. The shuttle from Hahei carpark runs on a 10 minute cycle, was comfortable and quick. Well worth the $7 return. A pleasant undulating 30 walk from the drop-off point. The steep stairs section just before the beach needed some caution to avoid injury. Some parts do not have a handrail. Quite demanding going back up. The walk was totally worth it. The beauty, peaceful serenity made it all worthwhile. Definitely recommend. A great experience. A cautionary note: stay back from the cliff wall base, as there was recent slump.

About a 30 mins walk from the top of the track. You cannot park at the top of the hill, but you can park at the carpark and take the Shuttle Bus. You can swim at the beach. Beautiful spot, very picturesque. You can also come by Water Taxi. Many stairs on the way down, so not suitable keep for strollers

Beautiful hike down to the beach that you may recognize from Narnia. Be honest with yourself though it is a challenging hike if you do not regularly work out. Paved path with actual stairs yes but that isa long hike hanging over steep cliff like plunges, and approx 7 flights of stairs right before you hit the beach. Beautiful and worth it if you are up for the challenge though. Very helpful that there is a bathroom and ice cream stand 3/4 of the way to the beach to give you a pick me up on your way back up the climb. It is also not just downhill them uphill, it is up and down one direction and then up and down heading back

Superb hiking path, very clean, mostly asphalted. Very beautiful scenery along the way. The lookout detour (about 50 minutes) is worth it. Be warned that there are lots of inclines and steps. Paradise found!

Now, here's a piece of paradise worth the extra effort. I walked from the car park to the Cove. I needed the exercise; more people than shuttle capacity, when I wanted to go. The scenic walk begins where the shuttle drops off. Path is sealed, does have two steepish sections, and a series of steps descending to beach. Enjoy the walk and the beach!

Amazing place with amazing view. Tips I park my car at Hahei Beach. Then I took the Grange Road to walk to the Cathedral Cove viewing deck. You cannot park near the viewing deck. After that, there is a walk with sometimes steep. However its worth it. You can have a nice bath in the beach as well.

What an amazing beach. Best place to hike for good 30 mins and get to the beach. The cave at the beach looks amazing and it’s very photogenic. Have a good swim and hike back. Would recommend to take some food and water.

We drove to the Cathedral Cove Carpark and took the shuttle bus to the drop-off point. The shuttle is very convenient, and it’s free for kids under 14, with a $7 fee for adults. From the shuttle drop-off, it’s about a 20-30 minute walk to the cove. The path is easy to follow, with stunning coastal views along the way. You’ll pass through lush greenery, and as you get closer to the cove, the trail becomes a bit steeper, but nothing too difficult. Once you arrive, the view of the iconic rock arch and the golden beach is absolutely breathtaking. The crystal-clear water, towering cliffs, and peaceful atmosphere make it a must-see spot. It’s definitely worth the walk, and the natural beauty is unforgettable! If you’re in the Coromandel, don’t miss it!

Unreal natural beauty. We left on the hike from Hahei Beach at around 6:30 am and when we arrived at Cathedral Cove we basically had the beach to ourselves. On our way out we passed big groups hiking in, so we were glad we went early.

The view was breathtaking, creating a serene and almost magical atmosphere, like stepping into Narnia! :) Unfortunately, the track and walkway to Cathedral Cove were still under construction and hadn’t reopened yet, so the only access was by water taxi from Hahei Beach.

It is an absolute must visit site. Perfect for the views and a swim. You will need to park your car at the car park (free parking) , buy a $7 ticket for the shuttle bus (includes return as well) and hop on the shuttle (frequence every 15 mins). The shuttle would leave you at the top and then it's about a 45 minute trek (paved pathway but with steep inclines and stairs) down to Cathedral Cove. Make sure to check the tide timings though. Alternatively you can take a water taxi from Hahei beach which is about a 15 min walk from the car park (don't take the shuttle bus ticket in that case). The water taxi costs $40 per person one way and it will take you to Cathedral Cove and/ or bring you back if you do not want to do the walk. We walked one way and took the water taxi while going back as the walk can be a little treacherous but the views and experience make up for it. At the half point of the walk, you have a soft serve / granita food kiosk, their soft serve is delicious and also this is the last stop for your washroom, before you head down to Cathedral Cove.

exquisite beach and a bucket list to do in NZ. Just a heads up currently is no parking up there you have to catch shuttle from hahei at a cost. every 10 mins so that's very good. from top car park is 40 min walk. this is a very challenging walk for someone unfit so be aware. very steep hills and lots of steps at the end. if you want to take your time with this make sure you come earlier in the day as last shuttle is at 5pm in winter. might be different in summer season. go by boat if a hike is not your thing.

Beautiful reserve with amazing flora and birdy-fauna is a very good option to take a nice walk to Cathedral Cove surroundings. Breathtaking view to the ocean, fantastic, endemic plants makes it a very interesting and educational trip. Colorful and relaxing, everyone should try it.

Beautiful beaches and cliffs and the place is best visited by boat.

Nice regional park with wonderful beaches along the walkway to the Cathedral Cove. Depending on the arrival time, limited car parking spaces might be a pain in the axx. Just have to be patient and wait for your turn as people comes and goes. 45 mins walk to the final destination the Cathedral Cove, a bit challenging for elderly or young ones, must wear sun cream and a hat, unless you wanted to be toasted. Cove is an amazing place with lots of tourists. Plenty of nice photo spots and it's a natural wonder that you must find time to visit.

This beach is relatively safer and cleaner to swim, as compared to other beaches. To reach the cove, one has to hike a good half hour from the car park, probably an hour if you were unlucky like me and had to park in town. All that said, it's all worth when you'll find yourself walking on white sand under the cove! There's also a small waterfall on the other end in case you need a quick shower to get rid of the sand.

Enjoyed Cathedral Cove by arriving by boat. Prefer that option as walking back up hill after a glorious swim in the clean clear water might be miserable in the heat. Many reviewers who walked down and back up still sounded like they enjoyed it nonetheless. Yes it can be crowded for New Zealand standards but compared to European beaches there's still plenty of room. Enjoy your time there as it's very beautiful and lots of fish can be seen in the clear sea water especially if you use a snorkel and mask.

One of the MOST breathtaking places I've ever been! I have traveled far and wide in New Zealand and this is one of it's crowning jewels for sure! It is worth going out of your way to visit! 😊👍

It will take a spectacular experience for me to leave a review and this place is one out of a bajilion that really checks all the boxes. Ordered the Fish and Chips and the Godfather pizza, chef kiss top notch was super impressed. Had the house brew dizzy blonde and it literally took me to my happy place for the next hour. Would 100% recommend! Keep it up!

Fabulous! And the clam chowder is the yummiest I’ve ever had!! It’s one of the specials though, not sure how long it would be available for. My friend and I will be coming back for dinner tomorrow. Beer’s awesome. I like my Good as Gold, my friend likes her Haheizy. Special mention, brownie with vanilla ice cream is not overly sweet, which suits my palate perfectly. Very nice and helpful staff. An extremely pleasant surprise at Hahei.

A gem in the coromandels! The Pour House is home of the Coromandel Brewing company, offering beers brewed onsite. This family run brewery/bistro is in the heart of Hahei Village at the foot of the Cathedral Cove walk. Amazing home baked pizzas, some of the best craft beer and most reasonably priced I have sampled in New Zealand along with their very own pub dog Porter! Great beer garden area with firepit and cosy indoor pub setting. Perfect after your Cathedral Cove hike!

Nice spot to visit before or after visiting Cathedral Cove. There are lots of drink options, both of the alcoholic and non-alcoholic variety and it's clear the food is prepared with high quality and fresh ingredients. There is lots of seating outside and plenty inside as well. If you're outside be aware of the birds, while you're seated they'll keep their distance but if you get up, for even a moment, some of them will jump at the opportunity. Definitely a worthwhile stop while in the neighborhood.

The fish was amazing, and the cider was great! There was live music and the owner and partner were kind and gregarious with a touring group. We stayed for two hours and the fire pit was going, the cheer - read beer - was flowing, and the kitchen ran out of the sticky date, a desert with British lineage. If I find myself in the area again, I will be sure to swing by for a brew, and it looked like there were cans to go if one we’re wise enough to get them before they left. Cheers pour house, you made the hot beach the second best part of the day.

Cool place, with relaxed vibe to eat and drink after a great day out tiki touring around the beautiful Coromandel Peninsula. The local brew was so crisp and refreshing, even the cherry Lemonade, hit the spot. Pizza we had was really good. Can't remember the topping name but it was a meat one.

Pretty good food. Had the ribs, margarita pizza, and chips. Was above average but not a place I’d be dying to go back. Portions seamed a tad small for price and food wasn’t the hottest but still good no doubt. Beer is probably amazing but didn’t get any as we were just driving through.

We arrived just after 2pm and unfortunately the kitchen was already closed, but the cabinet food made up for it — especially the sausage roll, which was absolutely delicious. However, the service left a lot to be desired. The woman at the counter with tattoos was quite rude and had a noticeably poor attitude when taking our order. On top of that, one of our items was missed, and it took ages to arrive once we pointed it out. Honestly, the food speaks for itself — it’s really tasty — but the customer service needs serious work. The owner should consider giving the front-of-house staff some proper training in hospitality. A great café experience is about more than just good food.

Beautiful setup with the most amazing home made choices. From muffins and slices to big breakfast menu. Coffee is great and the owners are so friendly and accommodating

Loved it. Great Staff were super lovely and fun. Loved the wall of map and pins and had a chat with them about it. Also made jokes about good coffee. They set the bar high with this but did meet those expectations and then some. Coffee is awesome. Toilets are also well maintained and there are 4 lots of loos so there not much of a wait or so.one rattling your door mid go. As I said coffee is good so you Will need to use these loos. Good thing they are nice with 3 ply paper.

We (4) popped in for coffee in April 2025. We had 4 coffees, beautifully presented (see photo). The menu and food fridge looked good as well (photos). Great service. We sat inside to get out of the weather. Recommended !!! - Thank you.

We were visiting from Taupō. Had a great breakfast, really good coffee & tea, and heaps more attractive food in the cabinet too. Love the ambience and the staff were friendly.

Lovely staff, very friendly atmosphere and excellent, tasty food. We went for breakfast, it was fabulous!

Lovely little cafe, perfect lunch spot. They have a cabinet with lots of fresh savoury and sweet snacks, and have a list of what's gluten free. We had a spinach and quinoa frittata, cheesy leek tart, cauliflower and pistacio salad and a chocolate brownie - all delicious and gluten free. Really pleased would definitely go again!

Nice beach, crystal clear water great swim. Takes about 30 min to get to Catedral Cove by kayak and on the way back look around the other islands. There is also easy walk to lookout in the end of beach.

A serene beach with pristine views and really nice waters. The parking is on the road just above the beach. Plenty of activities going along the beach. There are nets for beach ball, and further down the beach several boating, kayaking, and water taxi service to cathedral cove is also available here. The beach has a long stretch of about 1 KM, so even on a crowded day, plenty of space for everyone to set up camp. There are super clean toilets on the road above the beach. Highly recommended beach

Hahei Beach is one of the best beaches I’ve visited near Auckland. It boasts a breathtaking coastline with clear waters, striking rock formations, and a peaceful, uncrowded atmosphere. The water is pleasantly warm, and there’s plenty of space to relax - whether you’re setting up a picnic table or a tent for a laid-back day by the shore. Parking is ample, making access easy, and the scenic drive there is well worth it. Keen to visit again!

What a cracking beach Hahei is and obviously many others think the same as it was pretty busy on the lovely Saturday afternoon when we were there. Lovely views and a great beachside walk and plenty of indulgences on offer in town such as fabulous fruit ice creams!

Hahei Beach is breathtaking, especially between 8–9 PM when the sky fades into a beautiful pink and blue gradient. The calm water and soft sand make it the perfect spot to enjoy the peaceful evening. A must-visit for anyone on the Coromandel Peninsula!

It’s a beautiful beach with lots of white sand. It has some breathtaking views. We played beach ball and also went on a boat ride. Summer is quite hot and relaxing even though the water is cold, you can get in and enjoy the waves. Water activities are really fun. The usual toilets/changing rooms/showers/etc. The only real gripe I have is the parking at the beach - since the grange rd car park has been closed during the summer. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a tranquil seaside escape.

An absolutely beautiful beach. We had great views from our accommodations, and also went here to catch our boat to Cathedral Cove. I didn't realize before coming to New Zealand how lovely Hahei beach was in and of itself, and wished I would have allocated more time to spend here. It's clear, clear parking and toilets available, beautiful white sand, and lovely sunrises.

I’m so glad we did this! Kayaking with a bit of a history lesson — what a great combination. Our beautiful guide, Moanaroa, was informative and thorough in explaining the kayaking basics and making sure we were properly geared up and ready for our morning out at sea. A big thanks also to Hayden, who looked after our safety and shared fascinating historical insights with such enthusiasm. It was a fantastic way to spend our morning! Love the tea that was included on our rest stop. Highly recommend this experience.

We had an amazing time on the Cathedral Cove Kayak Tour with our guide, Jerard. He was friendly, experienced, and even had great photography skills, capturing some fantastic moments for us. His knowledge and enthusiasm made the tour truly memorable. Highly recommended!

phenomenal views our tour guides were Hayden and Jared, brilliant blokes, very friendly, seemed to enjoy answering questions and just wanted everyone in our group to appreciate and enjoy the beauty/history of were we where. the hot drinks part way through were a very welcome surprise. we asked to change tours last minute due to weather, and the company quite cheerily moved us to the next tour no problems.

Such a fantastic morning. Loved seeing this magical coastline in a kayak with my son. Our guide Georgia was outstanding - we felt really safe and she was full of fascinating stories and insights about the area. A great combo of relaxed meandering and more energetic paddling with a heavenly stop at Cathedral Cove for a perfect hit choccie. Can’t imagine a better way to experience this stunning place.

OMG What a wonderful team of people so polite and caring this is a trip that no one should miss!!! My guide was a lovely sweet young lady called mo ( just an abriviation of her first name) she worked so hard pulling the Kayaks into and out of the water by herself with 2 people inside bless her! And when we reached Cathedral Cove she had all of the stuff to make the whole group hot drinks from Coffee's to Hot Chocolate I would personally like to thank her from the bottom of my heart ❤ for a lovely trip xxx

We had a fantastic tour Louis was super nice and talked to everyone and showed lots of great interest in clients. It was a fantastic family and great fun paddling along the cathedral cove. We had some of the best hot chocolates of our lives. Experience of a lifetime in an incredible place. Louis we can’t wait to see you again

Had an epic time on this kayak tour. Finding the launch point was super easy, just a 1 min walk from the car park down to the launch point on the beach. Check in was smooth and easy. Small group so really personalized. Provided dry bags to keep all my gear dry during the tour. I’m a hobby film photographer so that was great! Our guide for this tour, Lui, originally a Wellington local, took care of everyone so well, super attentive, funny, and we got to see so much with him. I was visiting from Hawaii so I feel very comfortable on/in the ocean. Traveling by myself so I was given a solo kayak and it was great to feel trusted enough to go at my own ability and with the freedom to explore while with the group, while also remaining respectful to the group and tour and making it easier and not harder on Lui. Took us around some of the smaller islands off shore, then got us right onto the beach. We were given time to walk around at cathedral cove, check out the spots, take some great photos, there was even some small shorebreak so I got to bodysurf a bit. All while he made us hot chocolate, coffee and tea right there on the beach. Really appreciated the emphasis on Māori history and legends to honor the rich indigenous culture, some more recent local history, and facts about wildlife in the area. Would recommend 110%, hopefully you get Lui, you won’t regret it!

Amazing tour, friendly and informative guides, the scenery and sites were amazing to see, saw a seal and two penguins, had a great time. Thoroughly enjoyed the trip. Thank you Scotty and team.

Definitely a "Must Do" experience when in the Coromandel! Not only do you get to see the famous Cathedral Cove, but you get to see SO many other little islands and secret caves that are just not accessible from the shore. Our guide Andy was fabulous giving us loads of interesting information and facts along the way. We loved our experience and they even have a free parking area a few minutes walk from their beach departure which was really handy! Don't miss this tour!

A wonderful tour, felt safe but was still fun! Great knowledge of the geology and the history associated with the area. Clear water and incredible landscapes.

Definitely a great way to check out this part of the coast. They took us to lots of great out-of-the-way places that we didn't know about. Our guide Tim was very professional and knowledgeable. We learned so much and marvelled at everything. Thank you! These guys are worth the ticket price, and depart right from Hahei beach. Plus their tour sizes are relatively small for a more personalised experience.

We booked our tour with the hopes of finding photographing the beautiful scenery along the coast here from the blow hole to Cathedral Cove and we were not disappointed. Our guide Tom told us all about the formations from the geology to the legends about them. It was greatly entertaining.

What an amazing time! Excellent tour and guide was very interesting. Lots of genuine enthusiasm and passion explaining about the bay. Well worth the $$$. I did a few cruises this holiday and this was one of my favourite. Just relaxing and fun.

We had an absolutely fantastic tour! We cruised along the beautiful coastline and got to experience so many incredible highlights, like entering a sea cave, spotting a seal, and visiting the famous Cathedral Cove. The biggest highlight, however, was going inside the Blowhole, an absolute must-do! It’s something you definitely shouldn’t miss and it makes the experience truly unique. They have a great team, I can definitely recommend them! Thanks a lot Nico and Franzi.

We visited by boat but you can walk to it. It looks like a mission to get to in the busy season due to park and ride but lucky it was the quiet season. Amazing view from look out.

Great iconic NZ beach/walk. No parking ar the start of the track but you can catch a ride up from the village below or a water taxi from Hahei Beach at certain times of the year. You can also walk up which is cool. Toilets are along the way. Track is in good condition. Stunning coastal scenery amd the beach is amazing too

Went by the amazing water taxi & was an all round outstanding experience. Just stunningly beautiful & so memorable! A must do... 🥰🏖️🌟🏊🌿🛥️💯

Cathedral Cove – A Must-Visit Gem Cathedral Cove is absolutely stunning – nature at its finest. The walk down to the beach takes a bit of effort, but it’s more than worth it. Along the way, you’re treated to breathtaking coastal views, and once you arrive, the sight of the natural rock arch and crystal-clear waters is unforgettable. It’s peaceful, picturesque, and feels like a little slice of paradise. Don’t forget your camera!

This was a stunning experience the walk does ask for you to have your endurance up quite a bit but low tide was the time to go and it was beautiful. I did not have the endurance to make it to the cove after 9 days of hiking across NZ north island. My best friend made it and said it was breath taking and the photos weren't doing it justice.

Always a great place to visit. So natural with pristine beaches,and a great walk through the trees.

I am extremely disappointed and frustrated with the current access situation at Cathedral Cove. The decision to close the main car park and force visitors to rely on a paid shuttle service is unacceptable. There are no nearby public parking options, leaving people with no choice but to either pay or walk a long, steep uphill route. This feels like a form of forced spending disguised as regulation, and it shows a complete lack of consideration for visitor experience. What was supposed to be an enjoyable trip turned into a frustrating and exhausting experience. This arrangement needs to be seriously reconsidered.

Great service to avoid walking all the way. Every 10 minutes. It makes easy to drop your party up there and leave the car in the parking lot, so only 1 ticket required. Or, if small group just get a ticket for everyone. Payment by card

Park and Ride service to top of the hill, where you can no longer park. It's $7 for Adults and free for Kids. Pay by cash or card at the machine. It's a quick 5 to 7 mins ride up and down. The service is every 13 mins approx. Plenty of parking at the car park

Excellent service, excellent driver. Friendly and informative Not much shade when you are waiting for the bus. And no where to sit down while you wait. No visible security for the car park.

I visited early August when it was very quiet. Maybe mine and 4 other cars were in the lot. Didn't wait long for a shuttle and boarded alone. Paid cash. Rob (from Birmingham!) was my driver and he chatted with me both ways. Very friendly and gave me helpful directions to navigate the track. Also shared recommendations of places to see on my trip.

Park here and pay $7 for the mini bus to take you over to the start of the walking track to go down to Cathedral Cove. No public parking permitted at the start of the walking track. The ticket includes a return trip.

Always love this walk and our first time back after the cyclone damage and slips. So awesome to go back to a very special place. The real treat this time were to dolphins..who put on quite a show for us, because we decided to take the boat back.

Bus picks you up and nice blokes operating them. You can take a long walk but fir $7 per person well worth it. The walk up and down is gruelling but after you do it and wipe away some sweat. It is well worth the effort.

Came here 5 years ago and still can’t forget how delicious the experience was. Easily one of the best fine dining meals I’ve ever had, such a unique and memorable flavour profile throughout the dishes. The polenta fries with that sauce (whatever it is!) were incredibly tasty. The rump steak was cooked perfectly, I couldn’t quite pinpoint the herb used, but it was packed with flavour, possibly marinated. The brisket was absolutely delicious, with just the right amount of fatty bits, again, not sure what flavours were in there, but they were amazing. If I had to nitpick, I’d suggest pairing the brisket with broccolini instead of broccoli or other veggies. As for the rice ball, maybe something like mashed or roast potatoes would be a better fit. Just a thought. Dessert wasn’t anything special, but honestly, the rest of the meal more than made up for it. Overall: 5/5 experience, 5/5 meal. Will absolutely be back whenever I’m in the area. Thank you!

Beautiful restaurant in an old church. Food was delicious - had the octopus, Wagyu brisket and the chocolate marquise. Walked away very happy and satisfied. We sat in the outdoor marquee area and it was beautiful and light, but sitting inside the church would be lovely as well. Staff were very friendly and we had a little laugh with them. Even saw a chef waving from the window as we left!

We had an outstanding meal here last night Was so full after entree & main, but couldn't leave without trying the creme brulee & Cheesecake- both absolutely delicious Highly recommend to anyone wanting to treat themselves. 👌

CHURCH TURNS RESTAURANT, SEEKS THE GOSPEL OF FOOD. Hubby & l having celebrated our 18th anniversary at The Church Bistro at Hahei today 5/7/2025, our observations are as follows: Good points 1. Starters were very delicious. My husband’s vegetarian coquettes and my pork belly were fantastic. 2. The environment is romantic and all tables booked out with a full house. Bad points 1. Main courses were disappointing. My husband’s spaghetti with basil was too creamy. My fish dish was not really fresh and couldn't finish it. 2. For a restaurant of   this CHURCHLY class, none of the service staff did the norm of asking "How was the dish ?" Perhaps we had a bad run but not sure if we will return.

The Church Bistro completely charmed me. From the moment you walk in, the warm, cozy atmosphere invites you to slow down and enjoy — and once the food arrives, you're in for a real treat. I had their Sunday roast pork belly, and it was absolutely delicious — perfectly crispy skin, tender meat, and rich, comforting flavors that made it feel like a hug on a plate. It's clear they use top-quality ingredients, and the execution was just spot on. The service was friendly and genuine, striking the perfect balance between attentive and relaxed. You really feel well looked after here. If you’re in Hahei, don’t miss this place — it’s the kind of restaurant that leaves you smiling long after the meal is over. Samirah 🍽️✨🐖

Absolutely fantastic dining experience at The Church Bistro in Hahei. I had the pork belly starter, the Brazilian-style cheese bread (pão de queijo), and the slow-cooked brisket for mains — every dish was spot on. Even the complimentary fish soup before the starter was delicious. Beautifully presented, full of flavour, and perfectly balanced. Easily one of the best meals I’ve had on the Coromandel. Highly recommend

We had a wonderful (early) evening dinner at the Church Bistro (we have a 23 month old so this was late for us 😆). They catered for our family perfectly, the food and service were wonderful and the venue is super pretty (even in the rain). The asparagus entree was very delicious and my eye fillet was cooked perfectly. Highly recommend and will definitely visit again.

Best pizza we’ve had so far during our 2025 trip through NZ, wood fired and genuinely Italian made. 5* !!! Tasty, most locally produced wine - we can recommend the tasting of four SUPERB wines - we loved it!

The setting is absolutely beautiful, staff did well to get the tasting out to a large group of us quickly. The tasting had a four wine variety and it was really nice hearing about how the Lola wine was named, a very sweet story. It wasn’t the standard tasting experience we were expecting, less passionate than other tastings we have done, but that suited our group who was visiting for a hens. The pizzas were delicious and the olives, bread and dip were the perfect snack.

Visited here during a birthday/girls weekend. Lovely people and great service. I accidentally got the reservation wrong but they seated us anyways. Incredible views. Wouldn’t return though because everything was so overpriced and portions, including drinks, were way too small.

Mercury Bay Estate is best winery and restaurant in New Zealand. As my husband is pizzaholic, I took him to taste the best pizza in Mercury Bay Estate. We ordered a Napoli pizza there which is the traditional and delicious pizza in Napoli Italy. We started our romantic lunch by wine tasting. The owners Simon and Veronica explained to us four different types of their wine, namely Rose, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. We love their Napoli pizza and wine so much that we have been there for lunch twice within a week. Apart from great food and wine, the scenery there is amazingly beautiful. While we were dining At our favourite table (Table 6), we could see the panoramic view of Cooks Beach and neighbouring islands on the opposite side of Coromandel Peninsula. We highly recommend you to enjoy their delicious pizza and great wine.

You have to stop here! If you don't have the time, make it! Delicious vine, amazing view AND THE BEST PIZZA I'VE EVER HAD! I guess not even Italy has pizza this good. They are probably crying to have lost such an amazing chef to NZ. The pizza had the perfect crispness but was also soft enough and the tomato sauce was perfect as well. The mozzarella di buffalo was creamy and made the pizza heavenly good. The people are so nice and the atmosphere is just cozy with amazing views. The perfect spot for having a perfect lunch. You're missing out if you don't visit this magnificent place.

Beautiful pizza and salad with an amazing view. The tasting flight was 4 wines for $20 but each was around 60ml. We enjoyed everything. The place is a little small so book ahead and enjoy

Really enjoyed this winery's relaxed approach. Great pizza, platters and delicious tiramisu. Wine flight was a good idea

This tour was a highlight of our trip! Our amazing guides took the time to explain so many educational details about the location, fish, nature, etc. The snorkeling was a blast and the boat itself was comfortable and perfect for the size of our group. Would absolutely do again and again!

We just had a perfect early morning tour with Jarret and Jorja. They provided a lot of details and we had a good splash with loads of fish. The whole two hours went by pretty fast. Amazing views of the whole coastline all the time.

Exceptional experience and highly rated. Much more than we anticipated. Skipper was highly informative and his local knowledge on history, geology and marine life made the experience highly memorable. We have done the walk into Cathedral cove in the past, this is a considerably better experience. Not being able to disembark on the beach was a non- event as we ventured around the coast to be shown some awesome sights. Skipper seems to know some of the fish personally on a first name basis.

Had a great trip today with Glass Bottom Boats Whitianga out to Cathedral Cove and the surrounding Whitianga coastline. Steve and Rhi were so friendly and knowledgeable. Well worth going snorkeling and have the glass bottomed boat for viewing the marine life. Would definitely recommend the company. Thanks for a great day out today.

Excellent day out, kids loved it. Amazing scenery and operator had good knowledge of the area and locations. Would highly recommend- especially seeing locations like the marine reserve

Amazing experience! Katie and Amber were awesome guides, the sights along the coast were gorgeous, really neat sea cave, and seeing all the snapper and feeding the fish was really fun for the kids. The kids said the cave and getting to jump in and snorkel at the end (it is really cold, heads up!) were the highlights. I loved the views of Cathedral Cove. Highly recommend!

Amazing experience. Staff were very knowledgeable and friendly. Seen lots of beautiful fish. Were offered snorkelling but was far too cold! Totally recommend this experience to anyone and everyone!

We had a great meal at The House of Chang Thai in Whitianga! We ordered the chicken Pad Thai, the stir-fry beef with black pepper sauce and vegetables, and Thai spring rolls — everything was delicious and full of flavor. The Pad Thai had just the right balance of sweetness and tang, and the black pepper beef was tender with a nice kick. The spring rolls were crispy and fresh, a perfect starter. Friendly service and a cozy atmosphere made the experience even better. Definitely recommend if you’re craving Thai food in the area!

I recently had dinner at a Thai restaurant and tried their tom yum soup, stir-fried basil pork, and a deep-fried entrée. The flavors were authentic — the tom yum was aromatic and just the right amount of spicy, and the basil pork was rich and satisfying. Everything tasted fresh and well-prepared. However, the prices were on the higher side for the portion sizes. Overall, a nice meal if you don't mind paying a bit extra for good quality.

Came back after 10 years for the lunch menu deal and Pad Thai was as good as I remembered! Service was nice too.

We came here for dinner and thought the food was decent. We enjoyed the spring roll with an entire prawn wrapped inside. The mussels were a bit on the sweet side and there were a couple of beards. The eating environment was very dark. We walked some dimly lit stairs to find an equally dark restaurant, with half the seating area closed. Service could also improve as the staff told us where to get a high chair but did not volunteer to get it for us even though he was not really doing anything. While it was fine to get it myself, I expected a little more service for the prices we paid.

We went there for lunch on Sunday, amazing Thai food, wonderful flavour and very reasonable, nice friendly service.

My husband and I went to The House of Chang Thai on 16/5/2025. This is the first time we have dined there. As it’s still very early at around 5pm, we could enjoy the tranquility and peacefulness at the restaurant. We ordered green curry with vegetables and rice and fried rice with shrimps. As this is the one and only Thai restaurant at Whitianga, you can give it a try if you are Thai cuisine fans.

Recently ate at the restaurant. We both had Pad Thai one chicken and other was beef. Meal was nice and tasty. It was cold in the large restaurant, only 3 small oil heaters moved around near tables where customers were sitting. We needed to leave our coats on and so did the other table of customers.

The atmosphere & ambiance was the winner here. So nice to hear a piano for a change in a restaurant instead of blasting music. The service was great tho I did feel we were rushed a little. Probably bcoz it was a quiet night. The food was nice except for the pork belly. It was quickly made up for the offer of dessert which we declined so pork was removed from the bill. Very grateful. Also.. best crispy Kale ever. Plating was awesome. Portion size was worthwhile. Well done. But why is this review going to Salt Old profile?

Recently refurbished and under new management. Such an outstanding location with a beautiful deck area overlooking the marina. Cocktails were fantastic as was the food and service. A welcoming atmosphere with friendly staff. Live music on Sunday afternoon was a bonus. Definitely the place to be in Whitianga. Keep it up 👌🏼

Amazing time last night at Salt Restaurant and Bar. We had our Awaken Your Inner Goddess Saqqara Mystery School Celebration dinner. The Manager Jed Young was Absolutely attentive to 14 of us having a great experience. The food was delicious the staff were incredible And we were blessed out after our evening. Thank you and staff we will be back For our next Retreat celebration xx

Nicely renovated, new menu and tasty food. Desert menu can be improved instead of having ice cream and sorbet as 3 out of the 5 deserts available

Came in on Boxing Day around 7pm, got seated outdoors right away. Main gripe about this place was that the service tended to be pretty slow. It took about an hour for our mains to come after ordering, maybe 20 min for the entrees. They also forgot a drink. The food I tried was all of pretty good quality, though! Out of the 3 dishes in our group that I tried, the prawns (shrimp for us Americans) were great. Tender, juicy, and flavorsome. These appeared in the poached prawn entree, prawn pasta, and pork belly + prawns. We also tried the mussels entree that came with 2 slices of foccacia in a tomatoey broth. The broth was great but the choice of focaccia instead of something like sourdough may have been a slight mistake. The mussels were a bit overcooked but not rubbery. They didn't seem frozen. I had the pork belly and prawns main, which featured three nice chunks of pork belly. The menu doesn't specify for this dish, but I think the pork belly is thrice-cooked based off of another menu item. It was indeed encrusted nicely and looked very dry on the outside (not doused in oil). But the inside was juicy and almost gummy with the pork belly fat. The flavors were very nice with some spices complementing the pork flavor and the gelatinous fat combining with the flesh for ultimate satisfaction. They only gave me three prawns (shrimps) which disappointed me. Each one was perfectly cut and twisted, seasoned to perfection, delicate and bold at the same time. But only three! The rest of the dish was also quite tasty - the veg and potatoes, but again oh so little!

Super Location, very tasty cocktails, delicious dishes and a good wine selection, dining close to the harbor

Traditional and old fashioned food presented well. We need to keep restaurants like this alive. Staff was very proactive and pleasant. Desserts were above par. Good choice of drinks and cocktails. Location speaks for itself.