Whanganui A Hei (Cathedral Cove) Marine Reserve
Beach and marine reserve in New Zealand / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Te Whanganui-A-Hei (Cathedral Cove) Marine Reserve is in the southern part of Mercury Bay on the Coromandel Peninsula in New Zealand covering an area of 840 hectares (2,100 acres).[1] On the coast of the mainland, it stretches from Cook Bluff in the north-west to the northern end of Hahei Beach in the south-east. Its offshore extremes run from Motukorure Island through Waikaranga Island to Okorotere Island and the northern end of Mahurangi Island (Goat Island).
Te Whanganui-A-Hei (Cathedral Cove) Marine Reserve | |
---|---|
Location | New Zealand |
Coordinates | 36°49′42″S 175°47′24″E |
Area | 840 ha |
Established | 1992 |
Governing body | Department of Conservation |
Part of the marine reserve lies off the Cathedral Cove Recreation Reserve, which runs from the northern end of Hahei Beach in the south-east to beyond Cathedral Cove in the north-west. With attractions such as a natural rock archway and neighbouring beaches at Cathedral Cove, the area is very popular with tourists, and receives around 150,000 visitors per year.[2]
The walkway to the cove was closed due to damage from Cyclone Gabrielle in February 2023.[3] In January 2024, the Department of Conservation said they were "not confident" the track would reopen due to significant damage to the stability of the ground in the area.[4] An alternative viewing point has been established, and the cove can be viewed from boats, but access to the beach remains restricted.[5]