One of the most beautiful beaches in all of New Zealand, Cathedral Cove is no well-kept secret, attracting around 150,000 visitors every year. Known for its iconic natural rock archway, stunning cliffs, and pristine waters, it should definitely be on everyone's New Zealand bucket list.

To get to the beach, you'll need to follow a trail that recently reopened after being closed due to landslides for the past two years. The trail is 1.9 km one way (3.8 km return) and takes about 30 minutes to walk from the car park to the beach. Expect quite a bit of foot traffic along the trail, so be prepared to share the beach with fellow visitors. Once you reach the water, you’ll be greeted by incredibly clear, refreshing waters, it’s the kind of place you will wish you could teleport back to for a swim!

As one of the crown jewels of the Coromandel Peninsula and the North Island as a whole, Cathedral Cove is a spot worth respecting and enjoying to the fullest. Take in the unreal scenery and enjoy the moment!