Mares Leg Cove is a stunning part of Cathedral Cove on the Coromandel Peninsula in New Zealand. This cove features a unique ‘Smiling Sphinx’ rock formation that was created by the erosion of sea water over an immense period of time.

The Cathedral Cove area is in one of New Zealand's few marine reserves, and it also forms part of a coast dotted with amazing sea stacks, crystal clear blue water, and it's more well known feature .. the Cave that acts as the entrance to the beach.

Mares Leg Cove is the beach to your left before you enter the cave through to Cathedral Cove.

PLEASE NOTE: AT THE TIME OF WRITING, CATHEDRAL COVE & MARES LEG IS ONLY ACCESSIBLE BY BOAT/WATER TAXI

A short 1 hour hike (one way) from Hahei beach with incredible coastal views all the way, it is worth the walk to get to this famous little stretch of beach. Or you can take one of the local boat tours and experience it via the ocean.

Photography info: Mares Leg Cove works best at sunrise with the sun rising above the ocean between the Sphinx Rock and the Coastal Cliffs. I would suggest taking your wide angle lens with you for this one and trying to time it with a mid-low tide. The Coromandel has some of the darkest skies in New Zealand, so astrophotography here is also amazing. If you like seascapes, then this is the place to come.