Coromandel’s Mautohe Cathedral Cove tracks remain closed as DOC arranges for expert geotechnical advice on several sites it manages across the northern part of the peninsula.

The current closure, under DOC’s Trigger Action Response Plan for Mautohe Cathedral Cove, stems from the recent extreme rain event across the North Island.

Landslides and rockfalls are a known risk across the wider coastal area DOC manages, including Mautohe Cathedral Cove.

DOC’s Coromandel operations manager Nick Kelly said initial inspections have identified several areas of concern requiring further detailed assessment.

“Ngāti Hei contractors and DOC staff are on site starting the clean-up and assessment operations under a strict safety protocol.

“Independent geotechnical advisors will be on site this week to complete detailed inspections and determine next steps.”

DOC has engaged Tonkin and Taylor to carry out a geotechnical assessment at several sites: Mautohe Cathedral Cove, Opera Point and Waimata Gemstone Bay.

“We expect their initial verbal advice to be available early next week,” Kelly said.

Contractors working on the reinstatement of the track to Waimata Gemstone Bay have also been withdrawn.

Kelly said public safety remains DOC’s top priority.

“The tracks at Mautohe Cathedral Cove will remain closed until we’re satisfied it’s safe to reopen. This is not the time to go naturing at Mautohe Cathedral Cove.”

There’s no target date for reopening the tracks to the cove – and Kelly said DOC needs public support to share the message.

“We understand it’s frustrating and disappointing to have the cove closed again.

“But recent events on the East Coast and in Mt Maunganui – along with advice previously obtained by DOC – have shown the risk to public safety must be carefully managed based on reliable information.”

The cove can still be viewed or accessed from the sea but anyone planning to do this should think carefully about the risks – including the possibility of rockfall and further landslides – and whether visiting is sensible at this time.

There has also been a large landslide on the closed Hahei coastal track to Grange Rd – reinforcing the previous decision not to repair and reopen that part of the track network.

Cracking in the path near the Grange Rd look-out has expanded – signalling further potential for landslides in that area.

Opera Point, where the track was reinstated in 2025, has also been compromised with a landslip and is closed as it’s not safe to use. People should not use that track.

Kelly said through investigations since the 2023 storms, DOC was aware periodic track and structure damage would continue in the Cathedral Cove Recreation Reserve due to the inherent landscape instability and high likelihood of storm events.

“We identified the most likely places to get damaged again and this recent event aligns with the landslide predictive modelling and past geotechnical analysis.

“DOC is committed to maintaining safe overland access to the Mautohe Cathedral Cove archway for as long as it remains viable while protecting the site’s natural, cultural and recreational values,” Nick says.

There’s more encouraging news for those wanting to enjoy a stay in DOC’s North Coromandel campsites.

They’re expected to reopen this weekend, but people planning to book a site at any of the campsites should check the DOC website for alerts or contact Booking Services.

Tracks to Mautohe Cathedral Cove were closed in February 2023 due to extensive damage caused by Cyclone Gabrielle.

DOC repaired the tracks through the second half of 2024, and they reopened to visitors in December 2024.

-Content supplied by Department of Conservation