Cathedral Cove is known for its natural rock arch. Photo: Supplied
Access to a popular Coromandel beach has re-opened in time for summer, after almost two years of repairs.
The walking track to Cathedral Cove had been closed since February 2023 after severe weather events, including Cyclone Gabrielle, caused extensive damage.
The beach, known for its natural rock arch, has only been accessible by boat since.
Conservation Minister Tama Potaka said $1.4 million in funding from the international visitor levy was dedicated to restoring the track.
Potaka said the cove was important for the recovery of the region's tourism industry.
"Mautohe Cathedral Cove plays an important role in supporting the local economy and this reopening is an exciting step in the region's tourism recovery following storms and Covid-19.
"Visitors to the area are predicted to bring an estimated $12 million into the region annually."
He said the area had previously drawn an estimated 250,000 walkers each year.
The repairs were an initial solution, to get the track open for the summer, he said. Work to strengthen its resilience to future extreme weather was underway.
"The second stage of development is intended to provide more resilient access to better withstand ongoing challenges from strong weather and land movement over the long-term."
Potaka thanked staff from the Department of Conservation - Te Papa Atawhai, tangata whenua Ngāti Hei, the local community and civic leaders, contractors and others who worked to get the track open for public enjoyment.
"This hike offers spectacular coastal views and is truly one of the most stunning beaches the world has to offer," he said.
Thames-Coromandel mayor Len Salt said the reopening was an exciting step in the district's tourism recovery.
"We're so pleased to have it open.
"We get about 250,000 visitors a year through Cathedral Cove and they come specifically to visit the Coromandel, but the iconic destination that they want to go and see is Cathedral Cove because it's become famous all over the world, so it's an integral part of our tourism and the economic well-being of our district."
"When the visitors come and visit Cathedral Cove they're also visiting other iconic destinations; Hot Water Beach, Whitianga, the beaches on the East Coast.. so it's part of that whole Coromandel destination package and it's very important."
When Cyclone Gabrielle hit the district ended up with about 180 slip sites around the Cathedral Cove walking track area, which was a significant area of damage, Salt said.
"This is a temporary walking track which opens up from the Grange Road from the top visiting platform down to the cove, but there's a lot of work still to be done on the rest of the access and the historical parts of the site."
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