Cathedral Cove in New Zealand has been named one of the world’s top 50 beaches, placing 45th on The World’s 50 Best Beaches list for 2025.
The beach, known for its white sand, clear waters, and famous natural archway, climbed one spot from last year’s 46th position.
More than 1,000 travel experts, including judges and beach ambassadors, helped create this list by sharing their knowledge of stunning beaches around the world. Mautohe Cathedral Cove was praised for its peaceful atmosphere, beautiful views, and clean, golden sands.
Visitors can reach the beach by walking trail, boat, or kayak. It sits inside the Te Whanganui o Hei Marine Reserve and is surrounded by cliffs and native pohutukawa trees. The arch that gives the beach its name also frames a view of the wide Pacific Ocean.
At the top of this year’s list was Cala Goloritzé in Sardinia, Italy, followed by Entalula Beach in the Philippines and Bang Bao Beach in Thailand.
Megan Nunn, a spokesperson for Destination Hauraki Coromandel, said they were “incredibly proud” to see the beach receive this honor for the second year in a row. She called Cathedral Cove a “must-do” experience for visitors to New Zealand and praised its natural beauty and cultural meaning.
The walking tracks to the beach, which had been damaged by Cyclone Gabrielle in the summer of 2022–2023, reopened in December 2024, allowing more people to visit once again.
Cathedral Cove is a stunning beach