Forget the hiking trail; it’s permanently shut due to landslides. You need a boat to see the famous limestone arch now. The Glass Bottom Boat tour from Whitianga is the move, especially for the snorkel stop at Gemstone Bay. Aim for low tide if you want to land on the sand, but don't stress if you stay on board. Skip the expensive land tours and just hit the water to see the caves properly.
Reaching this coastal formation now requires a departure from traditional trekking methods because the primary land path remains permanently closed for safety. Arriving via water serves as the most efficient way to observe the towering limestone arch that characterizes this stretch of the Coromandel Peninsula. While the shoreline looks enticing from pictures, the reality of recent landslides makes boat access the only reliable choice for those hoping to witness the geography up close without navigating restricted zones or hazardous cliff edges that lack maintenance or proper support for casual visitors.
Travelers should book a water taxi or a glass-bottom boat departing from the Whitianga wharf to reach the beach, as the landslide-damaged coastal walking track remains off-limits to all public pedestrian foot traffic.
Plan your boat arrival for low tide to maximize the amount of walkable sand available near the arch, though water-based tours provide a consistent viewing experience regardless of the tide schedule throughout the day.
Most water tours include a designated stop at Gemstone Bay, which serves as a protected marine reserve ideal for snorkeling and observing local sea life away from the heavier surf near the main arch.
Shuttles from Hahei Beach currently terminate well before the restricted zones, so avoid paying for land-based transport if your primary goal is reaching the limestone arch, as it offers no real advantage for access.
Pack waterproof bags for electronics, plenty of sun protection, and a windbreaker, because the open-water journey can get choppy and exposed to salt spray even on days when the weather appears mild inland.