Three hundred native trees were planted at Waimata Gemstone Bay this week, marking an important step in the reinstatement of the track to one of New Zealand’s most loved coastal spots.

The planting brought together DOC, Thames-Coromandel District Council, Ngāti Hei, tourism operators, local businesses, the community, and visitors through Destination Hauraki Coromandel’s GOOD FOR YOUR SOUL – Kaitiaki initiative, a shared effort to restore and protect one of the region’s most iconic places.

This is the first year of planting for GOOD FOR YOUR SOUL – Kaitiaki, a regenerative tourism initiative that enables visitors, locals, and businesses to contribute directly to biodiversity projects across the Hauraki Coromandel region. By “purchasing a tree,” supporters have funded the planting and predator control efforts that help restore habitats for native species, including the Coromandel brown kiwi.

Destination Hauraki Coromandel General Manager Hadley Dryden says Mautohe Cathedral Cove is a fitting place to begin this work.

“This support will make the walk more resilient and provide shade and shelter for future visitors. As this grows, so too will wildlife habitats that will begin to thrive with the help of the tourism sector,” Hadley says.

Michael Sparrow, DOC’s Mautohe Cathedral Cove Sustainability Project Manager, says the planting represents an investment in both nature and people.

“This planting is the next step in restoring Waimata Gemstone Bay and the wider Cathedral Cove Recreation Reserve. Each tree helps strengthen the track, improve biodiversity, and bring back the mauri of this place. What makes it special is it’s a collective effort - iwi, the community, businesses, visitors, and tourism operators are all contributing. Together, we’re ensuring Cathedral Cove can be enjoyed now and safeguarded for future generations,” Michael says.

Hayley Jones, owner of Whitianga Glass Bottom Boat, says visitors are increasingly looking for ways to give back to the places they travel.

“Cathedral Cove is one of the most recognisable places in New Zealand, and it’s special to so many people.” Hayley says. “Knowing visitors from all over the world are helping restore it through GOOD FOR YOUR SOUL – Kaitiaki shows the power of tourism to create real, positive change,” she adds.

GOOD FOR YOUR SOUL – Kaitiaki is already reaching well beyond New Zealand. Donations have come from visitors representing 17 different countries, alongside contributions from locals and businesses who want to support Hauraki Coromandel. With 16 planting sites established across the region, Mautohe Cathedral Cove is just the beginning of a long-term journey to restore and protect natural taonga.

By starting here at one of Hauraki Coromandel’s most iconic locations, the initiative shows how tourism can play a direct role in regeneration ensuring the experiences loved by visitors today will be here for future generations.

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