Whitianga , New Zealand

Cathedral Cove Boat Tour - Thrills

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(285 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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About this experience

The only Cathedral Cove tour combining high speed thrills, excitement & small cave experiences other boats can’t offer. Cave Cruzer 7.8 metres, the only vessel this size able to navigate inside small caves, giant blowholes & caves. Dedicated to explore more spots only accessible by boat over 24kms, getting you closer, for the best unique, unimpeded (no roof) photos & views of wildlife in the Marine Reserve & majestic, volcanic, coastal views possible on the day. See Cathedral Cove, Shakespeare Cliff, Lonely Bay, Cooks & Hahei beaches & more. The only tour with music to experience the acoustics of NZs 2nd largest sea cave, Orua. The prefect mix of time for pictures, local history & geological info. Optional Rock jumping & Snorkel (10mins approx.) amongst the fish or just view over the side.

(All above is subject to conditions on the day)

Available options

Cathedral Cove Boat Tour - Thrills

What's included

Boat Tour

Use of Snorkelling equipment

Detailed itinerary

Meet your Skipper 15mins before departure time, on the Whitianga Wharf at the boat for your safety briefing before you depart.

Listen to some Kauri harvesting history around Ferry Landing & Whitianga during years long ago.

Learn about Captian Cook's visit to New Zealand & see why he named a Cliff after William Shakespeare, pass Front Beach, Faxmill Bay & listen some the history.

Pass close by Lonely Bay & take in the fantastic coastline

Learn why Captian Cook was sent to New Zealand & venture inside Cooks Beach Blowhole (subject to conditions)

Your Skipper will share history of the area on the way to see Cathedral Cove up close from the sea & be amazed by the volcanic formations throughout the Bay.

View fish in the Marine Reserve from the boat without getting wet, however you can get closer having a short snorkel/swim if desired. Mask & snorkel supplied.

Pass Hahei & view the headland that was once a Maori Pa (village) site & see through the cave & out the other side, we call the keyhole.

See Hot Water Beach in the distance, look inside Ice Cave, on the way navigate to the inside of Big Bay Blowhole if conditions allow.

Then explore inside NZ's second largest Sea Cave "Orua" & experience the amazing acoustics when we play music. Cave Cruzer is the only tour to provide this experience.

Venture inside Whale Cave & your Skipper will share history of Mahurangi Island & if desired this maybe where you stop for your snorkel depending on conditions

See & pass through our very own "Hole in the Rock".

What's not included

Lunch

Bottled water

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.7

3 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

282 reviews

5★

280

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Not Suitable for infants or children under 10kgs

Meeting point

I can't delay. Checkin on the wharf at the boat, 5 minutes prior to departure time for your Safety. Coromandel roads are windy & don't have passing lanes.
Holiday periods can cause delays of an hour or two through Tairua & parking issues.
GPS route planning doesn't show delays until it happens.

About Whitianga

Whitianga is a picturesque coastal town on the Coromandel Peninsula in New Zealand's North Island. Known for its stunning beaches, marine adventures, and proximity to the famous Hot Water Beach, it offers a perfect blend of relaxation and outdoor activities. The town is also rich in Māori history and culture, adding a unique cultural dimension to its natural beauty.

Top Attractions

Hot Water Beach

Hot Water Beach is famous for its natural hot springs that bubble up through the sand. Visitors can dig their own hot pools in the sand during low tide, creating a unique and relaxing experience.

Nature 1-2 hours Free (shovels can be rented for a small fee)

Cathedral Cove

Cathedral Cove is a stunning coastal walk that leads to a beautiful beach with a natural archway. The walk offers breathtaking views of the coastline and is a popular spot for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking.

Nature 2-3 hours Free

The Lost Spring

The Lost Spring is a luxury day spa and hot springs complex offering a range of thermal pools, saunas, and spa treatments. It's a perfect place to unwind and enjoy the natural thermal waters.

Relaxation 2-4 hours NZD 50 to 150 depending on the package

Whitianga Fishing Club

The Whitianga Fishing Club offers chartered fishing trips for those looking to experience the thrill of deep-sea fishing. The club provides equipment and guidance for a memorable fishing adventure.

Adventure Half-day or full-day trips NZD 150 to 300 per person

Kuaotunu Beach

Kuaotunu Beach is a beautiful, secluded beach known for its golden sand and clear waters. It's a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking.

Beach 1-2 hours Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Fresh Seafood Platter

A platter featuring a selection of fresh seafood such as oysters, mussels, and fish, often served with local sauces and accompaniments.

Dinner Can be customized to include vegetarian or vegan options.

Hāngī

A traditional Māori method of cooking food using heated rocks buried in a pit oven. Hāngī typically includes meats, vegetables, and sometimes desserts.

Dinner Can be customized to include vegetarian or vegan options.

Lamb Rack with Mint Sauce

Tender New Zealand lamb rack served with a tangy mint sauce, often accompanied by seasonal vegetables.

Dinner Vegetarian and vegan options available.

Popular Activities

Deep-sea fishing Kayaking Hiking Spa treatments Beach lounging Picnicking Māori cultural experiences Visiting historical sites

Best Time to Visit

December to February (Summer)

Summer is the peak tourist season in Whitianga, offering warm weather, long daylight hours, and perfect conditions for beach activities, boating, and fishing. The town is bustling with tourists during this period.

20°C to 25°C 68°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English, Māori
Widely spoken: English
English: Widely spoken

Currency

New Zealand Dollar (NZD)

Time Zone

GMT+12

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Whitianga is a safe destination with low crime rates. However, visitors should take standard precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Be cautious when walking alone at night
• Use reputable taxi services and rental car companies

Getting there

By air

Auckland Airport • 150 km

By bus

Whitianga Bus Stop

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are available for intercity travel but not extensively within Whitianga itself. Taxis and rental cars are more convenient for getting around town.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Local taxi apps

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Whitianga Town Center Buffalo Beach Cooks Beach

Day trips

Coromandel Town

30 km • Half day to full day

Coromandel Town is a charming historical town known for its gold mining history, art galleries, and scenic walks.

Thames

40 km • Half day to full day

Thames is a historic town with a rich gold mining heritage and scenic walks along the Hauraki Plains.

Pauanui Beach

20 km • Half day

Pauanui Beach is a beautiful, golden-sand beach known for its clear waters and family-friendly atmosphere.

Festivals

Whitianga Seafood Festival • February Coromandel Arts Festival • November

Pro tips

Visit Hot Water Beach during low tide to dig your own hot pool
Book spa treatments in advance at The Lost Spring
Explore Cathedral Cove early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds
Try fresh seafood at local markets and restaurants
Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting Māori cultural sites